Intervention strategies for functional disorders of the pediatric musculoskeletal system

Abstract

This study presents a novel approach addressing the increasing concern over the effects of sedentary lifestyle on children's musculoskeletal health. The objective is to explore alternative strategies for improving students' muscular systems by integrating a diverse movement program into primary school physical education. Materials and Methods: The sample included 73 students, consisting of 36 boys (average age 10.23±0.37 years) and 37 girls (average age 10.51±0.23 years). The intervention involved an 18-week movement program incorporating musical–motor and dance-based activities performed twice weekly for 45 min during physical education classes. Data were collected using a standardized test recommended for primary education by Jurašková, Junger and Junger (2019), assessing eight shortened (postural) and five weakened (phasic) muscle groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with significance set at the 0.05 level. Results: The findings revealed muscular imbalance in 46.14% of tested primary school pupils at baseline, with a higher incidence in boys (27.7%) than girls (19.1%). The rectus femoris was the most frequently shortened muscle in both sexes, occurring in 50% of boys and 35.1% of girls. The most weakened muscle group comprised the hip extensors. The intervention program, involving musical-motor and dance activities integrated into school physical education, had a statistically significant impact on the frequency of shortened muscle groups in boys in the following segments: m. rectus femoris, knee flexors, hip adductors, m. quadratus lumborum, and m. erector spinae (p>0.05); and in girls: m. triceps surae, m. rectus femoris, knee flexors, and hip adductors (p>0.05). Positive effects were also observed in the strengthening of phasic muscle groups in boys: hip extensors and mm. abdomen (p>0.05) and in girls: hip extensors, neck flexors, and lower scapular fixators (p>0.05). Conclusions: Our study's findings demonstrate the potential of a movement program integrating musical-motor and dance-based activities to positively influence muscular imbalances and reduce functional disorders of the muscular system in primary school students. With its inspiring potential, this promising strategy offers hope for improving children's physical health and should interest educators, researchers, and health professionals, motivating them to consider similar interventions.