| dc.description.abstract | Socio-economic status form a big part of each person's physical development. Socio-economic status is defined by house income, house standards, family size, physical activity level and parents education level and occupation. Socio-economic status influence posture as well as physical activity levels of adolescents. Adolescents living in low socio-economic areas show delayed growth with an influence on posture. Posture is mainly influenced by genetics as well as some socio-economic variables such as diet, malnutrition en obesity. Posture development is also related to physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is more common under adolescence in low socio-economic areas than those in high socio-economic areas. This incidence can be due to the fact that a lack of equipment and safety are more common in low socio-economic areas, subsequently the lack of organised physical activity. The benefits of physical activity are endless and should be integrated as part of our daily living. Different studies of socio-economic status, physical activity and posture deformities were found although none compared all three valuables with each other. Literature is only used as a guideline and not for a comparison with this study. The goal of this study was firstly to determine the influence of socio-economic status on posture deformities on black African adolescence and secondly to determine the influence of socio-economic status on physical activity levels of black African adolescence. A total of 251 pupils participated in the study. Questionnaires were completed on socio-economic status as well as on physical activity levels. Posture screening was done according to the New York posture test and a posture grid. Pupils were evaluated from anterior, posterior and lateral sides together with evaluation of foot deformities and a more defined scoliosis screening by the Adams forward bending test. The prevalence of posture deformities and insufficient organised physical activity are high in black African adolescence. The most common posture deformity is lordosis (84%) and a protruding abdomen (67%). These deformities are closely correlated to socio-economic status especially diet because it influences growth and development of children. Physical activity levels are influenced by a lack of transport and organised physical activities. A total of 87,5% of pupils use walking as transport, based on which can conclude that little time is left for organised physical activity. Socio-economic status does have an influence on posture and participation in physical activity. | |
