First Implementation by Seoul Districts in 2023... Early Detection of 7 Students Suspected of Turtle Neck Syndrome through Professional and Systematic Screening... Participants in Vacation Special Exercise Classes Linked to Screening Show Improvement in Postural Imbalance Scores
Seoul Nowon-gu District Office (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that the 'Visiting Youth Scoliosis and Forward Head Posture Early Screening' program is showing positive results.
The 'Nowon-gu Visiting Youth Early Screening' was established to identify and manage youths showing signs of scoliosis and forward head posture syndrome due to prolonged sitting at desks or frequent use of electronic devices. A key feature of the program is the linkage to customized exercise programs following the early screening.
In the forward head posture screening conducted last year targeting a total of 3,656 students from 36 elementary schools, 793 students (21.7%) were found to need daily posture correction with an angle of 10 degrees or more, and 7 students were suspected of having forward head posture syndrome with an angle of 18 degrees or more.
The district developed its own customized exercise program in collaboration with physical therapists to prevent symptom worsening and assist posture correction for students with findings, operating the 'Balance Training Exercise Class' during summer and winter vacations.
The exercise class focused on correcting students' posture and improving muscle strength and flexibility using small equipment such as sport bands, mini gym balls, peanut balls, and foam rollers. Through band operation, exercise videos were provided, and communication among participants encouraged exercise certification at least three times a week.
Comparing before and after participation in the winter vacation exercise program, participants showed a slight average height increase from 158.8 cm to 159.4 cm, and the average range of motion in cervical joints related to flexibility improved by 18% compared to pre-measurement values.
A parent of a student participating in the program said, “If the screening had not been done, we would not have known that our child had forward head posture syndrome until the symptoms worsened, but thanks to the screening, it was detected early and treatment could be received promptly. We are grateful that Nowon-gu provides such a good program for growing children.”
Meanwhile, the visiting youth scoliosis and forward head posture early screening is a youth health welfare project first implemented by a Seoul autonomous district since last year. Scoliosis, which often occurs during rapid growth, targets 5th-grade elementary students at the start of puberty, and forward head posture syndrome targets 6th-grade elementary students for screening.
The screening subcontractor visits each school directly using precision equipment for the screening, and the results are analyzed by orthopedic specialists to enhance professionalism and accuracy. Additionally, students with severe deformities receive individual guidance.
Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, stated, “Forward head posture syndrome can become chronic and lead to pain and cervical disc problems, causing ongoing suffering, so early detection is crucial. We will continue to do our best in youth health welfare projects so that our children, the future leaders, can grow healthily through proper development.”
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