Nam-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is set to fully launch a new program called 'Building a Straight Body' at two elementary schools in the district this year, in response to the increasing number of growing children suffering from scoliosis.
On the 17th, Nam-gu stated, "The proportion of teenagers among scoliosis patients is high, and the rates of overweight and obese students are also rising, threatening the spinal health and growth of our children," adding, "We are introducing a new program that uses small tools to promote correct posture and physical activity among children."
The 'Building a Straight Body' program was designed to correct the posture habits of elementary school children, who are in a critical growth phase, tend to be inactive outdoors, and often sit for long periods with poor posture.
In particular, scoliosis is a condition caused by the inability to strengthen the muscles around the spine, and it is known that active posture correction can be an effective treatment for growing children.
Accordingly, Nam-gu will operate the 'Building a Straight Body' program at Jangsan Elementary School and Jinnam Elementary School in the first and second halves of this year, respectively.
These schools submitted applications during a program participation demand survey conducted by the public health center in March.
Nam-gu plans to collaborate with the Naju Physical Fitness Certification Center to conduct eight sessions of physical activity programs using small tools such as bodyweight stretching, step ladders, and jump bands.
At Jangsan Elementary School, the 'Building a Straight Body' program will run until July 19, with 126 students from six 4th-grade classes participating.
These students completed preliminary tests on April 26 in the school auditorium, including InBody scans, waist circumference measurements, five basic physical fitness tests such as muscle strength and flexibility, and joint angle measurements using a scoliometer.
On July 19, post-tests and satisfaction surveys covering the same items as the preliminary tests are scheduled to be conducted.
Additionally, the program is expected to be held at Jinnam Elementary School starting in September.
A Nam-gu official stated, "Symptoms of spinal curvature during growth often do not cause pain, so many people only visit hospitals after the spine or pelvis becomes visibly misaligned," emphasizing, "It is very important to strengthen back muscles and maintain correct posture through regular spinal correction exercises."
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