Upper Body Posture Ada[Taion in Children

Age, body mass index, and modern technological influences predisposed to high prevalence of postural deviations such as forward head posture and thoracic hyperkyphosis, and rounded shoulders among school-aged children. The comprehensive integration of developmental and biomechanical perspectives on these adaptations is limited Upper-body postural adaptations reflect a complex interplay between developmental growth and biomechanical loading. Regular posture assessment in schools and clinical settings is crucial for early detection and culturally tailored prevention. Future longitudinal and cross-cultural studies are essential to establish normative postural values and clarify causal pathways across populations

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Key information

Conditions

Forward Head Posture Thoracic Hyperkyphosis

Age range

6 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

King Faisal Medical Complex

El Taif, 8428, Saudi Arabia

About this study

This review aims to synthesize existing literature addressing age- and BMI-related upper-body postural adaptations and biomechanical loading interact to impact spinal and shoulder alignment, muscular strength, and postural control efficiency in school-aged children.

Methods: A structured narrative synthesis was conducted utilizing literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving school-aged children (6-18 years) that investigated head, thoracic, and shoulder posture, as well as muscle strength in relation to age, BMI, and lifestyle factors.

Age-related maturation influences spinal curvature, cervical alignment, and scapular positioning through evolving neuromuscular control. Elevated BMI alters load mechanics and mass distribution, increasing thoracic kyphosis, forward head posture, and shoulder protraction while reducing relative neck and shoulder strength. Obesity-related intramuscular fat infiltration and sedentary life style further impair postural stability and muscle performance

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

school-aged children (6-18 years) has forward head posture, kyphosis and rounded shoulder

Exclusion criteria

systemic disese scoliosis

Treatment and study plan

postural instruction

Behavioral

chin in exercise and shoulder retraction

Primary outcomes

forward head posture

Time frame: one month

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Lincoln University College

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Biomechanical and Developmental Perspectives on Upper Body Postural Adaptations Among School-Aged Children: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Dec 29, 2025
Registry last updated: Dec 29, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed