People who stretch for hunched backs are in quite a bit of trouble
Hello. I'm going to write about various things again today.
The theme this time is "hunched back."
Actually, if you leave this alone, it's quite bad. In the worst case, it could even affect learning and how one interacts with others as well.
This is a topic that also concerns people who say, "I exercise properly," so please be sure to read until the end.
Recently, the number of children with hunched backs has really increased.
This is not limited to children with cerebral palsy.
I have the impression that even among healthy children, there are more and more who have noticeable hunched backs.
For example, in a survey by Nippon Sport Science University, as of 2020, 56.6% of school nurses answered that "there are more children whose backs are rounded and unstable".
Furthermore, the increase in "child locomotive syndrome" is attracting attention.
They cannot perform basic movements well, have poor balance, slow reflexes, and stiff bodies...
There is data showing that the number of children in such a state has risen to about 40% as of 2019.
A hunched back is not just about "appearance"
When you have a hunched back, it also affects your body's functions.
It becomes easier to lose your balance
It becomes difficult to maintain posture → Concentration during class cannot be maintained
Hand movements become unstable → Affects crafts and handwriting
Losing confidence and having fewer opportunities to interact with others
For children with cerebral palsy, acquiring "anti-gravity extension activity (= the power to stand up straight)" is also very important. If they remain hunched, that foundation cannot be established in the first place.
What is the cause of hunched posture?
I believe there are various factors behind hunched posture.
Long periods of sitting
Issues with core coordination and balance
Decrease in physical activity (less outdoor play, increased time spent on games and smartphones)
Heavy backpacks
Desk and chair heights that don't fit
Lack of sensory feedback
Children today spend more time studying than we did when we were kids, and the types of play have changed, too. That is precisely why the opportunities for exercise themselves may be decreasing.
Stretching alone will not improve it
Many people often think, 'I have a hunched back, so I should stretch,' but that is a bit dangerous.
This is because the cause of a hunched back is often not muscle shortening (stiffness). It can also stem from sensory issues or
a weakness in the ability to perceive posture.
Therefore, stretching that forces the chest open often does not lead to fundamental improvement.
So, what should you do instead?
There are three main things needed to improve a hunched back.
Developing core stability
Integrating sensory information
Setting up assistive tools and the environment
Specifically...
Handling by a therapist (such as pelvic guidance)
Core training such as planks
Maintaining posture while sitting on a balance ball + catching a ball
Full-body exercises on narrow support surfaces, such as balance beams or standing on one leg
Furthermore, to adjust the height of desks and chairs,Style Kidsorcushionsare also effective.
Cooperation with parents is super important
Honestly, rehabilitation is limited to once a week, isn't it? That is exactly why
involvement at home is incredibly important.
How to choose the right backpack
How to position a tablet
Adjusting the height of chairs and desks
This kind of "review of the living environment" cannot proceed without the understanding and cooperation of the parents.
I believe that teaching parents about posture and how to use tools is also a form of "education."
By doing so, when a child starts to develop a hunched back, an environment where it can be noticed and cared for early is established.
A hunched back is not just about "how the body looks"
A hunched back is not merely a matter of appearance.
Learning, concentration, motor function, and social skills—these are all important issues that are involved.
That is why, whether for children with cerebral palsy or neurotypical children,
with "creating good posture" as the foundation, I want to prepare environments for rehabilitation and exercise.
Thank you for reading until the end.
Please be sure to check out my other articles as well.
See you next time.