POSTURE CORRECTION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS USING APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of using applied kinesiology in a posture correction program for middle school children. The study involved 20 children aged 14-15 years (10 girls and 10 boys) who had postural disorders in the frontal plane. Three methods were used to assess posture: visual diagnosis, diagnosis by plumb line, and scoliosis measurement. Visual diagnosis included the evaluation of posture symmetry by shoulder height, scapula angles, and waist triangles symmetry. Diagnosis by plumb line assessed the alignment of spinous processes along a vertical line. Scoliometry was used to measure the degree of spinal curvature. The posture correction program included manual muscle testing, kinesio taping, manual techniques (ischemic pressure of trigger points, fascial release using a vibration gun, deep point massage), and special corrective exercises. The results showed a significant decrease in scoliosis measurements in all students, from 8.6 to 4 degrees. This indicates the effectiveness of applied kinesiology in correcting postural disorders in middle school children. Performing the exercises helped inhibit old and establish new connections in the cerebral cortex by building new motor pathways. Additionally, it fostered an understanding and habit of maintaining correct posture in children. Overall, the study demonstrated that applied kinesiology is an effective method for correcting postural disorders in middle school-aged children, leading to better posture habits and improved spinal alignment.