PRACTICES FOR SPINAL HEALTH IN INDIVIDUALS IN CHILDHOOD: THE CASE OF ALTINDAG MUNICIPALITY

Objective: It is known that spine-related pain is the most common problem in adulthood and that pain in childhood is a significant risk factor for pain in adulthood. This project was planned to raise awareness about spine health and exercise habits in children and adolescents. Method: The project included ten girls and one boy. An exercise program was applied to the individuals, including stretching, strengthening, and posture exercises for 60 minutes, two days a week for six weeks. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Numeric Pain Scale, posture using the New York State Posture Scale, quality of life using the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnare, and body image using the Children's Body Image Scale. Balance tests on one leg, sit-up tests, handgrip muscle strength tests, and sit-to-stand flexibility tests were used to evaluate the physical fitness of the individuals. All assessments were repeated at baseline and after six weeks.Results: After the exercise program, there was an increase in the results of the sit-to-stand test evaluating flexibility and hand grip strength performance evaluating muscle strength (p