ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON ORTHOPEDIC AND ORTHODONTIC HEALTH IN CHILDREN
Authors: Lytovchenko S.O. 
Published: December 2024

Relevance. The study of the relationship between physical activity, orthopedic pathologies and dental health of children is extremely relevant in the context of the growing participation of children in sports. Orthopedic pathologies, such as spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis) and limb deformities (valgus, varus deformities), osteochondropathies, most often manifest themselves during the growth period and can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic predisposition, physical activity and mechanical loads. Understanding these relationships will enable the development of optimal recommendations for physical activity for children in order to prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system and maintain general health. This study is aimed at obtaining new data for the development of recommendations for safe participation of children in sports, which will contribute to the optimal development of the musculoskeletal system and dental health.
Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of different types of sports activity on the prevalence of orthopedic pathologies, joint hypermobility, and malocclusion in children.
Materials and methods. The study involved 86 children aged 10 to 17 years, divided into two groups: 54 children who participated in sports for more than 6 hours per week for over a year and 32 children who were not actively engaged in sports. The active group was distributed as follows: 17 children participated in dance (12 girls and 5 boys), 14 in football (13 boys and 1 girl), 2 in volleyball (2 girls), 2 in basketball (2 boys), 8 in martial arts (4 girls and 4 boys), and 11 in swimming (6 girls and 5 boys). For statistical analysis, participants in football, volleyball, and basketball were grouped together as “game sports,” comprising 18 children (15 boys and 3 girls). The group without active sports served as the control. Overall, the sample included 46 boys and 40 girls.
A clinical orthopedic evaluation and review of dental records from previous visits were conducted. The orthopedic evaluation included the following assessments: Adams Scoliosis Test, scoliometry, clinical posture assessment, Beighton joint mobility assessment, Foot Posture Index, and a sports activity questionnaire.
Statistical analysis was performed using EasyMedStat software. The Mann-Whitney U-test was applied to compare nonparametric data between the active and inactive groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare data across several sports subgroups (dance, game sports, and martial arts).
Results. The study showed that children who participate in sports have less joint hypermobility compared to the control group. However, different sports had different effects on joint mobility. Contact sports, such as football and martial arts, were associated with less hypermobility, while dance, which requires more flexibility, was associated with more. However, sports activity was not associated with a lower incidence of orthopedic pathologies or malocclusion.
Conclusion. The results suggest that regular physical activity can help strengthen joints and reduce hypermobility. However, the type of sport is important. To prevent orthopedic problems, it is recommended to choose sports that promote strength and coordination. Malocclusion, as a rule, depends on genetic factors and early childhood habits, rather than on physical activity.