Characterization of lumbar angle, pelvic sagittal balance and flexibility in preschoolers

Introduction: The alignment between the anterior superior and posterior inferior iliac spines is closely related to lumbar curvature in sagittal plane. Objetive: To characterize the flexibility and angulations of lumbar spine and to relation the pelvis in sagittal plane in preschool children in municipal schools in Londrina/PR/BR. Methods: Participated in the study 138 children aged between five and six years of municipal school in Londrina. The assessment was performed by photogrammetry method, sagittal pelvic balance test, extended limb elevation test by flexi meter and Thomas’ Test. The evaluations were done in the schools. Results: There was not difference in angles of lumbar between sexes, weight and ages. In the sagittal pelvic balance the most children presented retroversion (56.6%). Children with pelvis in anteversion (4.3%) presented the lower lumbar angles, indicated hyperlordosis. The children with pelvic balance presented a great flexibility of hamstrings muscle than retroversion and anteversion. Conclusion: Flexibility is greater in girls and in children with five years old. The lumbar angle was 24.07o. The pelvis in retroversion in most children, differing from the expected for the age group. The lower angle of the back was corresponding to a pelvis in anteversion and balanced.