The Prevalence of Postural Abnormalities in Rural Women Based on Age and Body Mass Index in Markazi Province, Iran

Posture is an important factor in assessing the health of people, because any deviation in posture can lead to many disorders. The women in rural areas, due to certain characteristics, may be more affected by postural changes. This study aims to study the prevalence of postural abnormalities in rural women in Markazi Province, Iran based on age and body mass index (BMI).

Participants were 420 rural women at three age groups of 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 years who were selected using multi-stage sampling method from 20 villages of Markazi province. The instruments included a wall-mounted stature measuring tape (Seca, model 206), a digital scale (model 2003D), the New York Posture Rating Chart, and an optical Pedoscope (model DSI). The nearest posture observed by the researcher was recorded using the New York Posture Rating Chart and a checkerboard from various perspectives. The arch height of the foot was determined using the Pedoscope. Data analysis was done in SPSS software using descriptive statistics and chi-square test for comparison of postural abnormalities based on BMI and age. The significance level was set at 0.05.

Among the postural abnormalities, hyperlordosis (54.6%), forward head (50.8%), uneven shoulders (39%), genu varum (34%), scoliosis (28%), kyphosis (27.4%) and hallux valgus (25.2%) were more common among rural women. In the age group of 15-30 years, forward head was the most common abnormality. In the age group of 30-45 years, hyperlordosis was more prevalent, and uneven shoulders was the most common abnormality in the age group of 45-60 years. Based on BMI, forward head was more common in women with obesity class I, and hyperlordosis was more common in overweight women. According to the chi-square test results, the difference based on age was significant in forward head, hyperlordosis, knock knee, and pes cavus.

Th increase of age and BMI can impair postural control in rural women. Proper training of different correct postures and increase of physical activity can be effective for improving the posture of rural women.