OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of sagittal lumbar spine changes and associated factors in students of the federal educational system of Florianópolis. METHODS: 288 adolescents (156 males and 132 females), aged from 15 to 18 years, students of the Florianópolis' federal school took part in this study. Photometry was used following a specific protocol for postural assessment, and a questionnaire was used to identify the prevalence and frequency of low back pain, and activities that triggered the problem. Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test for independent samples, chi-square test and Poisson's regression were used, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of low back pain was 49.3%, with weekly frequency in 43.1% of the sample. The prevalence of deviation was of 53.8%, and 90.9% corresponded to the rectification of the lumbar curve, affecting more males. Significant differences in lumbar angle between the sexes were found; higher prevalence ratios of lumbar postural deviations was found in the male group. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalences of low back pain and lumbar postural changes in adolescents were high, and no significant relationship between those variables was found. Practicing sports or vigorous activities and remaining in a seated position for extended periods of time were the principal causes of lumbar pain.
Spine; Low Back Pain; Posture; Adolescents
