ABSTRACT
The human standing posture in childhood was analyzed and classified quantitatively utilizing moiré topography and a semi-automated computer system. Three thousand forty-five children ranging from three to twelve years of age were measured. Change in mid-sagittal spinal curvature was analyzed with age. The standing posture in childhood was categorized into three phases. The criteria of the classification of the postures in each phases were defined by alpha. Early juvenile posture: before 7 years of age in both male and female. The main characteristics of this phase is the development in the muscles of lower extremities. Late juvenile posture: 7-9 years old in male and 7-8 years old in female. The development of the lumbar lordosis is most characteristic. Adolescent posture: 10 years or older in male and 9 years or older in female. The increase in segmental length and magnitude of the thoracic kyphosis is most characteristic.
