Posture and physical activity: a guideline for Dutch Youth Health Care: abstract

Background and aims Posture and physical activity are important aspects in the development of children and young people. They influence the development of motor skills and intellectual development, and they are important for maintaining physical health. The WHO indicates that increasing physical activity is a fundamental building block for the future health of children and young people. Also, concerns have been raised about the time children spend using digital technology and its effect on their posture. Methods A systematic literature review is being conducted on several aspects of posture and physical activity in children. A working group of various youth healthcare (YHC) professionals, patients’ representatives, researchers and guideline developers will develop a guideline according to the principles of evidence-based medicine. Recommendations in the guideline will be based on the literature review and, if evidence is lacking, on consensus among professionals and experts. Also, parents and children will be involved during the guideline development process, to ensure recommendations are feasible and acceptable for parents and children. Results The guideline will provide YHC professionals with background information on posture and physical activity problems, and recommendations regarding strategies for monitoring, prevention, intervention, referral and collaboration with other health care providers. Conclusions A web-based guideline with recommendations for monitoring, prevention, intervention, referral and collaboration with other health care providers will be developed. It is expected that this guideline contributes to better quality of healthcare, as it supports evidence-based practice. Statement or main question Preventing posture problems and lack of physical activity requires active monitoring of YHC professionals.