APPLICATION OF AN INCLINOMETER IN THE FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSIS OF CHILDREN SPORTING FOOTBALL

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to apply for the first time in Bulgaria a Digital Pelvic Inclinometer in the functional diagnostic of children playing football. Material and methods. During the period March-August 2020, 107 boys aged 6-10 years (mean age 8.63 ±.115) from soccer clubs Baroko, Vitosha 13, Talant, Tsarsko Selo were assessed. Players train an average of 1.91 ±0.866 years with a frequency of 2.70 ±0.461 times a week. All children were tested for pelvic inclination using a Digital Pelvic Inclinometer (DPI) based on Sub-4 Technologies. Pelvic angle data is calculated electronically and digitally displayed on an LCD. The anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) levels were measured bilaterally and the difference between the two values was determined as pelvic torsion. Results: Data were analyzed with SPSS 25.0. Pearson’s coefficient demonstrates a correlation of 0.813 between the in-clinometer data on the left and right. There is also a 0.357 correlation between the inclinometer data on pelvic torsion and the isometric test for static strength endurance of the lower paravertebral muscles. Test of Normality Koplmogorov-Smirnov shows other than normal distribution – on the left 0,101 (Sig. .013) and on the right 0,134 (Sig. .000). These results determine applying of the nonparametric test Kruskal Wallis. The data demonstrate statistically significant differences between teams, in the inclinometer on the right x2=7.86 (Sig. .049) and pelvis torsio x2=10.506 (Sig. .015). In addition also the data of the pelvis torsio shows statistically significant differences between groups according to age (first 6-7, second 8-9, and third 10-11 years) x2=8.432 (Sig. .015). Conclusion: The application of Digital Pelvic Inclinometer provides an accurate diagnosis of pelvic inclination and the presence of torsion, which is essential for the timely treatment of functional dysfunctions and for the prevention of complications.