Association Between Posture and Quality of Life: Implications for
Children with Cancer
Abstract
Background: Children with cancer experience decreased quality of life.
The National Institutes of Health has recommended examination of quality
of life factors to promote development of clinical interventions to
reduce suffering. Measuring quality of life in children based on
self-report instruments is limited by subjectivity, age, and
developmental stage. Assessment of posture is a pioneering objective
physical measure that may augment quality of life preceptions among
individuals with cancer. Procedure: This systematic literature review
synthesized published evidence regarding the relationship between
posture and quality of life. A systematic search using PRISMA guidelines
identified articles describing studies of human subjects that included
the variables of a) posture measured by the standard thoracic kyphosis
angle; and b) quality of life or depression/mood. A total of 14 eligible
studies met inclusion criteria (published 2000-2018). Studies were
graded for level of evidence and themes were identified. Results: No
studies were found in children with cancer. The majority of the studies
(8 of 14) were rated at the moderate level. Key review findings include
evidence supporting: 1) a consistent bidirectional relationship between
posture and quality of life; 2) that when posture improves, quality of
life also increases; and when depression decreases, posture improves;
and 3) emotion is expressed through posture. Conclusion: If posture is a
sensitive and precise measure of quality of life, it could strengthen
existing measurements and give a more complete picture to in turn
identify children who may benefit from supportive care interventions
during cancer treatment.