Comprehensive data on sagittal spinal alignment, regional mobility, trunk muscle strength and imbalances in 9–11-year-old children participating in intensively organized sport (IOS) are limited. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between IOS participation and the aforementioned postural parameters, compared with a non-intensive comparison cohort. A total of 143 children were included (IOS: n = 66; controls: n = 77). Sagittal spinal curvatures (thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis) and regional mobility were assessed using Spinal Mouse^®, software-generated sagittal spinal curvature and trunk muscle imbalance profiles were assessed using Moti Physio 3D system, and absolute trunk muscle strength was measured using a K-Push dynamometer. Statistical analyses included multivariable ANCOVA, multivariable ordinal logistic regression, Fisher’s exact tests, and Benjamini–Hochberg (BH) adjustments, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. In adjusted ANCOVA models, the IOS group demonstrated significantly higher absolute trunk flexor (20.1 ± 0.5 vs. 16.8 ± 0.5 kgf) and extensor (25.5 ± 0.5 vs. 22.7 ± 0.5 kgf) strength than controls (both p < 0.001), independent of demographic and anthropometric covariates. At the univariate level, the comparison group showed a significantly higher prevalence of software-classified weakness of the m. rectus abdominis (88.3% vs. 72.7%; BH-adjusted p = 0.05) and tightness of the m. psoas major (96.1% vs. 83.3%; BH-adjusted p = 0.05). In contrast, sagittal spinal curvatures and mobility did not differ between groups. After BH adjustment, m. quadratus lumborum differences showed only a non-significant trend (BH-adjusted p = 0.06). Structural parameters were mainly associated with biological factors: age showed an independent association with lumbar lordosis severity (BH-adjusted p = 0.03), whereas sex was independently associated with thoracic (BH-adjusted p = 0.01) and lumbar spine mobility (BH-adjusted p = 0.03). In summary, IOS participation in children aged 9–11 years is associated with greater absolute trunk strength, whereas structural sagittal spinal profiles and software-based muscle-imbalance classifications appear to be driven primarily by age and sex. These findings support integrating non-invasive posture screening with trunk strength assessment when monitoring young athletes and planning developmentally appropriate exercise interventions.

Pulmonary complications, particularly atelectasis and pleural effusion, are nearly universal in critically ill patients, leading to prolonged mechanical ventilation and impaired functional recovery. Traditional physical examination often lacks the sensitivity for early detection. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of focused lung ultrasound (LUS) in guiding individualized physiotherapy interventions and assessing functional outcomes in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A prospective study was conducted involving 20 patients with respiratory failure. A focused LUS protocol targeting dorsobasal regions (zones 5 and 6) was used to monitor the effectiveness of targeted physiotherapy interventions, including manual hyperinflation, active cycle of breathing techniques, and specific positioning. Functional status was evaluated at discharge using the Functional Status Score for the ICU (FSS-ICU). Initial LUS assessment revealed a 100% prevalence of atelectasis and a 70% prevalence of pleural effusion. Targeted interventions guided by real-time LUS feedback resulted in a 65% success rate for immediate pulmonary re-aeration. The mean FSS-ICU score at discharge was 21.95 ± 8.16, with 70% of patients achieving the functional target of ≥20 points. In conclusion, focused lung ultrasound is a superior bedside diagnostic tool compared to traditional physical examination. Its integration into physiotherapy practice allows for precise, real-time monitoring and highly effective, individualized respiratory management, significantly supporting functional recovery in critically ill patients.