Intro to Posture and Posture Assessment Flashcards
definition of posture
relative position of different joints at any given moment
why do we look at posture
structural variations
altered joint mechanics
muscle imbalances
residual effects of a previous pathology
what is COG
balance point
point where mass is evenly distributed
where does the COG need to move as a precursor to walking
anterior to BOS
the optimal alignment of the patients body allows the neuromuscular system to do what
perform actions requiring the least amount of energy to achieve desired effect
describe characteristics seen with a kyphotic lordotic posture
FHP
short neck extensors
weak neck flexors
weak upper back extensors
tight chest muscles
strong tight low back extensors
weak/long external oblique
bulging rectus abdominus that pulls down ribcage
short hip flexors
elongated hip extensors
characteristics of sway back posture
FHP
strong neck extensors
weak neck flexors
weak upper back extensors
tight chest muscles
upper trunk shifts rearward
strong/shirt upper internal oblique
weak/elongated external oblique
pelvis shifts forward
pelvis tilted bacl, lower lumbar flattened
weak hip flexors
short tight hip extensors
hyperextended knees
characteristics of flat back posture
FHP
weak neck flexors
tight neck extensors
short chest muscles
weal upper back extensors
strong abs
mid thoracic/lumbar spine is flat
weak hip flexors
tight hip extensors
entire body has slight forward tilt
muscle action combos to tilt pelvis backward
abdominals pull front of pelvis up
back hip extensors pull rear pelvis down
stretch of hip flexors and back extensors
muscle action combos to tilt the pelvis forward
hip extensors pull front of pelvis down and low back extensors pull rear pelvis up
abs and hip extensors stretch
name the structural factors that can affect posture (developmental and neurological)
development = scoliosis and congenital anomalies
neurological = muscle tone and laxity of ligamentous structures
positional factors that affect posture
poor postural endurance (i.e. prolonged poor positioning, sitting/standing for long periods)
psychological (i.e. not wanting to be taller than peers)
muscle imbalance/contracture
pain
respiratory conditions
things to keep in mind during a postural assessment
pt should be adequately undressed
posyure examined in usual relaxed standing posture
looking for asymmetries
look at frontal and sagittal views
where should the line of gravity fall in the sagittal plane
anterior to lateral malleolus of ankle
through or anterior of knee (Posterior to patella)
through or posterior to hip (common hip axis)
posterior to or through the thoracic spine
through acromion
through or anterior to atlanto occipital joint (earlobe)
what is genu recurvatum
excessive knee hyperextension
usually due to limited ankle DF or fixed PF position of ankle
