Posture

Question 1

Define posture

Answer 1

• alignment of each body segment in relation to adjoining segments

Question 2

Define ideal skeletal alignment

Answer 2

• body’s center of mass direction over it’s base of support should follow: external auditory meatus, midway through shoulder (acromion), through bodies of lumbar vertebra, slightly posterior to hip joint, slightly anterior to midline of knee joint, & slightly anterior to lateral malleolus

Question 3

Define structural faults

Answer 3

• result from congenital or developmental anomalies, disease, or trauma
• example is Scheuermann’s kyphosis

Question 4

Define functional faults

Answer 4

• result from poor postural habits
• examples are forward head posture and rounded shoulders

Question 5

Define Florence Kendall’s theory

Answer 5

• muscles on continuous stretch will be weak
• muscles in a shortened position will be tight

Question 6

Describe anterior pelvic tilt

Answer 6

• kyphotic-lordotic posture
• increased lumbar lordosis, hips in relative flexion, lengthened hamstrings & abdominals, & shortened iliopsoas, rectus femoris, & lower back extensors

Question 7

Describe posterior pelvic tilt

Answer 7

• flat-back & swayback posture
• flattened lumbar lordosis, hips in neutral or relative extension, lengthened iliopsoas, & shortened hamstrings & abdominals

Question 8

Describe an informal postural assessment

Answer 8

• assess at first sight of patient & periodically throughout initial exam

Question 9

Describe a formal postural assessment

Answer 9

• plumb line, well trained eyes, palpation of landmarks, removal of excess layers of clothing
• landmarks in anterior, posterior, & lateral views
• standing, sitting, & dynamically