Chapter 7: Functional Assessments Flashcards
Define “posture”
A static base or alignment of the body segments
Lordosis
Increased anterior lumbar curve
Kyphosis
Increased posterior thoracic curve
So like, hump back and forward neck
Flat Back
Decreased anterior lumbar curve
So like they’re too flat and not standing with the natural curves of the spine. Kind of slouched forward
Sway back
Decreased anterior lumbar curve and increased posterior thoracic curve (hips pushed forward) and neck is usually pulled forward
Scoliosis
Lateral spinal curvature often accompanied by vertebral rotation
What are some muscle imbalances associated with Kyphosis-lordosis Posture?
Facilitated/Hypertonic (Shortened):
- Hip flexors (iliacus, psoas major, rectus femoris and sartorius)
- Lumbar Extensors (erector spinae)
- Anterior chest/shoulders
- Latissimus Dorsi
- Neck Extensors
Inhibited (Lengthened) -Hip Extensors (gluteus maximus, posterior head of the adductor magnus, and the hamstrings) -External Obliques -Upper-back Extensors Levator Scapulae) -Scapular Stabilizers: (Serratus Anterior Trapezius muscles: Upper/Middle/Lower Levator Scapula Rhomboid)
What are some EXERCISES to help correct muscle imbalances associated with Kyphosis-lordosis Posture?
The key muscles to work here are:
The glutes, hamstrings, abs, and back muscles
- Plank
- Side Plank
- Superman
- Crunches
- Bird Dog
- Dead Bug
- Hip Bridge
- Pull Aparts
What are some muscle imbalances associated with Flat Back Posture?
Facilitated/Hypertonic (shortened):
- Rectus abdominis
- Upper Back Extensors
- Neck Extensors
- Ankle Plantarflexors
Inhibited/Lengthened Muscles:
- Iliacus/psoas major
- Internal Oblique
- Lumbar Extensors
- Neck Flexors
What are some corrective exercises for flat back syndrome?
The focus is to strengthen the core and hip muscles, as well as stretching the hamstrings
- Cobra Pose
- Bird Dog
- Standing Forward Fold
- Locust/Superman Pose
- Plank
- Leg Lifts/Sit and March in place (psoas)
What are the muscle imbalances associated with sway back posture?
Facilitated/Hypertonic(shortened):
- Hamstrings
- Upper fibers of posterior obliques
- Lumbar Extensors
- Neck Extensors
Inhibited(Lengthened):
- Iliacus/psoas major
- Rectus Femoris
- External Obliques
- Upper-back extensors
- Neck Flexors
What are some exercises to help improve sway back posture?
Often caused by tight hamstrings, weak abdominal muscles, and lax ligaments in the back and spines. Sitting for too long can cause this
Exercises:
- Plank
- Glute Bridge
- Band Pull Aparts
What are some good exercises to help with scoliosis?
- Pelvic Tilts
- Cat-Camel
- Double-Leg Abdominal Press
- Bird Dog
What are the 5 key Postural Deviations?
- Ankle Pronation/Supination
- Hip Adduction (hip hiking)
- Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilting
- Shoulder Position and the Thoracic Spine
- Head Position
What are some benefits associated with improving posture, movement, core, balance, and flexibility?
The result of improving in these foundational areas is an improved quality of life and the ability to perform activities of daily living with more ease
What can a static posture assessment offer valuable insight into?
- Muscle Imbalances at the joint and the working relationship of the muscles around the joint
- Altered neural action of the muscles moving and controlling the joint
What are some types of muscle imbalances or postural deviations which are correctable?
- Repetitive Movements (neural)
- Awkward positions and movements
- Side Dominance
- Lack of Joint Stability
- Lack of Joint Mobility
- Imbalanced Strength Training Program
What are some types of muscle imbalances or postural deviations which are NOT correctable?
- Congenital conditions (scoliosis)
- Some Pathologies (rheumatoid arthritis)
- Structural Deviations (tibial or femoral torsion, femoral anteversion)
- Certain Types of Trauma (surgery, injury, amputation)
How to set up a Plumb Line for a Posture Assessment
Use a string and a washer, suspend from ceiling or other fixed height so that the washer is 0.5-1 inches above the floor.
Select a location with a solid plain backdrop
Client should wear form fitting athletic wear, remove shoes and socks, then they can stand in front, behind, and next to the plumb line for visual assessment
The clients symmetry is determined by observing the right angles between the weight bearing joints and the plumb line
What are the muscles primarily responsible for plantarflexion of the ankle?
“Triceps Surae”:
- Gastronemius
- Soleus
What are the prime movers for hip flexion and knee extension?
- Iliacus
- Psoas Major
- Psoas Minor
How to identify scapular winging and scapular protraction?
Scapular Protraction:
- Noticeable protrusion of the vertebral (medial) border
- Palms point backwards
Winged Scapulae:
-Protrusion of the inferior angle AND vertebral (medial) angle
If the medial and/or inferior angle of the scapular protrude out of someone’s backside then this is a sign the rhomboids and serratus anterior are unable to hold the scapulae in place
How to identify proper head position?
Ear should be in line with the acromioclavicular joint
What is the glenohumeral joint?
Shoulder Ball and Socket Joint;
Connects the glenoid of the scapula and the humerus (arm bone)
What is the acromioclavicular joint?
Also called the AC Joint;
Connects the clavicle (collarbone) and the acromion of the scapula
What is the protocol for assessing proper head position?
From the Sagittal Plane, align the plumb line with the AC joint and observe it’s position relative to the ear
Forward Head Posture is when the head is shifted forward so the ear is not in line with the AC joint
What are the implications of Forward Head Posture?
Tight cervical extensors, upper traps, levator scapular
Lengthening of the cervicle flexors
How to assess proper Shoulder Position and the thoracic spine?
Frontal Plane (Posterior View) or Sagittal Plane: -the scapulae should appear flat against the rib cage
Frontal Plane (Anterior View): palms should face one’s side. Backwards facing palms and shoulder shrugging can be a sign of scapular protraction
What is Scapular Protraction?
When the medial (vertebral) border of the scapula protrude
Backwards facing palms and shoulder shrugging can be a sign of scapular protraction
What is Winged Scapulae?
The protrusion of the medial border of the scapulae AND the protrusion of the inferior angle of the scapulae
What are the implications of shoulders not being level (from the posterior view in the frontal plane)?
Tight upper traps, levator scapulae, and rhomboids
What are the implications of Asymmetrical shoulders (in reference to the the midline?)
…viewing in the frontal plane
Tight Lateral Trunk Flexors (flexed side)
What are the implications of Medially Rotated Humerus (viewing from the frontal plane)?
Tight Pectoralis Major, Latissimus Dorsi, and Subscapularis