Muscular Assessments

Question 1

Lordosis

Answer 1

Increased anterior lumbar curve from neutral (curve in lower back)
Shortened (engaged) - Hip Flexors, Lumbar Extensors

Lengthened - Hip extensors, External obliques, Rectus abdominis

Question 2

Kyphosis

Answer 2

Increase posterior thoracic curve from neutral
Shortened (engaged) - Anterior chest/ shoulders, Latissimus dorsi, next extensors

Lengthened - Upper-back extensors, Scapular stabilizers, Neck flexors

Question 3

Flat Back Posture

Answer 3

Decreased anterior lumbar curve from neutral

Shortened - Rectus Abdominis, Upper back Extensors, Neck extensors, ankle Plantar Flexors

Question 4

Sway - Back Posture

Answer 4

Decreased anterior lumbar curve/ increased posterior thoracic curve from neutral
Shortened - hamstrings, upper posterior obliques, lumbar extensors, neck extensors

Lengthened - illiacus/ psoas major, rectus femoris, external oblique, upper-back extensors, neck flexors

Question 5

5 Key Postural Deviations

Answer 5

1. Subtalar pronation/ supination and effect on tibial and femoral rotation
2. Hip Deviation
3. Pelvic Tilting (Anterior/ Posterior)
4. Shoulder Position/ Thoracic spine
5. Head Position

Question 6

Subtalar pronation/ supination and effect on tibial and femoral rotation

Answer 6

• subtler joint will impact position of tibia and femur

- pronated subtler joint forces internal rotation of the tibia and slight rotation of the femur

Question 7

Hip Adduction

Answer 7

• lateral tilt of the pelvis elevating one hip higher than the other (hip hiking)
• position progressively lengthens and weakens the right hip abductors

Question 8

Pelvic Tilting Anterior or Posterior)

Answer 8

• Frequently occurs in people with tight hip flexors, who are physically inactive and sedentary

Question 9

An anterior pelvic tilt will increase lordosis in the lumbar spine? True or False?

Answer 9

True

• Posterior pelvic tilt will reduce the amount of lordosis

Question 10

Hypertonic hip flexors coulee with tight erector spine muscles produce

Answer 10

anterior tilt

Question 11

Tight or hypertonic rectus abdomens muscles coupled with tight hamstrings produce

Answer 11

posterior pelvic tilt

Question 12

Observation: ASIS (Anterior superior iliac spine) tilts downward/ forward

Answer 12

hip flexors, erector spine - tight
hamstrings, rectus abdominis - lengthened

Sagittal Plane

Question 13

Observation: Shoulders NOT level

Answer 13

Tight - upper trapezius, levator scapula, rhomboids on the elevated side

Question 14

Observation: Asymmetry to midline

Answer 14

Tight - Lateral trunk flexors (flexed side)

Question 15

Observation: Protracted, forward rounded shoulders

Answer 15

Tight - Serratus anterior, anterior scapulohumeral muscles, upper trapezius

Question 16

Observation: Medially rotated humerus

Answer 16

Tight - Pectoralis major and latissimus doors (should adductors), subscapularis

Question 17

Observation: Kyphosis/ depressed chest

Answer 17

Tight - Shoulder adductors, pectorals minor, rectus abdominis, internal oblique

Question 18

Observation forward - head position

Answer 18

Tight - Cervical spine extensors, upper trapezius, levator scapulae

Question 19

Static Balance Unipedal Stance Test

Answer 19

• Hands crossed, lift non-dominant foot
• eyes open then closed for 2nd test
• test ends when floor touches ground, eyes open from second test or client achieves max 45-second duration of the test
• administer three trials/ record best performance

Question 20

Dynamic Balance: Y Balance Test

Answer 20

• test balance on one leg

- reach as far as possible in 3 directions (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral)

Question 21

Trunk Flexor Endurance Test

Answer 21

• Isometric trunk flexor endurance test for (rectus abdomens, external/ internal obliques, transverse abdominis)
• timed test isometric contraction until fatigue
• not suitable for those with back pain
• hips/ knees at 90 degrees
• client folds arms against a board positioned at 50- 60 degree incline

Question 22

Trunk Lateral Endurance Test

Answer 22

• client gets into a side plank/ bridge position
• hips elevated off mat
• goal is to hold this position for as long as possible
• Terminate when their is noticeable different in trunk position
• Record time

Question 23

Trunk Extensor Endurance Test

Answer 23

• Timed static, isometric contraction prone position on table with strap or body weight of trainer
• Flat back with table crossing hands over shoulder
• Record the client’s time