Postural Assessment

Question 1

Posture

Answer 1

manner on how we sit, stand, kneel, etc.

relative disposition of the body at any moment and composite positions of the different joints of the body at the same time

skeletal alignment in a state of balance

protects the supporting structures of the body against injury or progressive deformity

how we carry ourselves

Question 2

Bad Posture

Answer 2

may not be biochemically sound

commit different errors especially during long hors

Question 3

Primary Curves

Answer 3

curves found at birth
sacral and thoracic spines

Question 4

Secondary

Answer 4

curves appear when child grows

cervical and lumbar spines

at 8 months curvatures must be formed completely

Question 5

Cervical Spine

Answer 5

cervical lordosis (convex forward)
appears at three months when child looks up from prone position

Question 6

Lumbar Spine

Answer 6

lumbar lordosis
appears at 6

6-8 months old when a child learns how to sit

Question 7

Body Mechanics

Answer 7

ability to produce a motion that is safe, energy conserving, and anatomically and physiologically efficient

maintenance of a person’s body balance and control in an optimal balanced position

Question 8

Balance

Answer 8

constant adaptation of forces to attain dynamic equilibrium before adapting and establishing a new equilibrium
achieved when center of gravity rests within the base of support (state of stability)

Question 9

Equilibrium

Answer 9

condition of balance among forces acting within or upon a body

Question 10

Center of Gravity

Answer 10

imaginary point in the body where all the forces acting upon it are balanced

changes as the body moves

Question 11

COG of Adults

Answer 11

one inch anterior to S2

Question 12

COG of Infants

Answer 12

xiphoid process/ T12

Question 13

Base of Support

Answer 13

area which an object rests and provides stability for the object

Question 14

Level of Stability

Answer 14

minimal displacement: still under BOS
moderate perturbations/ displacements: shifting of weight to bring body back to COG
maximum perturbations: stepping strategies

Question 15

Line of Gravity (Anterior)

Answer 15

Head: middle of forehead, nose, and chin
Neck/ Shoulders: midline of neck and shoulder
Chest: middle of xiphoid process
Abdomen/ Hips: umbilicus
Hips/ Pelvis: equidistant from the two ASIS and through symphysis pubis
Knees: between the knees equidistant from the medial femoral condyles
Ankles/ Feet: equidistant from the medial malleoli (feet positioned shoulder-width apart)

Question 16

Line of Gravity (Lateral)

Answer 16

Atlanto-Occipital: anterior
Cervical: posterior
Thoracic: anterior
Lumbar: posterior
Sacroiliac Joint: Anterior
Hips: posterior
Knees: anterior
Ankles/ Feet: anterior

Question 17

Ideal Statis Postural Alignment (Lateral)

Answer 17

External auditory meatus (EAM)
Bodies of cervical vertebrae
Acromion process
(tip of shoulder)
Midway through the thorax
Bodies of lumbar vertebrae
Slightly posterior to hip joint
Slightly anterior to knee joint
Just anterior to lateral malleolus

Question 18

Correct Posture

Answer 18

minimum stress is applied on each joint
best and biochemically sound way of moving

Question 19

Faulty Posture

Answer 19

increased stress d/t

positional/ postural
structural
habit

Question 20

Positional/ Postural

Answer 20

sit or stand for long periods
most common postural problem
slouching

Question 21

To Maintain Proper Posture

Answer 21

muscles: strong, adapt easily, continually work against gravity and in harmony to maintain an upright posture

Question 22

Structural

Answer 22

congenital anomalies, developmental problems, trauma, or disease

Question 23

Habit

Answer 23

habitual posture

Question 24

McKenzie’s Three Syndromes

Answer 24

postural syndrome
dysfunction syndrome
derangement syndrome

Question 25

Postural Syndrome

Answer 25

normal healthy tissues
pain is induced by end range static loading
pain is not referred and never constant
localized pain

Question 26

Dysfunction Syndrome

Answer 26

shortened soft tissues have reduced elasticity
pain at end range when shortened tissues are tensed
pain is never felt on movement and is not referred

Question 27

Derangement Syndrome

Answer 27

misalignment of IV disc materials/ bony misalignment
symptoms are affected by movement
may be referred and are often constant
not localized pain

Question 28

Anatomical Factors Affecting posture

Answer 28

Bony contours
Laxity of ligamentous structures
Fascial and musculocutaneous tightness
Muscle tone
Pelvic angle (Normal: 30°)
Joint position and mobility
Neurogenic outflow and inflow

Question 29

Importance of Good Posture

Answer 29

Protects the joints and other structures from injury
Promotes good muscle balance and flexibility
Allows greater precision and endurance in performing a task
Allows for adequate respiration
Improves general appearance and uplifts emotional well-being of a person

Question 30

Dangers of Poor Posture

Answer 30

redisposes the soft tissue and the spinal structures and even the organ systems to injury
May block food and air passages
May cause joint and bone degeneration
Postural syndrome which could lead to derangement
Can cause contractures in the intercostals
Flexibility of the thoracic cage is important to maintain (for breathing)

Question 31

Principles for Proper Posture

Answer 31

Maintain the normal anterior and posterior curves of the spine for proper balance and alignment
Cervical lordosis
Thoracic kyphosis
Lumbar lordosis
Avoid standing or sitting in one position for a prolonged period of time
Occasionally alter the position
Stretch out at least every 30 minutes
Stand with your ankles, knees, hips and shoulders aligned
Keep your head over your body, not in front of the shoulders

Question 32

Proper Posture (Standing)

Answer 32

body erect (shoulders and hips are level)
stand with body weight evenly placed on each leg (knees flexed slightly and pelvis rolled forward)

Question 33

Proper Posture (Sitting)

Answer 33

knees and hips flexed at 90 degrees
feet flat
knees as same level as hips; pelvis rolled forward
arms supported (relaxed at thigh or armrest)
lumbar roll (prolonged sitting)

Question 34

Walking

Answer 34

stand erect
face direction of movement
heel-toe gait pattern
normal stride

Question 35

Proper Body Mechanics (Importance)

Answer 35

Conserves energy
Reduces the stress and strain to muscles, joints, ligaments and soft tissue
Promote effective, efficient, and safe movements
Promote and maintain proper body control and balance
Promote effective respiratory and cardiopulmonary function