Principles in posture

Question 1

A well designed programme in relation to posture can..

Answer 1

play a valuable role in addressing postural problems

Question 2

A poorly designed programme in relation to posture can..

Answer 2

result in muscle imbalances, leading to postural problems

Question 3

Define ‘optimal alignment’

Answer 3

the arrangement of body parts in a state of balance that protects the supporting structures of the body against injury or progressive deformity.

Question 4

Why is optimal alignment important? Give an example why

Answer 4

When ideal alignment is attained, muscles function most efficiently and joints are optimally positioned and loaded. If, for example, ideal alignment is lost, as in ‘slouched standing’, muscle activity may be reduced, but there is a significant increase in joint loading. Consequently, ideal alignment combines both minimal muscle work and minimal joint loading.

Question 5

What is the ideal head alignment?

Answer 5

Your head should be in a neutral position that is not tilted nor rotated. In this position, your eyes are aligned to the horizon.

Question 6

What is the ideal cervical spine placement?

Answer 6

Your cervical spine should exhibit a normal curve; that is slightly convex anteriorly.

Question 7

What is the ideal scapulae placement?

Answer 7

Your scapulae should be level, not elevated nor depressed, and flat against your upper back.

Question 8

What is the ideal thoracic spine placement?

Answer 8

Your thoracic spine should have only a normal curve, which is slightly convex posteriorly.

Question 9

What is the ideal lumbar spine placement?

Answer 9

Your lumbar spine should exhibit a normal curve, this is slightly convex anteriorly

Question 10

What is the ideal pelvis placement?

Answer 10

this should be in neutral. This means the anterior superior iliac spine should be in same vertical plane as your pubic symphysis.

Question 11

What is the ideal hip placement?

Answer 11

your hips should be in neutral; that is, not flexed nor extended.

Question 12

What is the ideal knee joint placement?

Answer 12

your knee joints should be in neutral so that they are not flexed nor hyperextended.

Question 13

What is the ideal ankle joint placement?

Answer 13

Your leg should be vertical and at a right angle to the foot for your ankle to assume neutral alignment.

Question 14

Poor posture is a faulty relationship between the various parts that results in increased what?

Answer 14

strain on the supporting structures, and a less efficient balance of the body over its base of support.

Question 15

If such postural faults persist, depending on the severity, they may not only cause discomfort or pain, but may result in _______

Answer 15

disability

Question 16

Give 4 example as to why someone may have postural problems

Answer 16

1. congenital conditions (this means that they are present at birth)
2. changes to the muscular system due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle
3. poor stability
4. repetitive movement patterns.

Question 17

How do muscle imbalances occur?

Answer 17

when a particular agonist is significantly stronger than the antagonist (when one or the other is significantly shortened or lengthened)

• may be the cause of postural problem or the result of one

Question 18

What happens in a balanced state?

Answer 18

the equal resting tone of agonist and antagonist muscles assume a balanced resting position, joint surfaces are evenly loaded and tissues are not excessively loaded

Question 19

What is stretch weakness and what is it not to be confused with?

Answer 19

Stretch weakness refers to the weakening of a muscle due to its remaining in an elongated position that is beyond its resting length, but within its normal range. This should not be confused with overstretch, in which a muscle is elongated beyond its normal range.

Question 20

Define a lengthened muscle

Answer 20

When a muscle maintains its stretched position over the long term, it adds more sarcomeres to its end in an attempt to move the actin and myosin filaments closer together. This is known as an increase in serial sarcomere number and can result in a 20% increase in the length of a muscle.

The lengthened muscle is not weak; rather it lacks the ability to maintain full contraction within the inner range. In practice, this would manifest itself as a client’s inability to hold an inner range position.

Question 21

How does being pre or post natal effect posture/ muscle weakness

Answer 21

During pregnancy, serial sarcomere number increases in the rectus abdominis. Post-natal clients and those with lordosis are often unable to perform an abdominal curl into the inner range due to this stretch weakness. Serial sarcomere number tends to reduce gradually in the months following birth.

Question 22

When a muscle is short and tight, or facilitated, it becomes ________ which may reduce the nervous system’s activation of its ______

Answer 22

• hypertonic (this means it has increased tone)
• antagonist.