Swayback Posture

Question 1

Observable Deviations

Answer 1

Genu Recurvatum
Extended hip joint
Posterior pelvic tilt
Anterior shift of the lumbosacral region
Lumbar spine in neutral or minimal flexed position
Increase in lower thoracic, thoracolumbar curvature
Commonly associated with FSP and FHP

Question 2

Potential Causes

Answer 2

Poor postural sense
Tightened or shortened hip extensors
Weakened or elongated hip flexors or lower abdominals
Decrease general muscular strength

Question 3

Resulting Forces and Adaptations

Answer 3

Elongation or increased tensile forces on the ligamentous structures at the anterior hip joint and posterior aspect of the lower thoracic spine
Adaptively shortened or increased compressive forces on the posterior ligamentous structures at the hip joint and anterior aspect of the lower thoracic spine
Increased tensile forces on the soft tissue structures of the posterior knee; compressive forces on anterior knee
Increased shearing forces at L5/S1