Movement Studies
» Define what is understood by the term posture» Discuss the factors that may influence posture» Begin to analyse standing, sitting and lying
postures» Develop a posture check list
Mvt Studies 2011-12
PostureHow body parts are arranged in relation to each other
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Allows your body to function at it's best:
•Minimal strain • on the muscles, ligaments, bones and joints• organs are not compressed, blood vessels are not pressed,
nerves are not irritated.
•Minimal energy costs.
•Stable and balanced position
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Mvt Studies 2011-12
» In pairs, make a list of the factors that may alter your posture.
» Permanent anatomical deformities not amenable to correction by conservative treatments.
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Poor postural habit Psychological factors
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Pain leading to avoidance posture Muscle spasm/imbalance/contracture
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Normal developmental process Normal degenerative process
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Physiological mechanisms – visual, vestibular
Respiratory conditions
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Excess weight Physical Build
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Task 1 » In groups of 3 look at each others posture in
standing
» Make notes of what you see using the correct terminology
» Be prepared to feedback your findings
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» What did you identify from your observations?
» Did you identify any difficulties in carrying out your observations?
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» Lets construct a check list system……….
» Anterior view
» Lateral
» Posterior
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Anterior View Lateral View Posterior View
Head Head Head
Shoulder Shoulder Scapula – inferior angle
Waist Thoracic Spine Thoracic Spine
Pelvis ASIS Lumbar-Spine Lumbar Spine
Patellae Pelvis Waist
Feet Hip Iliac crests
Knee Buttock creases
Knee
Feet
Mvt Studies 2011-12
= Imaginary point where the total weight of a material body may be thought to be
concentrated.
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Consider how the position of the centre of gravity varies in:
» A child compared to an adult
» Lying
compared to standing
What effect does this have on stability?
» Line of gravity (LoG)
An imaginary vertical line passing from the centre of gravity of an object down to the ground. It is also known as the line of action of the force of gravity
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Standing – body alignment
a. Lateral viewb. Posterior view
Line of gravity starting at the mastoid process falls through or just in front of all the main weight bearing joints
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Mvt Studies 2011-12
• In groups of 3 observe each others posture again, using a plumb line, consider where body segments are in relation to LoG
» Make a note of what you observe, referring back to your ‘check list’.
» What did you observe this time?» How many of you had an ‘ideal’ postural
alignment?
Mvt Studies 2011-12
˃ How is your weight distributed?˃ Can you detect any postural sway?
Mvt Studies 2011-12
» Ideal» Flat back» Sway back» Kyphosis-lordosis
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» Lumbar lordosis flattened» Pelvis is neutral or in
posterior tilt» Hip relatively extended» Line of gravity passes
posterior to hip
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» Forward sway of pelvis» Line of gravity posterior to
hip» Relative hip extension» Thoracic kyphosis
increased in length
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Kyphosis-Lordosis
•Pelvis tilted anteriorly•Hips relatively flexed•Increased lumbar lordosis•Increased thoracic kyphosis
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» Look at each others postures again and see if your model fits one of these postural types
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» Observe each others sitting posture in the following cases
» A. sitting in a chair» B. sitting on the edge of a bed» C. sitting on the floor
(Don’t forget to refer to your ‘posture check list’)
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Mvt Studies 2011-12
Why is it important for physiotherapists to observe posture?
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Make sure you are happy the learning outcomes have been met:
» Define what is understood by the term posture
» Discuss the factors that may influence posture
» Begin to analyse standing, sitting and lying postures
» Develop a posture check list
Mvt Studies 2011-12