Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Lesson 11
Posture
M Farrukh Shahzad
BSPT, PPDPT
Review
Posture
Inactiveposture
Activeposture
Staticposture
Dynamicposture
PosturalMechanism
Muscles
Nervouscontrol
Posturalreflex
PatternofPosture
Goodposture
Developmentofgoodposture
Poorposture
Factorspredisposingtopoorposture
PrincipalsofReEducation
TechniquesofReEducation
Abnormalpostures
Physiologicalapplicationtoposturaltone
Posture
The attitude that the body assumes is known as
posture
It is also known as an indication of the
soundness of the musculoskeletal system
To the Kinesiologist, it is a measure of
Posture
It is considered as the relative arrangement of
Posture
Inactive posture
Attitudes adopted for rest or sleep
Muscular activity which is required to
Active posture
There will be integrated action of many
Static Posture
A constant pattern of posture is maintained by the
interaction of groups of muscles which work more or less
statically to stabilize the joints and in opposition to the
gravity or other forces. In erect posture they preserve a
state of equilibrium
Dynamic posture
Attitudes assumption while performing different activities
is known as dynamic posture. Dynamic posture makes the
efficient base for the movement to occur. Pattern of posture
constantly modified and adjusted to meet the changing
circumstances which arise from the result of movement.
Muscles
These muscles are known as anti gravity
muscles and their action with regard to the
joint is mostly extension
The antigravity muscles present certain
structural characteristics that enable them to
perform their function with efficiency and
minimum of effort
Muscles
1. Anti gravity muscle fibres are red this indicated
their capability to produce sustained contraction
without fatigue
2. They are slow in action. This is because they have
Muscles
These muscles are multi-pinnate or fan shaped. This
signifies their strength of action.
They work at low speed as compare to other muscles
which work at high speed and got fatigued earlier.
e.g gastronemius is an anti gravity muscle it can
produce sustained contraction for longer period
without fatigue in comparison with it soleous is
the muscle whose function is to push the foot off the
ground is a fast acing muscle and got fatigued early
Nervous control
Postural reflexes
Simply reflex is an efferent response to an afferent
stimulus
Regarding posture efferent response is a motor
Pattern of posture
Pattern of posture (static, dynamic) gradually
Good Posture
Posture is good when it fulfils the purpose for
which it is used with the maximum efficiency and
minimum effort.
A good posture is the state of muscular and
skeletal balance which protects the supporting
structures of the body against injury and
progressive deformities, irrespective of the
attitude in which these structures are working or
resting.
Good Posture
Under these conditions, the muscles will function most
efficiently and the optimum positions are afforded for
the thoracic and abdominal organs.
There is no single best posture for all individuals. Each
person must take the body he / she has and make the best
of it. The good Posture is the one that suits ones own
condition and the condition of the environment.
e.g. during attention. The normal posture will be erect,
while in extreme fatigue, the normal posture will be that
conserves energy.
Poor posture
Poor posture is the posture that results from
certain muscles tightening up or shortening
while others lengthen and become weak.
This often occurs as a result of ones daily
activities.
Poor posture
There are different factors which can impact on
posture and they include
occupational activities
biomechanical factors such as force and
repetition.
psychosocial factors such as job stress and strain.
Workers who have higher job stress are more
likely to develop neck and shoulder symptoms.
Principles of Re-education
Measures taken by the physiotherapist to
Principles of Re-education
Bad posture can be caused by:
Mental attitude
Poor hygienic conditions
Principles of Re-education
Postural defects rarely lead to marked
Principles of Re-education
These changes make it very difficult for
Principles of Re-education
Local conditions which result in an alteration
Techniques of Re-education
Atmosphere give to patient is of great
Techniques of Re-education
Individual instruction is essential as no two
Relaxation
The ability to relax is essential to improve posture
Some degree of useless tension is nearly always
associated with poor posture
Voluntary relaxation of specific muscle groups
Relaxation
Excessive use of arms are demanded in many
occupation and house hold activities
Washing clothes, cooking, cleaning
Using the computer
Driving
This may develop tension in the shoulder and
neck area
Examples of relaxation
Crook lying
Prone lying
Prone lying, head raising and lowering
Sitting: Shoulder shrugging and retraction
followed by relaxation
Physiological relaxation can be used in the
treatment of occupational induced tensions
Mobility
Maintenance of normal mobility is essential to
a wide variety of postures assumed
Abnormally high levels of mobility is a
liability rather advantage
It requires higher muscular effort for control
and can lead to the development of poor
posture
Mobility
Normal mobility is maintained by free exercise
which are rhythmical and induce full range of
motion movements
Emphasis is laid on full extension movements
which is liable to limitation in most joints except
for the lumbar spine
If joints have become limited in motion than
exercises targeting increased mobility should be
done
Mobility
Exercises that increase respiratory effort are
also very essential
Hanging position give good body alignment
and are enjoyed by children
Muscle power
General muscle weakness is rarely the root
cause of poor posture
Muscular development helps maintain efficiency
and the ability to withstand stresses and strains
imposed on the body
When muscles are short or accompanied by joint
stiffness than exercises to ensure relaxation and
restoration of muscular balance are essential
Muscle power
Example:
Work for back extensors and scapula retractors
The head
An upward thrust of the vertex in an upright
position may be sufficient to achieve
satisfactory alignment
Provided unnecessary tension does not
develop elsewhere
In beginning stages, thrust can be developed in
lying and inclined positions
Pelvic tilt
Voluntary control of the pelvis teaches the
patient to be aware in any deviation of the
normal position
Can be trained in crook lying and later in
sitting and standing
Feet
Painless, mobile, strong feet form a good base
for which body is supported and balanced
Foot arches should be balanced so that weight
of the body is distributed evenly to all areas of
the feet
Bracing of the aches can be practised with or
without weight bearing
Abnormal Postures