Posture

• Posture : is the position in which the body holds while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good postureis the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity.
• Benefits of Good Posture:

  • it keeps bones and joints in correct alignment so that the muscles are being used properly
  • it lessens the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together. Prevents backache and muscular pain.
  • It prevents muscle fatigue. Muscles can work efficiently and use less energy.
  • it contributes to good appearance; projecct poise, confidence and dignity
  • it helps prevent muscle strain, back and muscular pain, and overuse of muscles.
  • it contributes to looks and makes feel more confident.
• Consequences of Poor Posture:

  Poor posture is one of the major causes of neck and back injury
• Poor Posture Consequences:

  • Poor Posture can lead to exceessive strain
  • Muscles are prone to injury and back pain
  • Lead to alteration in bone and soft tissues
  • It can affect the position and function of the vital organs, mainly in the abdominal region.
• Causes of Poor Posture:

  1. Incorrect sitting position
  2. Incorrect standing habits
  3. Stress
  4. Pregnancy
  5. Abnormally tight muscles
  6. High - heeled shoes
  7. Obesity
  8. Weak muscles or muscle imbalance
  9. Fatigue
  10. Vision and Hearing defects
  11. Lack of exercise and Poor nutrition
• The basic concept of good posture is maintaining a Neutral Spine Position.
• The spine should have three normal curves: cervical, thoracic and lumbar
• The Abnormal Spine;

  1. Scoliosis ( Sideways curvature of the thoracic spine )
  2. Sway Back Posture
  3. Flat - back Posture
  4. Kyphosis lordosis posture ( curvature of the thoracic curve )
• A healthy back has three natural curves:

  • cervical curve - slight forward curve in the neck
  • thoracic curve - slight backward curve in the upper back
  • lumbar curve - a slight forward curve in the lower back.
• Abdominal muscles and hip and leg muscles must be strong and flexible to support the natural curves of the back.
• Assessment of Posture is necessary, especially to athlete. Sports training expert says that giving of intense training without assessment may cause an injury.
• According to Catapang ( 1999 ) identifes the common postural disorder .

  1. Forward head - the head and neck are overextended forward and not aligned with the body.
  2. Round shoulders - The shoulder blades move apart from the shoulder girdle, mostly flat chest
  3. Round Neck - Exaggerate curve in back region, forward head and shoulders, and flat chest.
  4. Winged Scapulae - Borders of the scapulae or the shoulder blades are prominent
  5. Kyphosis - Excessive curvature of the spinal column that makes an upper round back and shoulders
• According to Catapang ( 1999 ) identifes the common postural disorder .

  6. Lordosis - Extreme curvature of the spinal column in lumbar region.

  7. Kypholordosis - A combination of kyphosis and lordosis where ther is an extree curvature for both upper and lower lumber regions.

  8. Scoliosis -Lateral Curvature of the spinal column

  9. Genu Varum ( Bowlegs ) - Knees are separated while feet are drawn together.

  10. Genu Valgum ( Knocked Knees ) - Feets are separated while knees are joined together.

  11. Pes Planus ( Flat Footed ) - The longitudinal arch of the foot is lowered and touch the floor.