POSTURE

Deswaty Furqonita, SSi, MBiomed

After learning this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Identify the four curves of the spine, and discuss the factors that
contribute to the formation of each curve.
2. Describe the structure and motion characteristics of the cervical,
thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.
3. Describe the movement relationship between the pelvis and the
lumbar vertebrae for the full range of trunk movements.
4. Describe some of the common injuries to the cervical, thoracic, and
lumbar vertebrae.
5. Identify the muscular contributions of the trunk to a variety of
activities.
6. Describe the posture and factors influenced the posture.
The Primary curve of a newborn

The four major curves of the

vertebral column
Movement of the vertebral column
Movement of the vertebral column
MUSCULAR ACTIONS
Muscle contractions are primarily
responsible for keeping the body in the
upright position in both staticand
dynamic posture.

The muscles most involved are called

antigravity muscles

These muscles are the hip and knee

extensors, and the trunk and neck
extensors
MUSCULAR ACTIONS
“
SPINAL STABILIZATION AND POSTURE

”
Efficiency of motion and stresses imposed on the spine are very much
determined by the posture maintained in the trunk as well as trunk stability.
Positioning of the vertebral segments is so important that a special section on
posture and spinal stabilization is warranted.
 Muscles that maintain
Spinal stabilization
the spinal stabilization

A passive
Transverse
musculoskeletal
abdominis
system

An active
musculoskeletal Multifidus
subsystem

The neural
feedback Erector spinae
system

Internal oblique
abdominis
Essentially it is a matter of body
alignment.

Posture is constantly changing

depending on the activity.

Good posture is a state of

muscular and skeletal balance.
 Standing

POSTURE
posture

Sitting posture

Working
posture
When an object is balanced, all torques acting on it are even,
and it is in a state of equilibrium  relationship between
centre of gravity (COG) and base of support (BOS)
Gravitational force is always directed vertically downward toward the
center of the earth. Practically speaking, gravitational force is always
directed toward the ground

Center of gravity (COG) is the balance point of an object at which

torque on all sides is equal.

Base of support (BOS) is that part of a body that is in contact with the
supporting surface.

Line of gravity (LOG) is an imaginary vertical line passing through the

COG toward the center of the earth.
Prevent musculoskeletal pain/injuries

Reduce pain caused by poor body

mechanic

Prevent and reduce risk of recurrence

Increase the strength and endurance of

postural muscles
•Joint stiffness
•Fatigue and aching muscles
•Stability muscles stop working
•Excessive movement of spine and strain on
supporting structures
•Pressure on nerves
•Muscle imbalance
•Increased pain