Posture

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Posture 

Posture is the attitude assumed by body either when the body is stationary or when it is moving. Posture is attained as a result of co-ordinated action of various muscles working to maintain stability. . Posture in easy terms can be understood as the position in which you hold your body when standing or sitting.

Types of Postures

The posture are basically divided in to two types:

• Inactive 
• Active 

1. Static 
2. Dynamic

Inactive postures- These are postures or attitudes adopted for resting or sleeping. They require theoretically minimal muscle activity, and are usually assumed in need of relaxation.

Active posture - The integrated action of many muscles is required to maintain active postures, they are basically divided in two types

1. Static postures- Body segments are aligned and maintained in a fixed positions. This is usually achieved by co-ordination and interaction of various muscle groups which are working statically to counteract gravity and other forces. Examples of static postures arestanding, sitting, lying, and kneeling.
2. Dynamic postures- In this type of posture body segments are moving. it is usually required to form an efficient basis for movement.Muscles and non contracticle structres have to work to adapt for changing circumstances. Examples arewalking, running, jumping, throwing, and lifting. 
   

Ideal posture

On examination the body should be viewed from four aspects; anteriorly, posteriorly, right and left. The ideal "normal" erect posture is one in which the line of gravity (the vertical line drawn through the body's Centre of gravity) when viewed from each side runs:

• Through the mastoid process.
• Just anteriorly the shoulder joint.
• Through (or just posteriorly) the hip joint.
• Just anterior to the centre of the knee joint.
• Approximately 5 centimetres anteriorly to the ankle joint.

When viewed from either the front or the back, the vertical line passing through the body's centre of gravity should theoretically bisect the body into two equal halves, with the body weight distributed evenly between the two feet.

Muscle action in posture

The balanced posture of the body reduces the work done by the muscles in maintaining it in an erect posture. It has been determined (using electromyography) that, in general:

• The intrinsic muscles of the feet are quiescent, because of the support provided by the ligaments.
• Soleus is constantly active because gravity tends to pull the body forward over the feet. Gastrocnemius and the deep posterior tibial muscles are less frequently active.
• Tibialis anterior is quiescent (unless high heels are being worn).
• Quadriceps and the Hamstrings are generally quiescent.
• Iliopsoas is constantly active.
• Gluteus maximus is quiescent.
• Gluteus medius and tensor fascia latae are active to counteract lateral postural sway.
• Erector spinae is active, counteracting gravity's pull forwards.
• The abdominal muscles remain quiescent, although the lower fibres of the Internal obliques are active in order to protect the inguinal canal.

Examples of different faulty postures

Sway back posture

Upper (shoulder) crossed syndrome

Lower (pelvic) crossed syndrome

Kyphosis-lordosis posture

Layer syndrome

Flat back posture

Sway back posture

Handedness posture

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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Gardiner MD. The principles of exercise therapy. Bell; 1957.

Levangie PK, Norkin CC. Joint structure and function: a comprehensive analysis. FA Davis; 2011 Mar 9.

Penny, N. & Moore, A. (1998). Neuromusculoskeletal examination and assessment. Churchill livinstone. ISBN 0443059802.