Chapter 8: Static Assessments

Question 1

Pattern Overload

Answer 1

When a segment of the body is repeatedly moved or chronically held in the same way, leading to a state of muscle overactivity.

Question 2

Kyphosis

Answer 2

Natural curvature of the thoracic spine toward the back of the body.

Question 3

Lordosis

Answer 3

Natural curvature of the cervical spine toward the front of the body.

Question 4

Lordotic Posture

Answer 4

Excessive lumbar lordosis and an anterior pelvic tilt. May also assume other compensatory positions such as a lateral lumbar shift, lateral leg rotation, and knees slightly flexed or hyperextended.

Question 5

Flat-Back Posture

Answer 5

Forward head, hyperextended cervical spine, excessive upper thoracic kyphosis (rounding), reduced lower thoracic kyphosis (flattening), and rounded shoulders. May also have reduced lumbar lordosis, a posteriorly tilted pelvis, extended hip, extended knees, and slightly plantar flexed ankles.

Question 6

Sway-Back Posture

Answer 6

Forward head, extended cervical spine, and excessive thoracic kyphosis (posterior displacement); may have reduced lumbar lordosis (flattening), a posteriorly tilted pelvis, extended hips, hyperextended knees, and neutral ankles.

Question 7

Kyphosis-Lordosis Posture

Answer 7

Forward head, excessive thoracic kyphosis, rounded and elevated shoulders; excessive lumbar lordosis, lateral lumbar shift, anterior pelvic tilt, flexed hips, knees hyperextended or flexed, and ankle plantar flexion.

Question 8

Common Upper Body Overactive (Shortened) Muscles

Answer 8

Cervical extensors, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, pectorals, scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius.

Question 9

Common Upper Body Underactive (Lengthened) Muscles

Answer 9

Deep cervical flexors, middle and lower trapezius, rhomboids, serratus anterior.

Question 10

Common Lower Body Overactive Muscles

Answer 10

Gastrocnemius, hamstrings, hip adductors, piriformis, psoas, quadratus lumborum, rectus femoris, soleus, tensor fascia latae.

Question 11

Lower Crossed Syndrome

Answer 11

Excessive lumbar lordosis and an anterior pelvic tilt; may also include a lateral lumbar shift, knees slightly flexed or hyperextended, and feet plantar flexed.

Question 12

Upper Crossed Syndrome

Answer 12

Forward head, hyperextended cervical spine, and rounded shoulders; sometimes includes excessive thoracic kyphosis, elevated shoulders, rotated or abducted shoulders, and winging scapulae.

Question 13

Layered Cross Syndrome

Answer 13

May present with both Upper and Lower Crossed Syndromes.

Question 14

Pes Planus Distortion Syndrome

Answer 14

Excessive flat feet, knee flexion, hip and knee internal rotation, knee valgus, and an anterior pelvic tilt.