Module 4 - Posture and alignment

Question 1

What are the alignment principles?

Answer 1

1. base of support
2. the plump line
3. Trunk/core stability
4. Reciprocal relationships
5. Centre of gravity

Question 2

Base of support

Answer 2

Equal weight between big toe, little toe and heel.

• enhances balance

Question 3

Plumb line

Answer 3

Imaginary line through body from cranium to ankle.

• Enhances posture and alignment

Question 4

Trunk/core stability

Answer 4

Is achieved by:
bracing the abdominals and drawing them in towards the spine

uses:
- Abdominals, pelvic floor and gluteus maximus

Question 5

Reciprocal relationships

Answer 5

Between head and neck
- L with thumb and finger -> put thumb in sternal notch and pointer finger under chin…

Between shoulders and scapula’s
- Roll shoulders back and draw scapula’s together

Between abdominals and lower spine:
- Draw belly button to spine and slightly tuck tail under. Ensuring core and back support

Question 6

Centre of gravity

Answer 6

The centre of gravity is the point from which the weight of a body or system may be considered to act.

• Pt thumb on belly button and little finger down and centre of gravity is 1/2 way in between those points and inwards.

Question 7

What is lordosis ?

Answer 7

An inwards curve of the spine commonly called a swayback.

• Can occur in neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar)
• can cause reduced flexibility
• Can be fixed though lumber stabilization exercises that are specific to the individuals and intend on increasing muscle strength and flexibility.

Negative symptoms: general muscle weakness, pain in lower back, tender and sore muscles in area of lordosis, tingling sensation if the nerves are affected.

Question 8

3 positive outcomes for maintaining correct posture

Answer 8

• Decreases stress on ligaments
• Prevents strain or overuse problems
• keeps bones and joints in correct alignment so that muscles re being used efficiently.