ANSWERS (Graded A+)
What are the consequences of faulty posture?
· Pain
· Mood (depressed hunched over)
· Impingement syndromes
· Breathing issues (especially those with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, etc)
· Slumped-everything gets cramped(shoulder - lots of anatomical structures (veins,
blood, bones, bursa, muscles, etc.) crowded area, improving posture allows for space
so structures aren't constantly beat up)
· Basic functions are dramatically impaired with bad posture (swallowing, breathing, etc)
-increased risk of injury
-curved spine, pinched nerves
What are the benefits of postural correction?
· Less pain
· Better mood
· Better breathing, circulation
· increase confidence and productivity
· Concentration
*least amount of strain*
Be able to differentiate between different postures and common causes.
,Most of the time, bad posture is a learned behavior.
How do you establish a neutral spine position?
The midpoint between the anterior and posterior pelvic tilt
Be able to prescribe postural correction and exercises for a patient.
- develop awareness and control of spinal posture- educate patient about the
relationship between poor posture and symptoms- increase mobility in restricted
muscles, joints, and fascia- develop neurotransmitter control, strength, and endurance-
teach safe body mechanics- ergonomic assessment of home, work, and recreational
environments- stress management- identify safe aerobic activities- promote healthy
exercise habits for self maintenance-use cues/reminders to help break (mirrors, post-its,
technology, alarms, etc)
What verbal and visual cues can be utilized to correct a patient's posture?
- "sit up nice and tall",- shoulders back- "pretend there is an imaginary string the top of
your head pulling you up"
How does the UPRIGHT GO 2 work to improve a patient's posture?
Detects poor posture and vibrates = biofeedback via sensory inputalerts the patient
when they go into poor posture by giving them a little vibration
What role do postural supports, bracing or taping play in correcting posture?
· Thoracic lumbar brace= keeps compressed, then when pain subsides, gradually eased
off-taping= facilitates muscle activation but as soon as becomes more active, take away
so body can do it on its own*****Active strengthening= always preferred
How does posture relate to correct body mechanics?
- proper body alignment and positioning
,- hold object close to body (box, patient’s limb, etc.)
- use stronger muscles to perform the action
- use equipment when possible
- manipulate the environment as needed (raise bed height, remove wheelchair arm,
etc.)
- be mindful of back position
- use your legs and hinge hips (keep back straight, tighten stomach and buttocks
muscles)
-tell patient what you are going to do to avoid surprise or sudden movements
•Pay attention to safety at all times
•Avoid bad habits
****Let the patient help if appropriate!
Be aware of general principles related to proper body mechanics.
- proper body alignment and positioning
- hold object close to body (box, patient’s limb, etc.)
- use stronger muscles to perform the action
- use equipment when possible
- manipulate the environment as needed (raise bed height, remove wheelchair arm,
etc.)
- be mindful of back position
- use your legs and hinge hips (keep back straight, tighten stomach and buttocks
muscles)
-tell patient what you are going to do to avoid surprise or sudden movements
, •Pay attention to safety at all times
•Avoid bad habits
****Let the patient help if appropriate!
A 78 year old patient had a fall at home two weeks ago. She has been referred to
physical therapy for balance training. Which of the following activities would be
the MOST challenging for your patient?
-performing standing weight shifting and stepping with therapist supervision
-standing in the parallel bars performing postural correction with the mirror
-sitting on mat table, having patient catch and throw a ball
-sitting on mat table, static balance challenges with perturbations
performing standing weight shifting and stepping with therapist supervision
Upon examination, the physical therapist notes that the patient demonstrates a
significant forward head posture. Which of the following activities would be the
best suited to correct the forward head positioning?
-have the patient contract the transverse abdominis
-have the patient identify neutral spine position