STATIC POSTURE REPRESENTS THE ALIGNMENT OF THE BODY’S SEGMENTS, OR how the person holds him- or herself “statically” or “isometrically” in space (Figure 7-1). Holding a proper postural position involves the actions of multiple postural muscles, which are generally the deeper muscles that contain greater concentrations of type I muscle fibers and function to hold static positions or low-grade isometric contractions for extended periods. Good posture or structural integrity is defined as that state of musculoskeletal alignment and balance that allows muscles, joints, and nerves to function efficiently (Kendall et al., 2005). However, if a client exhibits deviations in his or her static position from good posture, this may reflect muscle- endurance issues in the postural muscles and/or potential imbalance at the joints (Tables 7-1 through 7-3 and Figure 7-2). Movement begins from a position of static posture. Therefore, the presence of poor posture is a good indicator that movement
Table 7-1
Muscle Imbalances Associated With Kyphosis-lordosis Posture Facilitated/Hypertonic (Shortened) Hip flexors
