FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS: POSTURE, MOVEMENT, CORE, BALANCE, AND FLEXIBILITY
CHAPTER 7
line with the AC joint, and observe its position relative to the ear (Figure 7-18) (Price, 2010). A forward-head position represents tightness in the cervical extensors and lengthening of the cervical flexors. To demonstrate this point, a trainer can place one thumb on his or her manubrium (top of the sternum) and the index finger of the same hand on the chin. Slowly slide the head forward and observe how the spacing between the fingers increases, representing the change in muscle length. An alternative option for observing forward-head position is via the alignment of the cheek bone and the collarbone. With good posture, they should almost be in vertical alignment with each other. To demonstrate this point, have a client place one finger on his or her collar bone (aligned under the cheek) and place another finger on the cheek bone (aligned under the eye) as illustrated in Figure 7-19 (Price, 2010). From the sagittal plane, the trainer can observe the vertical alignment of the two fingers.
Figure 7-18 Alignment of the acromioclavicular joint with the ear
Good posture
Forward-head position
Figure 7-19 Alignment of the collar bone and cheek bone
Good posture
Forward-head position
POSTURAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST AND WORKSHEETS When performing basic postural assessments, trainers can use the checklist provided in
Figure 7-20 to guide themselves through their observations, and complete the worksheets provided in Figures 7-21 and 7-22 to mark any postural compensations they identify.
