Figure 5.35 (A–D) Progression of trunk stabilizer exercises. The patient is challenged to advance from less difficult recruitment of deep stabilizers to more difficult recruitment of the deep stabilizers and the superficial primary trunk extensors.
A
B
Figure 5.36 (A) In a slumped posture, the line of gravity related to body weight is anterior to the spine. The head and neck are in a forward head or protruded position. The lumbar and thoracic spine have an increased kyphotic posture. (B) The line of gravity moves back over the support of the spine when the head and neck are retracted and the lumbar lordosis assumes a more normal position.
cervical extension and occipital fl exion (Fig. 5.36B) and using a lumbar support for adequate lumbar lordosis, the line of gravity related to body weight is moved back into alignment with the vertebral spine.
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CHAPTER SUMMARY
The vertebral spine supports the human body in the upright position and provides a stable base on which the upper and lower extremities move and a means for moving the head and trunk during functional activities. The spine also serves as a protective central encasement
