Nivelasento

Nivelasento is a concept used in biomechanics and occupational ergonomics to describe the spatial configuration of a body segment, combining its vertical position with its angular orientation. The term is formed from elements meaning level or height (nivel) and posture or position (asento), and is used to discuss how a limb or torso is positioned relative to gravity and the reference plane.

Conceptually, nivelasento captures two aspects of posture: the vertical level of a segment (how high or low it is) and the joint angle (the degree of flexion, extension, abduction, or rotation). In practice, it can be treated as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional descriptor depending on the body region and analysis framework.

Measurement typically involves motion capture data, inertial measurement units, electrogoniometers, or photographic analysis to determine joint angles and segment heights relative to a baseline posture. Analyses may express nivelasento as an index or set of coordinates, suitable for comparison across time, tasks, or individuals.

Applications include clinical rehabilitation, ergonomic design, sports science, and prosthetics, where precise characterization of posture is needed to assess risk of strain, optimize task layouts, or track progress during therapy.

Related concepts include joint angle, posture, alignment, range of motion, and sagittal or frontal plane analysis. The term's usage and definition can vary between languages and disciplines; it remains a descriptive descriptor rather than a fixed metric in standard medical practice.