Postures

Posture refers to the position and alignment of the body's segments in relation to gravity and to each other. It describes how a person holds their head, trunk, pelvis, and limbs and can refer to both static positions and movement through space.

Postures are typically categorized as static (held for a period) or dynamic (maintained during movement). Neutral postures are those in which joints are well aligned and muscles are balanced; poor postures involve misalignment or excessive strain on muscles, ligaments, or joints.

A variety of factors influence posture, including anatomy, neuromuscular control, proprioception, fatigue, vision, pain, and external factors such as seating, footwear, or workstation design.

Common postures include standing, sitting, and lying down. For standing, alignment generally favors a tall spine with the head over the shoulders and the pelvis in a neutral position, with weight distributed evenly through both feet. For sitting, a chair that supports the lower back, feet flat, knees at about hip height, and hips at roughly a 90-degree angle is commonly advised, along with periodic movement to reduce stiffness.

Health implications: Chronic poor posture has been linked with musculoskeletal discomfort, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back, and can influence breathing, digestion, and range of motion.

Assessment and improvement: Posture can be monitored by self-observation or professional evaluation. Improvements often involve ergonomic adjustments, regular movement breaks, and targeted exercises to strengthen the back, core, and shoulder blades, along with stretches for chest and hip flexors and mindful alignment during daily tasks.