Chapter-1 : Introduction to Posture.




Introduction to posture:

Posture is a state or attitude attained by the body either during work or during rest. How a person is standing, sitting or even lying is determined by the posture adapted by the individual. But in all the above mentioned situations the person’s body is at rest. Postures attained during a movement or a series of movements also depends on the action of group of muscles helping the body to attain such rapidly changing positions along with stability. The simplest example can be of walking, the mechanism of gait is governed by several small portions of movements making up a chain of movements called as gait. Let’s have a deeper look at what is the difference between these types of postures.

Types of postures:

Postures can be broadly classified into two types:

1.Active postures:

The posture assumed by the body when the person is active. Meaning, that the body’s muscles are at work and are contracting to keep the body stable and to achieve the desired position. Active postures can be further classified into two categories:

a.   Static posture: the position which is attained by the body with the help of co-ordination of a group of muscles to keep a body in a static position. The muscles in such positions are working to stabilize the joints and to provide stability to the body against gravity. For example while in erect position, the co-contraction of muscles is working to keep the body stable and erect against gravity in equilibrium in its own position without any movement. 

b.   Dynamic posture: the posture attained by the body during movement or a group of movements. The muscles in this type of active postures are struggling to keep up with the changing patterns of movement while still keeping the body stable.


2.   Inactive postures:

These postures are acquired when the muscular activity is required to be minimum or negligible. In this situation, the demands on the muscles by the circulatory and respiratory system becomes minimal. And as a result, less work done by the heart and more relaxed breathing. This is the most relaxed position of the body where work done by the muscles is minimum.






References:


The principles of Exercise Therapy, Dena Gardiner, fourth edition.




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