Biomechanical assessment of human posture: a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Postural deviations have been linked to a series of different kinds of pain and dysfunction. However, posture is not an easy subject to study, mainly because postural assessments are still scientifically inaccurate, such as photography, or expensive, such as MRI, whereas others, such as X-ray, involve radiation problems. The aim of this literature review was to search for new scientific methods for assessing posture and to discuss which among both new and old methods are best for scientific and clinical objectives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Medline and Lilacs databases were searched for the period 2003 to 2013 with the use of the following keywords: "posture" and "postural." RESULTS: A total of 452 articles that assessed posture in some way were found. Twenty-two articles were selected, and 11 relevant types of technologies were described. DISCUSSION: The relevant technologies discussed were force plate; pictures; goniometers, inclinometers, tape, and other devices; 3D analysis; 3D X-ray; sensors; electromyography; Kinect; magnetic resonance imaging; 4D computed tomography; and infrared. CONCLUSION: There is enough technology to make a very good quantitative evaluation possible. For example, the 3D MRI or the 4D CT can register static and dynamic posture. Other cheaper solutions may use combined and synchronized equipments. However, these synchronizations still require validation.

A review of the utilization of baropodometry in postural assessment.

Postural deviations have been linked to a series of different kinds of pain and dysfunction. Since the human foot is the basis of support and propulsion for gait, and baropodometric analysis assesses dysfunctions of the feet, it may be valuable in terms of postural assessment. Therefore, the aim of this literature review was to investigate which studies have used this baropodometric equipment and how the equipment was used, as well as to discuss the scientific problems and solutions associated with the study and clinical practice of baropodometry. Twenty-eight of the 48 articles found in the Pubmed and Lilacs databases were used. The baropodometer has the potential to provide excellent research in the postural field and related areas. However, baropodometry requires standardization and an improved calibration system. Further significant scientific papers, using properly calibrated equipment, are important in order to improve the quality of the technique and display evidence of its clinical and scientific value.

Photographic analysis of human posture: a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The study of posture is not an easy task, mainly because postural assessment is still scientifically inaccurate. Photographs of bipedalism in the frontal and sagittal planes are one of the most widely used methods for this assessment. The aim of this literature review was to determine which anatomical markers authors of scientific papers have taken to minimize the chances of error in measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Medline and Lilacs databases were searched for the period from 2002 to 2012, with the following keywords: "postura"; "posture" and "postural." DISCUSSION: A number of studies have shown a reasonable correlation between radiographic measurements and the placement of markers. It appears possible to use photography as a form of scientific assessment since the anatomical landmarks are well chosen. CONCLUSION: The markers that were suggested in this review: malleolus; posterior calcaneal tuberosity; fibular head; tibial tuberosity; greater trochanter of the femur; anterior angle and/or posterior lateral edge of the acromion; spinous processes (particularly C7); inferior angle of the scapula; sternum manubrium; mental protuberance; and the intertragic notch. Iliac spines, both anterior superior and posterior superior, should only be used with lean subjects.

The immediate effects of modified Yoga positions on musculoskeletal pain relief.

Many musculoskeletal pains are related to poor posture. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of a single session of two modified Yoga positions with 110 subjects and their 147 pain-related complaints. The participants were divided into two groups: The Yoga Group, which received treatment of two 20-min postures and the Control Group, which received a placebo treatment of 15 min with a turned off ultrasound. All volunteers experienced some pain before treatment and were assessed before and after treatment using the analog pain scale. A score of 0 indicated no pain whereas 10 was the maximum degree of pain on the scale. The difference before and after treatment was compared between the groups with a p-value of 0.0001, as measured by the Student's t-test. It is possible to conclude that one therapy session is effective in the treatment of various musculoskeletal problems.

Can sadness alter posture?

The present study investigated the existence of a relationship between subjective sadness and body posture in 28 women, aged between 20 and 39 years, who had a normal body mass indices (or were underweight) and an absence of neurological, psychiatric or musculoskeletal disorders. The postural parameter photographed was protraction of the shoulder. The degree of sadness was rated by analog scales representing current and usual sadness. The results indicated that a relationship exists between protraction of the shoulder and usual sadness (p = 0.05). However, there was no relationship between current sadness and the shoulder position. In conclusion, the usual sadness can lead to shoulder protraction.