Introduction
The posture assessment evaluates alignment, balance, and movement mechanics to identify postural deviations and compensations. It is essential for detecting musculoskeletal imbalances that may affect performance and increase injury risk.
Location: This feature is found in the “Assessments” view, from the record tab. The assessment is located in the “Functional Movements” category.
Purpose and Functionality
This assessment is used to evaluate the static and dynamic alignment of the head, shoulders, trunk, hips, knees, and feet. It provides insights into compensatory patterns, joint dysfunctions, and muscle imbalances that could hinder performance or cause pain.
What It Evaluates
Anterior-Posterior Head Tilt: This movement is assessed by analyzing the alignment of the head relative to the spine. Forward tilt (anterior) indicates cervical flexion, often associated with tight neck flexors or weak neck extensors. Backward tilt (posterior) may suggest overactive neck extensors or weak flexors.
Lateral Head Tilt: The position of the head relative to the shoulders is observed to determine if it tilts left or right. Asymmetry in alignment can indicate neck muscle imbalance or spinal misalignment.
Forward Head: This assesses whether the head translates forward in front of the shoulders, a common sign of poor posture that places strain on the neck and upper back.
Neck Rotation: The degree to which the head rotates left or right is measured. This identifies imbalances or restrictions in the neck muscles or cervical spine that can affect symmetry and mobility.
Shoulder Alignment: This evaluates whether one shoulder is higher, lower, or rotated compared to the other, revealing muscular imbalance or structural asymmetry.
Trunk Posture & Alignment: The trunk is analyzed for forward, backward, or lateral lean. Proper alignment indicates a neutral spine, while deviation suggests core weakness or compensation in the hips or back.
Hip Alignment: The symmetry of the hips is checked to determine if one side is elevated. Imbalance here can indicate pelvic asymmetry, muscle imbalance, or spinal compensation.
Knee Alignment: Knees are analyzed for even height and neutral flexion. Misalignment may suggest tightness or weakness in surrounding muscles or compensatory lower-body mechanics.
Feet Alignment: Observes whether feet point forward or rotate asymmetrically. Uneven rotation suggests postural imbalance or compensatory lower-limb mechanics.
Scoring the Overhead Squat
The overhead squat is scored on a scale of 0-100%, with each component weighted based on its importance in the overall movement. Below are the components evaluated:
Anterior-Posterior Head Tilt
Anterior-posterior head tilt measures forward or backward head tilt relative to the shoulders. Misalignment here may indicate poor posture, cervical spine imbalance, or muscle dysfunction.
Scoring:
Forward Head
This measures forward translation of the head in front of the shoulders. It places strain on neck muscles and indicates poor cervical spine posture.
Scoring:
Lateral Head Tilt
This evaluates side-to-side head tilt, indicating asymmetries in neck musculature and postural control.
Scoring:
Neck Rotation
Assesses left-right cervical rotation. Limited or asymmetric rotation may indicate joint or muscular restriction in the cervical spine.
Scoring:
Shoulder Alignment
Evaluates levelness and symmetry of the shoulders. Shoulder elevation or depression can indicate muscle imbalance or postural dysfunction.
Scoring:
Trunk Alignment
Analyzes trunk alignment in both sagittal and frontal planes. Deviation indicates poor core control or postural compensation.
Scoring:
Hip Alignment
Measures symmetry of hip position relative to horizontal. Uneven hips can result from pelvic tilt, scoliosis, or muscular imbalance.
Scoring:
Knee Alignment
Evaluates whether knees align with the hips and ankles. Poor alignment suggests valgus/varus stress or muscular imbalance.
Scoring:
Feet Alignment
Observes foot rotation from midline. Asymmetry here often reflects lower limb compensation or mobility restriction.
