What is posture?
Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. In the case of the robustness of the necessary mechanisms in our body, the correct posture can be obtained and sustained.
Why is the good posture important?
Good posture helps us to stand in positions that put minimal pressure on the supporting muscles and ligaments during physical activities. Many muscle groups, including large trunk muscles, neck muscles, and leg muscles, are critical to achieving correct posture. Bonds help keep the skeleton together, and when the postural muscles work properly, it prevents gravitational forces from pushing us forward. The postural muscles also provide movement efficiency and durability while maintaining endurance and stability during movement. A good posture is a good measure for the health of our spine.
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It helps to keep the bones and joints in correct alignment, so that balanced weight transfer efficiency can be obtained in children’ developing muscles and backbones.
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Reduces stress on ligaments holding the spine joints together, minimizing the possibility of injury.
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It allows the muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to do more work with less energy. This prevents muscle fatigue.
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Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.
What are the consequences of bad posture?
Children often stay in non-ergonomic positions, such as long-term sitting, heavy backpack transport. The bones are not precisely aligned and the muscles, joints and ligaments are forced more than normal. This may cause weakness, muscle tension, and muscle pain. Children may have problems in the scapula position. Spinal health can be adversely affected and may cause problems such as increasing the kyphosis and lordosisin the spine, as well as long-term problems such as scoliosis which are difficult to correct in time.
How should a good posture be?
Posture can be evaluated with front, side and back view. The head should be in the midline, the shoulder levels should be equal and the angle of the arms with the trunk should be similar on both sides. The hip levels should be equal, the knees are flat and the knee caps indicate the front side. Increased or decreased natural curvature of the neck and waist is a sign of poor posture.
Sena Teber, PT, MSc.
