Static posture assessments are typically performed by a fitness professional. However they can be done at home on your own with the help of a friend or a device that you can use to record your movements. Static posture assessments consist of observing the body in an anatomical position from different angles.
To perform a static posture assessment you should be standing erect, relaxed, arms to your side, palms facing forward and fingers pointing down. When observing the body there are various checkpoints one should be cognizant of. Each checkpoint should be viewed from the front, side and rear. The assessment checkpoints and ideal positions per view are:
- Foot, Ankle
- Front: Straight ahead, parallel, not flat or rotated.
- Side: Neutral position at a right angle to the sole of foot.
- Rear: Straight, parallel not overly turned inward.
- Knee
- Front: Inline with toes not turned inward or outward.
- Side: Neutral position not flexed or hyperextended.
- Rear: Neutral position not turned inward or outward.
- Lumbo Pelvic Hip Complex
- Front: Pelvis level with anterior superior iliac spine even.
- Side: Neutral position not tilted forward or backward.
- Rear: Pelvis level with anterior superior iliac spine even.
- Shoulders
- Front: Level, not elevated or rounded forward.
- Side: Normal curve, no excessive roundness.
- Posterior: Level, not elevated or protruding.
- Head, spine
- Front: Neutral position not tilted or rotated.
- Side: Neutral position not protruding forward.
- Rear: Neutral position not tilted or rotated.
