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Postural and respiratory modulation of autonomic function, pain, and health

Authors:
  • International institute of Holistic Medicine
... 7 Because of this, health care professionals are interested in correction of biomechanical dysfunctions and alterations of upright human posture as a primary focus or goal of care. 8,9 More important, alterations in posture, especially in the sagittal plane, have both direct and indirect effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and its associated structures. [10][11][12][13] There is a large body of literature supporting the hypothesis that the static and dynamic deformations of the spinal column are directly transmitted to the CNS. ...
... This is because altered alignment of upright posture, viewed as rotations and translations in three dimensions, and poor ergonomics are relatively common place among today's patient populations. 5,8,39,40 This review is presented with emphasis on this position. ...
... Spirometric measurements of pulmonary functions such as FVC and FEV are most commonly 1 performed in the sitting position, although the standing position is also well accepted and changes in body position can affect several measurements of pulmonary function. It is well known that FVC and VC values vary with the position of the patient upon 16 examination. The pregnant state can induce various postures depending on the one that is most convenient for the pregnant woman and these postures may vary from trimester to trimester, with the third trimester of pregnancy having the most limited lying down options. ...
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BACKGROUND: the advancing gravid uterus poses a limited lying down posture options in the third trimester. The supine position has been documented to have deleterious cardiovascular effect. This study is aimed at measuring pulmonary function of pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy with some lying down positions viz a viz parity.MATERIALS AND METHOD: It was a cross sectional study carried out at St Philomena's Catholic Hospital. A total of 150 third trimester pregnant subjects in 5 groups of parities with 30 in each group and in different lying down were studied. Spirometric measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were performed in sitting position which served as the control, and the test positions were supine, left lateral and right lateral.RESULT: FVC and FEV1 values of all subjects in all positions studied were significantly lower than the sitting position. However, the FVC and FEV1 of subjects in the lateral positions were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the supine position across parities. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the left lateral position and the right lateral positions. Furthermore there was an increase in FVC and FEV1 of subjects as the parity increases across all lying down position.CONCLUSION: Supine position in the third trimester of pregnancy has a negative effect on pulmonary function and should be discouraged; parity however has a cumulative positive effect on pulmonary function across the postures studied.
... Currently, the evidence conceptualizes pain as the personal experience of a complex process compiling sources of input from joint mechano-receptors and information from the general environment, coupled with previous painful experiences and or memories of a painful event [6]. In fact, evidence has linked pain to posture and supported that moderation or elimination of pain can be achieved through improved posture [7,8]. While this association between pain and postural alignment has been questioned by other studies [9,10], the evidence supporting it is constantly growing [7]. ...
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Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common condition lacking strong diagnostic criteria; these criteria continue to evolve as more and more studies are performed to explore it. This investigation sought to identify whether participants with FMS have more frequent and larger postural/spinal displacements in comparison to a matched control group without the condition of FMS. A total of 67 adults (55 females) out of 380 participants with FMS were recruited. Participants with FMS were sex- and age-matched with 67 asymptomatic participants (controls) without FMS. We used a three-dimensional (3D) postural assessment device (Formetric system) to analyze five posture variables in each participant in both groups: (1) thoracic kyphotic angle, (2) trunk imbalance, (3) trunk inclination, (4) lumbar lordotic angle, and (5) vertebral rotation. In order to determine whether 3D postural measures could predict the likelihood of a participant having FMS, we applied the matched-pairs binary logistic regression analysis. The 3D posture measures identified statistically and clinically significant differences between the FMS and control groups for each of the five posture variables measured (p < 0.001). For three out of five posture measurements assessed, the binary logistic regression identified there was an increased probability of having FMS with an increased: (1) thoracic kyphotic angle proportional odds ratio [Prop OR] = 1.76 (95% CI = 1.03, 3.02); (2) sagittal imbalance Prop OR = 1.54 (95% CI = 0.973, 2.459); and (3) surface rotation Prop OR = 7.9 (95% CI = 1.494, 41.97). We identified no significant probability of having FMS for the following two postural measurements: (1) coronal balance (p = 0.50) and (2) lumbar lordotic angle (p = 0.10). Our study’s findings suggest there is a strong relationship between 3D spinal misalignment and the diagnosis of FMS. In fact, our results support that thoracic kyphotic angle, sagittal imbalance, and surface rotation are predictors of having FMS.
... It also affects cervical range of motion and general cervical kinematic (9,15) . In the literature, there are some studies on that decrease in cervical lordosis or flat cervical alignment and cervical kyphosis can cause cervical degenerative diseases by asymmetric loading (3,10) . At the same time, there are also some authors that claim that existing kyphotic cervical deformity or even loss of some degree cervical lordosis may affect surgical outcomes after posterior cervical approaches for various cervical spine pathologies (13) . ...
... An increase or decrease in physiological cervical lordosis may not necessarily imply an abnormal head position, although there is the expectation of a "straight" cervical spine, for example, being associated with a previously projected head. Moreover, considering that abnormalities in the cervical spine may be associated with pain and impaired range of motion, it is understood that these signs and symptoms could be reversed with improved posture [3,4]. Thus, an initial assessment that considers the position of the cervical spine and head is one of the first steps in the intervention of cervical spine disorders. ...
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Introduction: Alternative testing for X-rays in the assessment of the spine have the advantage of not causing radiation problems, but need to be validated. Objective: To propose a clinical test for assessment of the cervical spine based on the frontal-mental line inclination, identifying its concurrent validity in relation to the gold standard and determining its clinical applicability. Method: The present study was separated into two phases: (1) Test of Frontal-mental Line Inclination’s (TFMLI) validation protocol (evaluation of head position using X-ray analysis and computerized photogrammetry and assessment of cervical curvature using X-ray analysis and the TFMLI) (n = 35); (2) testing the possibility of performing the TFMLI with a universal goniometer (n = 23). Results: In phase 1, for the evaluation of head position, the gold standard and photogrammetry showed high and significant correlation (r = 0.602; p < 0.001). When evaluating cervical curvature, the gold standard and the TFMLI showed high and significant correlation (r = 0.597; p = 0.019). In phase 2, for the evaluation of head position, photogrammetry and goniometry showed high and significant correlation (rs = 0.662; p < 0.001). For the evaluation of cervical curvature, the TFMLI performed with photographs and with goniometry showed almost perfect and significant correlation (r = 0.969; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The TFMLI is suitable for an initial evaluation of the cervical spine posture of individuals with anterior head position and can be applied in clinical practice with the use of a universal goniometer.
... The physiology and sound functioning of the human body are closely related to body posture, which affects and governs everything from breathing to hormone production (1). Correct posture is considered an important indicator of musculoskeletal health, with disorders of this system primarily caused by mechanical stress (2,3). ...
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Introduction: The sitting position routinely used for a wide variety of tasks increases the potential of developing forward head posture, which can seriously compromise the health of different systems in the human body. Objective: A static equilibrium analysis was conducted, comparing the position of the head with the lumbar curve in three different sitting positions. Methods: The approximate force and flexion moment of the head extensor muscles in static equilibrium was calculated in each of the following positions: (A) without a backrest; (B) using a backrest with a 100° tilt angle; (C) using a 100° tilted backrest associated with a cylindrical lumbar support cushion at the level of the L3 vertebra. Results: The C7-tragus angles were 43°, 50° and 52°; Frankfort horizontal plane (FH) angles were 5°, 9° and 9°; force of the head extensor muscles was 53.0N, 59.7N and 43.5N and flexion moments were 2.60Nm, 2.05Nm and 1.78Nm, in positions A, B and C, respectively. Conclusion: The results revealed that the sitting position using a 100° tilted backrest and lumbar support with the smallest L3-tragus horizontal distance required less effort by the head and neck extensor muscles to retain the head in equilibrium. This study demonstrated the need to preserve the
... The effect of posture on health is becoming more evident and Forward neck posture is the common postural problem Forward Neck Posture, is one in which the head is positioned anteriorly and the normal anterior cervical convexity is increased with the apex of the lordotic cervical curve at a considerable distance from the LOG in comparison with optimal posture [1]. Every inch of your neck goes estimating to occur in between 66% to 90% of the population [4][5][6]. ...
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Background: Forward Neck Posture also called as Protracted neck, is one in which the head is positioned anteriorly and the normal anterior cervical convexity is increased with the apex of the lordotic cervical curve at a considerable distance from the LOG in comparison with optimal posture.Nowadays texting may play a significant role in forward neck posture. According to Wellness Centre “It is the repetition of forward head movements combined with poor ergonomic postures and/or trauma that causes the body to adapt to forward head posture. Purpose: To compare effects of deep flexor strengthening exercises and McKenzie neck exercises in subjects with forward neck posture. Materials and Methods: 30 Subjects clinically diagnosed with FNP meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into three groups. Group A received McKenzie neck exercises, Group B received Deep Neck Flexor Strengthening Exercises and both the groups commonly went for pectoralis minor stretching respectively for once daily for a total of 6 sessions. Results: The results suggested that all the outcome measure i.e Forward Neck Posture, flexibility of pectoralis minor and CROM values showed significant differences among both the groups. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the comparison of McKenzie neck Exercises and Deep Neck Flexor Strengthening Exercises revealed no statistically significant differences, However each group showed improvement in cervical range of motion and forward neck posture with increase in the pectoralis minor flexibility.
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Background: Smart handheld devices are nowadays forming a great impact on people's health. The prolonged use of these devices is known to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limb. The aim of this study: was to examine the effect of prolonged usage of tablets on postural alignment in children. Methods: 60 female children, their age ranged from 7 to 10 years, were participated in this study, and they were randomly divided equally into 2 groups according to the total interrupted time spent using the tablets, reported by their parents. Group (1) those who use tablets less than 3hours per day, and group (2) those who use tablets from 3 to 6 hours per day. Assessments and comparisons between the two groups were applied by using the bio photogrammetric postural analysis to measure the Craniovertebral angle (CVA), The Head tilt angle (HTA), Forward Shoulder Angle (FSA), Thoracic kyphotic angle (TKA), Lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) and Pelvic tilt angle (PTA). Results: The findings indicated significant differences between the examined groups regarding the CVA, HTA, FSA,TKA, while there were no significant differences could be recorded relative to LLA and PTA. Conclusion: Prolonged sitting posture for children who use tablets can produce postural alignment changes such as FHP, rounded shoulders and increased kyphosis with predicted other spinal changes at lumbar and pelvic regions and associated forward musculoskeletal disorders.
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Background: Smart handheld devices are nowadays forming a great impact on people's health. The prolonged use of these devices is known to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limb. The aim of this study: was to examine the effect of prolonged usage of tablets on postural alignment in children. Methods: 60 female children, their age ranged from 7 to 10 years, were participated in this study, and they were randomly divided equally into 2 groups according to the total interrupted time spent using the tablets, reported by their parents. Group (1) those who use tablets less than 3hours per day, and group (2) those who use tablets from 3 to 6 hours per day. Assessments and comparisons between the two groups were applied by using the bio photogrammetric postural analysis to measure the Craniovertebral angle (CVA), The Head tilt angle (HTA), Forward Shoulder Angle (FSA), Thoracic kyphotic angle (TKA), Lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) and Pelvic tilt angle (PTA). Results: The findings indicated significant differences between the examined groups regarding the CVA, HTA, FSA,TKA, while there were no significant differences could be recorded relative to LLA and PTA. Conclusion: Prolonged sitting posture for children who use tablets can produce postural alignment changes such as FHP, rounded shoulders and increased kyphosis with predicted other spinal changes at lumbar and pelvic regions and associated forward musculoskeletal disorders.
Article
Full-text available
Background: Smart handheld devices are nowadays forming a great impact on people’s health. The prolonged use of these devices is known to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limb. The aim of this study: was to examine the effect of prolonged usage of tablets on postural alignment in children.Methods: 60 female children, their age ranged from 7 to 10 years, were participated in this study, and they were randomly divided equally into 2 groups according to the total interrupted time spent using the tablets, reported by their parents. Group (1) those who use tablets less than 3hours per day, and group (2) those who use tablets from 3 to 6 hours per day. Assessments and comparisons between the two groups were applied by using the bio photogrammetric postural analysis to measure the Craniovertebral angle (CVA), The Head tilt angle (HTA), Forward Shoulder Angle (FSA), Thoracic kyphotic angle (TKA), Lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) and Pelvic tilt angle (PTA).Results:The findings indicated significant differences between the examined groups regarding the CVA, HTA, FSA,TKA, while there were no significant differences could be recorded relative to LLA and PTA. Conclusion:Prolonged sitting posture for children who use tablets can produce postural alignment changes such as FHP, rounded shoulders and increased kyphosis with predicted other spinal changes at lumbar and pelvic regions and associated forward musculoskeletal disorders.
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