Comparing anterior postural alignment between standing and supine positions, in healthy young adults, through photographic measurements

Alon Siegler¹, Chaim G. Pick1,2, Been Ella1,3
¹ Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty
 of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.
² Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Chair in Addiction   Biology, Tel Aviv University.
³ Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health    Professions, Ono Academic College.

Abstract
Background: Posture represents body segments position in space, at a given point in time. Correct static posture in the frontal plane is considered to be symmetrical. In addition, gravity plays an important role as an extraneous factor. It was shown that when changing the position of patients with scoliosis, from standing to supine, the scoliosis curves were corrected spontaneously up to 30%. Nevertheless, the influence of changing body position from standing to supine position, on the anterior postural alignment of healthy subjects has not been tested yet.

Objective: Comparing the anterior postural alignment of the body segments between standing and supine position and the degree of asymmetry in healthy young adults.

Population and Methods: The research was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine in Tel Aviv University. Thirty-four healthy participants were evaluated in standing and supine positions using photogrammetric method. Seven postural variables were analyzed using the software SAPO. Paired T-test was used to compare the two positions.

Results: The results demonstrated that in the supine position, the degree of asymmetry for the head (P < .02) increased. However, the upper trunk showed an increased degree of symmetry (P < .02) in supine position compared to the standing position.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that the supine position improves trunk symmetrical alignment. Our results support recent studies on scoliotic patients. These results might have clinical implications for treating asymmetric patients. To better understand the effect of gravity and body position on asymmetrical postural alignment, more studies are needed.

Key words: Posture Evaluation, Photogrammetric Method, Supine, Asymmetry.