

FAQs About Posture

Jul 01, 2011

Fitness Handout

Posture is an important consideration in all activities of daily living (e.g., walking, lifting objects and driving). Keeping good posture can make a difference to the long-term health of your spine. Many postural problems are detectable at early stages, regardless of age. If not corrected, these issues will become more pronounced.

Get answers to common questions about posture from Kenneth Fowler, who recently completed his degree in exercise science at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque (UNM), and Len Kravitz, PhD, UNM researcher and program coordinator of exercise science.

1. What is posture?
Posture is a state of skeletal and muscular balance and alignment that protects the supporting structures of your body from progressive deformity and injury (Britnell et al. 2005). Whether you are erect, lying, squatting or stooping, good posture allows your muscles to function with maximum efficiency. With good standing posture your body’s joints are in a state of equilibrium with the least amount of physical energy being used to maintain this upright position (Kritz & Cronin 2008).

2. What is a posture muscle?
Posture muscles help to fix or stabilize a joint; they prevent movement, while other muscles create movement. They are composed of muscle fibers that have a particular capacity for prolonged work. For instance, as you lean forward slightly to walk up stairs (the movement), the posture muscles surrounding the spine help to prevent the upper body from falling too far forward.

3. Does poor posture affect a person’s psychological health?
Yes. People with poor posture are more likely to have poor self-image and less self-confidence (Watson & MacDonncha 2000).

4. What are the natural curves in a healthy spine?
The low back (lumbar spine) curves inward (toward the anterior part of the body) and is called the lordotic curve. The middle back (thoracic spine) is curved outward (posterior to the body). The neck (cervical spine) curves slightly forward or inward and thus has a lordotic curve.

5. What is “neutral spine”?

6. What are neuromuscular control exercises for the spine?
Exercise programs that are designed for musculoskeletal injury prevention involve neuromuscular control components (Akuthota & Nadler 2004). These programs involve joint stability exercises, balance training, proprioceptive training, plyometric exercises and skill-specific training. They provide multiple stimuli to improve the body’s neuromuscular control mechanisms.

Yes. A study found that the best predictor of future fall risk in people aged 62–96 was deficiency in lateral posture stability (Maki, Holliday & Topper 1994). Lateral stability exercises can help older adults prevent falls.




Akuthota, V., & Nadler, S.F. 2004. Core strengthening. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85 (3) (Supp. 1), S86–92.

Britnell, S.J., et al. 2005. Postural health in women: The role of physiotherapy. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 27 (5), 493–500.

Kritz, M.F., & Cronin, J. 2008. Static posture assessment screen of athletes: Benefits and considerations. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 30 (5), 18–27.

Maki, B.E., Holliday, P.J., & Topper, A.K. 1994. A prospective study of postural balance and risk of falling in an ambulatory and independent elderly population. Journal of Gerontology, 49 (2), M72–84.

Watson, A.W.S., & MacDonncha, C. 2000. A reliable technique for the assessment of posture: Assessment criteria for aspects of posture. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 40 (3), 260-70.

IDEA Fitness Journal, Volume 8, Issue 7

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