Postural assessment

A postural assessment is a visual check of a client’s alignment to identify limitations or imbalances that could interfere with training.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 250.} Like a movement screen, it’s mostly qualitative and depends on the trainer’s anatomy knowledge and experience.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 250.} A traditional static assessment uses a plumb line, a weighted string hung in front of a postural grid to provide a vertical reference.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 250.}

From the side, the line should pass through the earlobe and just in front of the outer ankle bone.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 250.} From the front, it should pass through the midline of the nose and sternum and the navel; from behind, it should bisect the sacrum and fall midway between the heels.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 250.} Common findings include forward head posture, kyphosis, anterior or posterior pelvic tilt and hyperextended knees.^{2Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 254.} The IPTA textbook groups faults into three patterns: pronation distortion syndrome, lower crossed syndrome and upper crossed syndrome.^{3International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 163.}

In practice

• If a client is posing, have them march in place for 10 to 20 seconds, then relax into their usual stance.^{4International Sports Sciences Association, Strength and Conditioning, p. 190.}
• Spend no more than 20 to 30 seconds on each of four views, checking the head and neck, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.^{4International Sports Sciences Association, Strength and Conditioning, p. 190.}
• Look for deviations that could hurt performance or cause or worsen an injury, rather than seeking perfect posture.^{4International Sports Sciences Association, Strength and Conditioning, p. 190.}
• Results are subjective and can’t be quantified; use them as clues to tight or lengthened muscles that need further flexibility testing.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 250.},^{5International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 161.}