National Pilates Certification Program - Study
Guide - ASSESSMENT FACTORS
Static Assessment
maintenance of the most optimal alignment available to the client during exercise will
decrease the probability of injury and result in improved activities of daily life. In order
to determine the "optimal alignment" for an individual, a static assessment is
imperative. By understanding what the "ideal" looks like, the teacher is able to readily
identify deviations and design an appropriate program for the client.
Lordosis
kyphosis
flat back
hyperlordosis
sway back
scoliosis
valgus
varus
Postural Patterns
Lordosis
Anterior curves in the cervical and lumbar spines
kyphosis
posterior curves in the thoracic and sacral regions of the spine.
flat back
, decreased lumbosacral angle, decreased lumbar lordosis, hip extension and posterior tilt
of pelvis.
hyperlordosis
anterior tilt of the pelvis and increased lumbar lordosis
sway back
anterior shift of pelvis, hip extension, posterior shift of thorax, increased lumbar
lordosis, increased lumbar lordosis, increased thoracic hypnosis and forward head.
scoliosis
a three-dimensional condition where the spine deviates laterally and is defined by a
Cobb angle measurement of 10 degrees or more. Scholiosis can cause fixed rotation on
side-bending of the vertebrae, unloved pelvis, unloved shoulders, rib prominence and
other body asymmetries
valgus
outward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint
varus
inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint.
Ideal standing posture is achieved by aligning the following landmarks: the ear, the
center of the shoulder, the greater trochanter, the knee and the front of the ankle.
Viewed from the side, this alignment displays a straight line from earlobe to shoulder
to just behind the hip to the front of the knee and ankles.
Plumbline Postural Assessment
Proximal
Guide - ASSESSMENT FACTORS
Static Assessment
maintenance of the most optimal alignment available to the client during exercise will
decrease the probability of injury and result in improved activities of daily life. In order
to determine the "optimal alignment" for an individual, a static assessment is
imperative. By understanding what the "ideal" looks like, the teacher is able to readily
identify deviations and design an appropriate program for the client.
Lordosis
kyphosis
flat back
hyperlordosis
sway back
scoliosis
valgus
varus
Postural Patterns
Lordosis
Anterior curves in the cervical and lumbar spines
kyphosis
posterior curves in the thoracic and sacral regions of the spine.
flat back
, decreased lumbosacral angle, decreased lumbar lordosis, hip extension and posterior tilt
of pelvis.
hyperlordosis
anterior tilt of the pelvis and increased lumbar lordosis
sway back
anterior shift of pelvis, hip extension, posterior shift of thorax, increased lumbar
lordosis, increased lumbar lordosis, increased thoracic hypnosis and forward head.
scoliosis
a three-dimensional condition where the spine deviates laterally and is defined by a
Cobb angle measurement of 10 degrees or more. Scholiosis can cause fixed rotation on
side-bending of the vertebrae, unloved pelvis, unloved shoulders, rib prominence and
other body asymmetries
valgus
outward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint
varus
inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint.
Ideal standing posture is achieved by aligning the following landmarks: the ear, the
center of the shoulder, the greater trochanter, the knee and the front of the ankle.
Viewed from the side, this alignment displays a straight line from earlobe to shoulder
to just behind the hip to the front of the knee and ankles.
Plumbline Postural Assessment
Proximal
