Mel wrote:
>SOLUTIONS?
>
>Is it not possible that no posture which deviates moderately from the
'norm'
>really will cause any problems provided that it is not held for too long or
>subjected to prolonged or excessive loading in any given direction?
>So, if we move around regularly from one posture to another, no matter how
>poor each may appear to be, are we not then minimising the occurrence of
any
>dysfunction - as long as we don't load the spine excessively or hold the
same
>posture for too long in any one state? Is it only when we forget to shift
>around regularly in seated and other positions that problems begin to
emerge?
>Is the prevalence of back pain and dysfunction more a consequence of lack
of
>adequate postural variation than any single 'correct' posture?
>
>Though our models of optimal spinal functioning may well be quite
accurate,
>is it that essential to implement them so precisely, when regular shifting
>from one position to another may tend to offset most of the alleged risks
of
>imprecise spinal usage? Does this then imply that many of the popular
>therapies and methods of spinal use and rehabilitation are unduly
prescriptive
>and in many cases, redundant?
Michael writes:
Very thought provoking Mel. One thing we need to be wary of is
"the tyranny of the OR" -- ie people often want to know, is it
this factor OR is it that factor, when it could possibly be factor A
AND factor B (and C and D ...). I think you're very close to the mark
with your "postural variation" comments however. We all know how
important regular movement is for the spinal structures. The question
is then, how can therapists influence this postural variation factor
in their patients? Supervision isn't feasible. Reminders and posters
etc lose their effect after a short time. Posture education can be in
one ear and out the other.
This question is what lead to the development of the "Move-It Reminder"
function in the posture monitoring device we've been developing over
the past few years. The small curvature sensing device can detect
when the wearer's posture (eg lumbar curvature in the sagittal plane)
has remained relatively unchanged for a certain period of time
(eg 20 minutes). When it detects this lack of postural variety, a vibration
is emitted onto the wearer's skin as a Move-It Reminder -- eg if they've
been sitting for some time, it's then time to go for a brief walk or perform
some gentle movements or stretches (as prescribed by their therapist).
With sedentary lifestyles and occupations becoming more prevalent
we believe this simple function could have a positive effect on wearer's
back pain levels.
To date however, the research trials have focused on the device's other
function (which focuses on "postural control" training) so we don't yet have
any data yet on the effect of the Move-It Reminders. That will come.
In short, I think two important factors are postural variation AND postural
control (and other factors of course). Certainly, the ideal situation is
for people to vary their posture throughout the day, but the reality of
many of our occupations and modes of transport means we sit for
long periods. Therefore, I agree that (a) people need to take regular
"posture breaks", but also that (b) in between these breaks, the
"usual posture" should be one that's away from end-range (in that fuzzy
"neutral" region).
Looking forward to more discussion on this topic.
Regards
Michael
~~~
Michael Carter
Spinal Sensor Technologies
~~~
Real-time Posture Training Technology:
Turning techniques into habits.
~~~
E-mail [log in to unmask]
Web site www.spinalsensor.com
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