I don't think it is as simple as that. Granted, movement and changes in
posture is important and advocated by all sensible therapists. However,
depending on the amount of deviation, biomechanical abnormalities may occur
which will/may contribute to back pain. for example, elite athletes do not
keep still for long but many have back problems and when analysed ,
generally point to a biomechanical problem caused by poor musculature or
movement.
I have many clients who have back pain throughout the day while they are
working (moving regularly) yet are OK at night when they get home and rest
(keep still)!
Mechanical devices which remind you to move don't necessarily remind you to
move correctly. Remember, practice makes permanent only perfect practice
makes perfect
Anna
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Carter <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, 1 September 1998 17:31
Subject: Re: SPINAL PARADOX (PP119)
>
>
>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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