40132 - NEW TRENDS IN POSTURE EVALUATION AND TREATMENT

Subject type: Optional

Coordinator: Marc Terradellas Fernández

Trimester: First term

Credits: 4

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 4

• Catalan

Balanced body posture consists of the alignment of the body with neuromuscular and biomechanical efficiency, which reduces the stress and overloads exerted on the support system, due to the effects of gravity. Postural control and proprioceptive and sensorimotor capacities are an essential part of functional posture and movement. Postural and movement function play a relevant role in the physical and emotional well-being of people. Dysfunctions of posture and functional movement are a risk factor in musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

As contemplated in the guidelines set by the American Medical Association, postural assessment should be part of the usual procedure in the analysis of our patients. It is common in the clinical field to perform visual assessments of posture (visual inspection) knowing that both intra- and inter-observer reliability are usually low. Thanks to the development of new technologies in the field of health, physical activity and sport, we have economic and easy-to-apply systems to evaluate body position in an objective and reliable way.

The physiotherapist must have the knowledge to assess posture in order to detect clinically significant imbalances and propose a treatment plan based on clinical reasoning. In this sense, postural reeducation based on the rebalancing of the myofascial and articular chains is indicated for the treatment of pathologies associated with postural and movement imbalance, whether of the spine or limbs.

The main objective of this theoretical-practical subject is to acquire the necessary knowledge to evaluate and treat the most common postural imbalances. To carry out a global diagnosis of the myofascial chains and establish a treatment based on clinical reasoning. To learn and practice therapeutic exercises, within the scope of a global myofascial physiotherapy, in order to improve the most common musculoskeletal disorders.

The distribution of the theoretical and/or practical content of the subject can be consulted in the schedule and sections of the corresponding virtual classroom before it starts. 

This subject aims to introduce the gender perspective in its content and development. In addition, the objectives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or towards teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer prejudice from others.

Theoretical content:

1. Posture and movement assessment. Myofascial and joint chains.

1.1. Posture and TNME. Current scientific evidence.

1.2. Morphostatic posture and movement. Body typologies. Clinical analysis.

1.3. Analysis of the movement and Mézières concept of compensation.

1.4. Clinical evaluation of myofascial and joint chains.

1.5. Biomechanics of breathing: posture and global movement.

1.6. Postural control, sensorimotor reeducation and functional movement.

1.7. Fundamental bases of postural reeducation. Limits and indications.

1.8. Therapeutic exercise and global physiotherapy. Clinical reasoning.

1.9. Current technologies related to postural assessment.

1.10. Evaluation of myofascial and joint chains with technology.

Practical content:

2. Postural reeducation. Global therapeutic exercise.

2.1. Strategies for joint and myofascial compensations

2.2. Control and regulation of breathing within posture reeducation.

2.3. Postural reeducation and therapeutic exercise in craniomandibular and cervical dysfunctions.

2.4. Postural therapeutic exercise for the upper limb.

2.5. Postural reeducation. Treatment of thoracic hyperkyphosis.

2.6. Postural reeducation. Treatment of imbalances in the lumbo-pelvic region. Lumbar hyperlordosis.

2.7. Postural reeducation. Global approach to scoliosis.

2.8. Postural therapeutic exercise for the lower limb.

3. Continuous assessment activities

3.1. Posture and movement assessment and analysis

3.2. Therapeutic exercise for the prevention and treatment of TNME

The final assessment can be weighted according to the following assessment systems:

Participation in classroom activities will always be evaluated when class attendance is at least 80%. If this minimum is not reached, the subject's grade will be "Not presented" and you will not be entitled to recovery.

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.

The subjects will have evaluation and recovery activities in accordance with the teaching guide and the subject's learning plan, published in their virtual classroom and which will establish the necessary requirements to be able to participate.

In accordance with current UPF regulations, all students who, having participated in the learning and assessment activities during the term, have obtained a failing grade for the corresponding subject in the quarterly assessment may participate in the recovery process . Those who have not participated in the learning and assessment activities or who have waived the assessment will not be able to participate. If the grade is "not submitted", you will not be able to opt for recovery and therefore the subject will have to be taken again in its entirety in the following academic year.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the school's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may
call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. It must be consulted to find out the specific conditions of use.

Mathieu MC. Gestures and Postures of the musician. Paris: Ed. Format; 2007

Mezières F. Static gymnastics. Paris: Vuibert; 1947

Revilla JR, Ramírez-Moreno J. Global treatment of sagittal imbalances of the rachis by Método Mézières. rev. one hundred Iberoam. Fisioglobal 2009;2: 15-23. 3. 

Souchard Ph.E. Méthode Mézières. Scientific bases. Mechanical principles. Technique. Paris: Ed. Malone; 1979