[Posturology. Methodological problems and scientific evidence].

Area of Science:

• Complementary Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Health
• Pain Management

Background:

• Posturology is increasingly utilized in complementary medicine to investigate the link between posture and chronic pain.
• It's frequently recommended as a diagnostic-therapeutic system for chronic complaints, involving diverse healthcare providers with varied approaches.
• While studies link body posture to musculoskeletal disorders, robust scientific principles demonstrating posture correction benefits are lacking.

Discussion:

• Current scientific literature does not substantiate claims that correcting minor postural deviations, based on stabilometric analysis, alleviates musculoskeletal pain or other conditions.
• Evidence suggests that a positive stabilometric test may primarily indicate alterations in the vestibulo-spinal system, not necessarily a treatable postural issue.
• The heterogeneity in diagnostic-therapeutic methodologies within posturology complicates evidence-based practice and outcome assessment.

Key Insights:

• No scientific evidence supports the efficacy of posture correction via stabilometric analysis for treating chronic pain or musculoskeletal disorders.
• Stabilometric tests may be more indicative of vestibulo-spinal system function than general postural health.
• The effectiveness of posturology as a diagnostic-therapeutic system remains scientifically unsubstantiated.

Outlook:

• Further research is needed to clarify the role of stabilometry and its relationship to the vestibulo-spinal system.
• Future studies should focus on establishing clear diagnostic criteria and evidence-based therapeutic interventions within the field of posture and health.
• A critical evaluation of posturology's claims is necessary to align practices with scientific evidence and patient safety.