Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Anatomical Positions

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...

Anatomical Movements

Anatomical Movements

Anatomical movements refer to the various actions or motions that can be performed by the body's joints and muscles. These movements are described using specific terms to provide a standardized way of discussing and understanding the range of motion at different joints.
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Identifying the most comfortable interpersonal distances for autonomous vehicles' passengers.

Applied ergonomics·2026

Same author

Passengers' seat vibration exposure on turboprop aircraft flights.

Work (Reading, Mass.)·2026

Same author

Human back contour modeling for backrest design in future vehicles.

Applied ergonomics·2025

Same author

In-chair movements: Categorizations and patterns over time based on a literature review.

Work (Reading, Mass.)·2025

Same author

New frontiers in comfort research: Integrating human needs and design in future mobility.

Work (Reading, Mass.)·2025

Same author

Introduction to the special section on environmental design.

Work (Reading, Mass.)·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Published on: December 2, 2025

Chosen postures during specific sitting activities.

Irene Kamp¹, Umit Kilincsoy, Peter Vink

¹BMW AG Forschungs- und Innovationszentrum, München, Germany. Irene.kamp@bmw.de

|October 27, 2011

Summary

People

Area of Science:

Human Factors and Ergonomics
Transportation Design
Behavioral Science

Background:

Understanding human posture and activity is crucial for designing comfortable environments.
Previous research has focused on specific tasks, but less on free-choice activities in public spaces.
The rise of portable electronic devices necessitates examining their influence on posture and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the relationship between activities and postures in semi-public/leisure settings and during train travel.
To investigate the specific impact of using small electronic devices on posture.
To inform the design of seating in transportation and public spaces.

Main Methods:

Observation and video recording of individuals in German trains and Dutch public spaces.

More Related Videos

Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication

Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication

Published on: December 11, 2013

Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study

Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study

Published on: November 11, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Published on: December 2, 2025

Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication

Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication

Published on: December 11, 2013

Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study

Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study

Published on: November 11, 2022

Utilized a modified version of Branton and Grayson's postural analysis methods.

Photographic analysis of postures and activities.

Main Results:

A significant correlation was found between most activities and head, trunk, and arm positions during train travel.
Posture-activity relationships were less clear in general public settings.
No significant differences in posture were observed when using small electronic devices across all body parts.

Conclusions:

Activity significantly influences posture during transportation, with implications for seating design.
Posture-activity links in public spaces require further investigation.
Future research should explore factors like activity duration, demographics, and time of day.