Effect of Base of Support and Foot Positioning on Posture Evaluated Using the Postural Analysis Software: An...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Posture Analysis
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Static posture is crucial for overall body alignment and stability.
• The base of support (BoS) influences postural control and center of gravity (CG) management.
• Understanding how different stances affect posture is vital for fields like physical therapy and ergonomics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the postural changes associated with two distinct bases of support.
• To compare spontaneous standing base of support (SBoS) with closed feet base of support (CBoS).

Main Methods:

• Photographic analysis from anterior, posterior, and lateral views.
• Utilized 32 anatomical markers and specialized software (PAS/SAPO) for posture assessment.
• Measured BoS area and CG deviation, comparing SBoS and CBoS using paired t-tests.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in lower limb alignment (frontal view) and pelvic/knee angles (lateral view) were observed between stances.
• Spontaneous standing base of support (SBoS) demonstrated a larger BoS area and reduced CG deviation compared to closed feet base of support (CBoS).
• No significant differences in trunk postural assessment were found between the two bases of support.

Conclusions:

• Foot positioning is a key determinant of lower limb alignment, pelvic orientation, and postural stability.
• The base of support significantly influences the body's center of gravity management and balance.
• While affecting lower body posture and balance, foot positioning did not alter trunk posture assessment.