Physical activity effects on postural adjustments: A review

Abstract

Postural control has been viewed as an example of the famous problem of motor redundancy (Bernstein, 1967) in this case formulated as the problem of coordinated changes in the activation of numerous muscles of the lower extremities and the trunk. Muscular stability and mobility, skeletal structure, and muscular balance all influence postural alignment (Kendall, F.P et al., 1983; Fortin, C., 2011). Depending on the severity of the postural deviations, poor posture may result in pain and can affect physical function and the ability to perform activities of daily living (Katzman, W.B., 2007). Aim of this review was searching studies focusing on the effects physical activity on postural adjustments. We searched PubMed, ResearchGate, JabRef. From 166 studies only 6 fulfilled the inclusion criteria's. A total of 150 subjects with age ranging from 22-61 years old participating in different exercise intervention programs. In general, there are few studies focusing on the effects of physical activity on postural control and adjustments and also all the studies have enrolled a low number of subject which lead to a necessity for further research with larger groups of subjects and different type of physical activity intervention programs in order to better identify which is the most effective.