Page 86 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

Chapter 3 • Functional Posture 73

• Hip internal/external rotation with the hip flexed to 90 degrees (rotation movement
of the hip toward/away from the midline). This will affect the position of the femurs in
relation to the pelvis.
• Popliteal angle (measures hamstring muscle length).
• Knee flexion/extension with hips flexed to 90 degrees.
• Ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion with hip flexed to 90 degrees.
• Thomas test (measures any fixed flexion deformity at the hip).

SHOULDER ROTATION AND OBLIQUITY
This should be assessed in lying when the person is relaxed to see if the shoulders are sym-
metrical and, if not, whether the posture is fixed or moveable. This can then be observed in
sitting to see if it changes, as this will indicate whether the equipment will have to accommo-
date a fixed posture or whether increased support may enable a more symmetrical position.
MOVEMENT AND POSITION OF THE SPINE
When the pelvis is in a neutral position, the lumbar spine has a degree of lordosis, the tho-
racic spine some kyphosis and the cervical spine lordosis (Fig. 3-18).
However, there can be abnormal curvature of the spine. A sideways curvature is termed
a scoliosis (Fig. 3-19). An abnormal rounding of the back is termed kyphosis.
MOVEMENT AND POSITION OF THE UPPER LIMBS
Check whether the upper limbs are flexed, extended or rotated. This may affect the posi-
tion of the upper body.

FIGURE 3-18 Neutral spine�