Changes of the body posture in the sagittal plane of young adults during Matthiass test

Abstract

Background Postural assessment is an important part of the physical examination in the physical therapy practice. One of the most commonly used clinical tests is an arm-raising Matthiass test. The aim of this study was to investigate posture changes in sagittal plane observed during Matthiass test in young adults using a rasterstereography method. Methods Fourteen young and healthy volunteers, nine female and four male aged between 21 and 25 took part in this study. Examination s performed with the rasterstereographic measuring device. Results Trunk inclination significantly decreased during Matthiass test and the pelvis inclination increased. Distance between kyphosis apex and cervical lordosis apex was significantly shorter during the test than in standing position. Distance between kyphosis apex and lumbar lordosis apex significantly increased during Matthiass test. Kyphosis angle was significantly decreased and the lumbar lordosis angle was increased during the test. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that Matthias test can cause significant deviations in posture in young participants. Changes in the sagittal plane are observed mainly right after the elevation of the arms.