Some fundamental aspects of posture related to ergonomics

Abstract

This paper presents a broad review of some fundamental aspects of posture in terms of structure, function and control (including dysfunction and postural behaviour) and attempts to derive implications for ergonomics. It begins by reviewing research on the anatomical basis of the upright bipedal posture in man and its evolutionary development, based on recent fossil discoveries. Relevant aspects of the anatomy of the spine, pelvis and hip are then reviewed together with some developmental aspects of posture and a consideration of postural faults and muscle balance gleaned from the clinical literature. Further clinical aspects are discussed to introduce the concepts of postural control, feedback and postural behaviour. Finally, some aspects of cross-cultural postural variation are briefly reviewed. It is concluded that empirical research on posture and effective workspace design can benefit from a consideration of these fundamental aspects of posture. Much of modern design practice would appear to be built around a limited set of postural stereotypes which are probably culturally biased and do not reflect the true limitations and possibilities of human anatomy. Whether improved designs can be implemented on the basis of these fundamentals is both an empirical question and a challenge to the ingenuity of designers.