Posture test according to Matthiass

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The posture test according to Matthiass ( holding arm test ) is intended to discover and objectify poor posture in children older than six years and younger than 16 years. It gives an indication of how far postural damage to the spine can be corrected through active practice.

execution

The child is asked to stand up straight, straighten as much as possible, close their eyes and hold both arms horizontally forward for 30 seconds with their eyes closed.

evaluation

If this body position can be kept unchanged for the entire 30 seconds, the muscles of the back, stomach and neck are able to provide full holding power. The child is considered to have a healthy posture. If the upper body tilts backwards during this time, if the shoulder girdle slides forward or if the pelvis tilts forward and down, then there is a weak posture or degree 1 insufficiency . If the position described above cannot be assumed at all, there is a deterioration in posture or grade 2 insufficiency.

criticism

Investigations by Klee (1995) and Winchenbach (2003) could not find any statistical connection between the results of the Matthiass test and the muscle strength of the trunk muscles. Accordingly, when interpreting the test results, it must be taken into account that, in addition to muscular endurance, factors such as neuromuscular activation and muscular interaction are also tested. An evaluation of the test results in order to make statements about the muscular strength of the core muscles is not permitted.

literature

  • Fritz U. Niethard, Joachim Pfeil: Orthopedics . Stuttgart: Hippokrates-Verlag 1989; revised, expanded, corr. 5th edition 2005
  • Klee A. Predictive value of Matthiass' arm-raising test. In: Journal of Orthopedics and their Border Areas, Volume 133.3 (May / June 1995), pp. 207-213 PMID 7610701
  • Winchenbach H. What is the importance of strength for posture? In: Gesundheitssport und Sporttherapie, 19 (2003), pp. 173–174