Effects of alternative exercise on posture

This investigation examined the effects of neuromuscular reeducation exercises on the standing posture of 25 college-age students. The Portland State University Posture Analysis Form (PSU PAF), a force platform, and a tape measure were used to measure postural alignment, postural sway, and height before and after treatment sessions. Subjects completed a subjective questionnaire. Controls rested in supine posture during the treatment session, while the exercise group performed selected Feldenkrais and psychophysical re-education exercises. Dependent t-tests were used to determine differences between the pre tests and post tests. Both groups showed decreases in all sway variables, for both eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions, improved alignment of body parts, and increased height. Only the exercise group showed statistically significant sway changes. Only exercise group subjects reported feeling more efficient after the treatment session. Both groups reported increased tightness and discomfort of various body parts after treatment. The data suggest that the supine positioning is responsible for some changes. The postural sway results and the rate of height increase suggest that the exercises may also have independent effects.