Also called posturography, posturology is a diagnostic method that involves treating certain disorders by restoring normal postural balance. In this sheet, you will discover this discipline in more detail, its main principles, its history, its benefits, how to practice it, the course of a session and finally, its contraindications.

Posturology is a discipline which studies the position of man in space: his balance, his stature, his aplomb, his stability, etc. It is practiced using specialized measuring devices. It takes into account the ability to remain balanced on one’s feet as well as the symmetry of the body or the visual perception of horizontality.

The main principles

In order to stand, man must struggle against gravity and continually seek balance. Thus, he must constantly adapt his body to his environment according to the external signals received by his sensory sensors located in the eyes, the spine, the inner ear and the feet. These signals are transmitted to the brain which, in turn, sends messages to various parts of the body so that it “adapts” to new situations as they arise. If the information received by the sensors is not processed correctly, the posture will turn out to be inadequate, which could lead to dysfunctions (balance disorders, dizziness, musculoskeletal disorders) or even chronic pain in certain parts of the body. organization. For example, an abnormal occlusion (the contact of the upper and lower teeth) would have a great influence on the balance, probably because of a connection with the center of balance located in the inner ear.

Posturologists therefore place particular emphasis on the role of the eyes, the feet and the occlusion of the teeth in problems related to posture. They believe that their importance has been underestimated in comparison, for example, to that of the inner ear. This is why, for a neck pain, you may eventually be sent to the optometrist or dentist.

Posturology does not aim to treat any ailment whatsoever and therefore does not claim any therapeutic application as such. Rather, it is a diagnostic tool that can detect different health problems, or analyze them with greater precision. Several studies have confirmed the usefulness, reliability and effectiveness of posturology devices for certain conditions.

Provide additional information in order to provide optimal care

As part of specialized medical treatment, it can also provide specific indications about certain health parameters. Thus, in medicine, especially in otolaryngology and in neurology, posturology contributes to the establishment of diagnoses for various balance disorders, in particular related to the inner ear (called vestibular disorders) or alcoholism. .

Evaluate postural control

In addition to its diagnostic function, posturology can also be an interesting addition to current tests for the evaluation of postural control. We know that problems with postural control and balance come from a multitude of sources and can affect people of all ages. Numerous research projects have therefore evaluated the effect of different therapies or medications on postural control using, among other things, the results of static or dynamic posturology. Thus, this technique has been used in cases of Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Ménière’s disease, type 2 diabetes, cervical sprains caused by a whiplash, migraines, accidents cerebrovascular diseases, various head injuries and various disorders of the inner ear.

The specialist

Many specialists can use posturology as part of their practice, in order to improve their diagnosis. Thus, certain physiotherapists, podiatrists, neurologists, otolaryngologists, chiropractors, etiopaths, dentists, optometrists and acupuncturists have recourse to it.

Course of a session

First, the healthcare professional will carry out a postural assessment of his patient. This will be done using several devices used to assess posture. The most widely used is the stabilometry platform, which assesses the individual’s balance in a static position. The device thus measures the continual oscillation of the body. During the examination, the practitioner invites his client to modify various parameters in order to assess their effects on posture. For example, closing your eyes or distributing your weight in turn on each foot, on the heels or on the toes. The practitioner can also slip a foam which “anesthetizes” the sensations under the feet or invite his patient to bite into a prosthesis to occlude the teeth. Once the test is complete, the practitioner compares the results to statistical standards.

Posturology is in fact based on a normative model, such as exists among others for the height-weight-age ratios of populations. From this comparison, the problem can be defined and then addressed by the appropriate specialist. Usually, a single session is sufficient to establish the diagnosis.

Contraindications of posturology

There are no contraindications to posturology since it is a diagnostic tool. It can be used in children as well as in the elderly.

“Posturologist” not being a reserved title, this means that anyone can get a device and call themselves a posturologist. Yet to correctly interpret the data, it requires strong health skills, especially in anatomy and human biology. Posturology is taught in the framework of several medical disciplines. It is often offered as a refresher training for graduate health specialists. In Europe, there are a few associations bringing together posturologists. Some Quebec practitioners are members. The body of courses, the length of training and the admission requirements vary greatly from one educational institution to another. Consult the associations’ websites to find out more.

Even though posturology is a very recent discipline, the study of human posture is very old. During antiquity, Aristotle notably studied the effect of the position of the body on the functioning of the organism. By studying earthly attraction, mechanics, and forces, Newton also helped improve understanding of postural functioning. In the 1830s, anatomist Charles Bell studied man’s ability to correct his posture in order to maintain his verticality. The first posturological school was created in 1890 by a doctor of German origin, Karl von Vierordt. From the 50s, posture will be defined by Henri Otis Kendall as “a composite state of all the joints of the body at a given time”. A few books appeared in the 90s, which helped to publicize posturology. From now on, this discipline is especially widespread in the French-speaking world and more particularly in France.