Foundations of Occupation: Kinesiology in Daily Life

Posture

The position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting.

Base of Support (BOS)

The part of the body in contact with the support surface which impacts stability.

Center of Gravity (COG)

A point where the weight of an object is concentrated; affects balance and posture.

Static Posture

Body and segments are aligned and maintained in certain positions.

Dynamic Posture

Body and segments are moving.

Postural Control

A person's ability to maintain stability in response to forces that disturb equilibrium.

Line of Gravity (LOG)

An imaginary vertical line that shows the direction of gravitational force.

Postural Sway

The small fluctuations in body position that occur even when a person is trying to maintain a stable posture.

Ergonomic Workstation

Workspace designed to maximize comfort and productivity while minimizing strain.

Ideal Posture

A position that minimizes energy expenditure and physical stress.

Postural Abnormalities

Deviations from normal posture due to structural or nonstructural changes.

Structural Curves

Permanent changes in the structure of the body that typically require intervention.

Nonstructural Curves

Postural deviations that can be reversed by correcting the underlying cause.

Primary Postural Distortion

Problematic posture arising specifically in one area of the body.

Secondary Postural Distortion

Postural changes that occur due to issues in another area of the body.

Height of COG

The vertical position of the center of gravity which affects stability.

Size of BOS

The dimensional extent of the base of support influencing stability.

Gravity Line Location

The position of the gravity line in relation to the base of support.

High Heels

Footwear that elevates the heel, increasing the center of gravity and altering posture.

Respiration

The process of inhaling and exhaling, involving various muscles and structures.

Inspiration

The phase of respiration where air enters the lungs.

Expiration

The phase of respiration where air is expelled from the lungs.

Diaphragm

Muscle that plays a major role in breathing by contracting and relaxing.

Accessory Muscles of Respiration

Muscles that assist with breathing during strong inhalation or exhalation.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease that causes breathing difficulties.

Swallowing/Deglutition

A complex process involving multiple muscles to manage food from the mouth to the stomach.

Oral Phase

The voluntary phase of swallowing where the bolus is formed and pushed back.

Pharyngeal Phase

The involuntary phase of swallowing triggered reflexively as the bolus moves through the phary