2. The Position of arms, legs, or trunk may be altered
in each of the fundamental positions to modify the
effect of the positions, or of the exercises which are
performed from them.
starting positions 2
3. PURPOSE :
To increase or decrease the size and stability of
base. e.g. stride standing and close standing.
To raise or lower the centre of gravity. e.g. toe
standing and stoop standing.
To ensure maximum local or general relaxation.
To alter the position of the body in relation to
gravity.
4. To provide control or fixation for a particular part of
the body so that movement may be localized to a
specific area.
To increase or decrease the muscle work required to
maintain the position. e.g. Kneel sitting and toe
standing.
To increase or decrease the leverage. e.g. Yard
standing and bent standing.
To provide a convenient position from which a
particular exercises to be performed.
starting positions 4
5. By alteration of Arms :-
# WING STANDING :
Hands rest on illiac crests with fingers anteriorly and
thumbs posteriorly.
Wrists extended, forearm pronated, elbows flexed
and shoulder abducted .
e.g. Relaxed position after
prolonged jogging
starting positions 5
POSITIONS DERIVED FROM STANDING
6. Muscle work –
Adductors of shoulder and
Extensors of elbow work to
press hands to the trunk..
Effects and Uses –
Trunk exercises
Prevents swinging of arms during trunk exercises.
starting positions 6
7. # LOW WING STANDING :-
same as the wing standing, the Fingers are
placed in front of the hip joints.
Effect and uses ;
position of control as the pt is able to Feel with
the hand the movement of flexion of hip,tilting
and lateral swing or any rotation of the pelvis.
8. # BEND STANDING :-
Shoulders are laterally rotated and adducted
Elbows are flexed and forearms supinated
Wrists and fingers flexed to rest above lateral
borders of acromion process.
e.g. Removing dust from the shoulder.
Muscle Work :
Lateral rotators and adductors of shoulders
Retractors and Depressors of scapula
Flexors of elbow and supinator of forearm
Flexors of wrists and fingers
Uses:
Shoulder Abduction and Circumduction
starting positions 8
9. # REACH STANDING: -
Shoulders are flexed and elbow extended so
that arms are held parallel, shoulder width apart
and at right angles to the body.
e.g. walking in dark
starting positions 9
10. Muscle Work :
Shoulder Flexors work to maintain position against
gravity.
Transverse Back Muscles work to control forward
movement of scapulae.
Extensors of elbow work to keep it straight
Flexors and Extensors of wrists and Extensors of
fingers.
starting positions 10
11. Uses:
In the upright position the for ward raising of the
arms bring the center of gravity forward and
there is a natural tendency to over compensate
for this by extension of the lumber spine.
Wrists and Finger exercises.
Grasping bars with hands can perform lower limb
and neck exercises.
Assist in balance during balance walking sideways
12. # YARD STANDING: -
Arms are straight and elevated sideways to a
horizontal position.
e.g. Balancing while walking on rope.
starting positions 12
13. Muscle Work:
Abductors, Extensors and Lateral rotators of
shoulders.
Extensors of Elbow and fingers work to keep it
extended.
Flexors and Extensors of wrist work
Depressors of scapulae work.
Uses:
Trunk Rotation and Side Bending Exercises.
Wrist, Elbow and Finger exercises.
14. # STRETCH STANDING :-
Arms are fully elevated so that they in line
with the body, parallel to each other and
with palms facing each other.
starting positions 14
15. Muscle Work :
Abductor, extensors and Lateral rotators of shoulder
Lateral rotator of scapula
Extensors of Elbow keep them straight.
Flexors and Extensors of wrists
Extensors of fingers.
starting positions 15
16. Effects and Uses :
Raises COG
In this position tension former extend s the thorax
and respiration (expiration)is difficult and in
upright position blood circulation to the arm is
impeded by gravity.
Corrective position for upper back and gives
feeling of stretching spine.
Upper limb exercises
Trunk exercises(scoliosis treatment)
17. By alteration of the Legs :-
# CLOSE STANDING :
Legs are rotated inwards at hips so that medial
borders of feet are adjacent.
e.g. Suryanamaskar Position
starting positions 17
18. Muscle work :
Muscles work more strongly than in
fundamental position.
Effects and Uses :
BOS is reduced . Balance is difficult. it is
therefore progression of standing.
19. # TOE STANDING :
Heels are pressed together and raised from the
floor.
e.g. Raising body by toes to see invisible
things.
Muscle work :
Plantarflexors at ankle joint.
All leg muscles work more strongly.
Effects and Uses :
BOS is reduced and COG is raised.
Strengthening of Plantarflexors
Treating flat feet.
starting positions 19
20. # STRIDE STANDING :
Legs are abducted so heels are 2foot lengths
apart. the feet remain same angle as in fundamental
position and weight is equally distributed.
e.g. Standing in a bus.
starting positions 20
21. Muscle Work :
Adductors of Hips work to prevent legs
from sliding further apart.
Effects and Uses :
BOS is enlarged. so easy and stable position
Stretch hip adductors.
22. # WALK STANDING :-
One leg is placed directly forwards so that heels
are 2 foot lengths apart and on same line. and
weight is equally distributed.
e.g. Balancing on rope.
Muscle work :
Extensors of Hip and Knee of
posterior leg work strongly.
starting positions 22
23. Effects and Uses :
BOS is enlarged.
Self Stretching.
Rotation of the pelvis towards the side of the
forward leg is prevented by the position of the
back leg,therefore may be used to localise
rotation to the spine.
Tension on the hamstrings of the front leg like
wise prevent forward tilting of the pelvis in
trunk flexion exercise
24. #HALF STANDING :( step standing )
The whole body weight is supported on one leg
, the other leg may be free or supported .
e.g. position adopted to remove thorn from sole of
foot.
starting positions 24
25. Muscle work :
Abductors of hip of standing leg work to
balance pelvis.
Lumbar side flexors of opposite side work to
maintain trunk in alignment.
All the muscles of supporting leg work
strongly.
Effects and Uses :
BOS is reduced.
Balancing
Leg swinging exercises.
26. By alteration of Trunk : -
# LAX STOOP STANDING :
Hips are flexed
Trunk, arms and head hang forwards and
downwards.
e.g. Sweeping floor
starting positions 26
27. Muscle work :
Very little muscle work
Extensors of knee and plantarflexors and
Dorsiflexors at ankle.
Intrinsic muscles of foot.
28. Uses:
Hamstring lumbar muscle stretching.
Position may be used to local relaxation of the
upper body.
The position is unsuitable for the elderly or weak
pt as the position increase the blood flow to the
head which may followed by depletion on rising
to the upright position and consequent feeling
giddiness.
29. #STOOP STANDING :
Hips are flexed
Trunk, Arms and Head are in alignment and are
inclined forwards.
starting positions 29
30. Muscle work :
Intrinsic muscles of Feet.
Extensors of Knees to counteract force of
Hamstrings.
Extensors of Spine.
Extensors of Shoulder and Elbow to maintain
position against gravity.
Posterior neck muscles and Prevertebral neck
muscles to support the head.
Uses :
Pendular exercises
Trunk Bending and Stretching.
starting positions 30
31. By alteration of Legs and Trunk :
# FALL OUT STANDING :
One leg is placed directly forwards at a
3feet lengths with knee bent.
Posterior leg remains straight and the
body is inclined forwards in line with it.
e.g. Pushing any heavy object
starting positions 31
32. Muscle work :
Forward leg –extensor of the foot muscle work
strongly to support the most of the weight
Backward leg – Extensors keep the trunk and leg
straight
Dorsiflexors of the foot work to
keep the heel on ground
The head and trunk muscle work as in stoop standing
but there is a degree of rotation and lateral tilt of
pelvis away from the forward leg, the balance is
maintain by the action of the trunk rotator and
lumber muscle on this side
starting positions 32
33. Uses :
Stretching hip flexors, plantarflexors.
Strengthening of forward leg.
# LUNGE SIDEWAYS STANDING :
starting positions 33
34. # HALF KNEELING :
One knee supports most of the body weight
Other leg is bent at right angle at hip, knee and
ankle so foot is supported on the ground.
starting positions 34
POSITIONS DERIVED FROM KNEELING
35. Muscle work :
Abductors of hip of supporting leg and Lumbar
side flexors of opposite side work to balance the
trunk.
Extensors of hip and knee of forward leg work
slightly.
Uses :
Trunk bending and rotation.
Balancing.
Upper limb exercises.
starting positions 35
36. # KNEEL SITTING :
The knee and hip are flexed so pt is sitting on
your heels. e.g. Used in Yoga.
Uses :
some time used for the children
but most people find it uncomfortable
starting positions 36
37. # PRONE KNEELING :
Trunk horizontal supported under shoulders by
arms and at pelvis by thighs which are vertical.
Head is in line with trunk.
e.g. Child crawling.
starting positions 37
38. starting positions 38
Muscle work :
Muscles around shoulders and hips work
strongly to stabilize the supporting limb at right
angle to the trunk
Flexors of lumbar spine prevent hollowing of
back
Extensors of head and neck counterbalanced by
pre-vertebral neck muscles keep the head in
alignment
39. Uses :
Neck and Trunk exercises. becoz the spine is
free from the weight of the head and shoulder
and therefore straighten and elongate.
Pelvis free for the antero-posterior and lateral
movement but fixed for the rotation
The body may be inclined forwards by abducting
the shoulder and bending the elbows.
Alternatively forearm may rest on the floor with
the hand together and head is resting on them. in
this way weakened pelvic floor can be relived
from the weight of viscera or the uterus may be
assisted by gravity into normal position
41. Positions of legs :-
# STRIDE SITTING :
Similar to fundamental sitting position, except
legs are abducted so feet's are 2foot lengths apart.
.
starting positions 41
POSITIONS DERIVED FROM SITTING
42. # RIDE SITTING :
Sitting astride suitable apparatus. e.g. Riding
a Bike.
Muscle work:
Adductors of Hips work
to keep knees together
Uses :
Neck, Trunk and Upper limb
exercises.
Leg swinging exercises.
43. # CROOK SITTING :
Sitting on floor with knees so that feets are
together and flat on floor.
Muscle work :
Flexors of Hip ,Flexors of Knees
and Plantar flexors of Ankles.
Longitudinal and transverse
back muscles work strongly.
Uses :
pelvic is fixed with a decreased tilt
And lumber region if fixed so that the movement is
localized to upper trunk as in the Treatment of
kypho lordosis
starting positions 43
44. # LONG SITTING :-
Sitting on floor so that knees are extended so
whole leg is supported. e.g. Posture in Yoga.
Muscle work:
Extensors of Knee work to
counteract force of Hamstrings.
Uses:
Hip Rotation
Knee, Ankle and Trunk ex’s
Upper limb ex’s
starting positions 44
45. # CROSS SITTING :
Hips are flexed, abducted and laterally rotated.
Knees are flexed. Lateral part of the knee is
press the ground
Ankles are crossed.
Tension in the hamstring is reduced but the adductors
of the hip are stretch.
e.g. Floor level activities like eating.
Uses :
Trunk and Neck ex’s
Hip Adductors stretching
starting positions 45
46. # SIDE SITTING :
For left side sitting, left Hip flexed, abducted
and laterally rotated.
Right hip flexed, adducted and medially rotated.
Knees are flexed.
Pelvis is tilted of left side.
Muscle work :
Lumbar side flexors of right
work to keep trunk upright.
Uses :
Trunk ex’s(for increase the trunk mobility)
starting positions 46
47. # HIGH SITTING :-
Fundamental sitting position taken on high
plinth or table. With feets unsupported.
Uses :
Trunk ex’s
Knee and Ankle ex’s
starting positions 47
48. Positions of Trunk :-
# STOOP SITTING :
Trunk is flexed such that trunk, head and
Arms are in alignment and inclined.
Arms may be folded and supported on table.
Uses :
arm and upper back exercise when hollowing of
the lumber spine is to be avoided
Arm lean sitting useful when
prone lying is impracticable.
49. # FALL OUT SITTING :-
the position is same as the fallout standing
except that the hip and thigh of forward leg is
supported across s stool, balance is therefore easier
starting positions 49
50. Positions of the Arms :-
Positions are same as in standing , but the
muscle work needed is reduced as it the horizontal
position of the body.
starting positions 50
POSITIONS DERIVED FROM LYING
51. Positions of the Legs :-
# CROOK LYING :-
from lying,Hips and Knees are bent so that
feet rest on the floor.
52. Muscle work :
Adductors and Medial rotators of Hips.
Effects and Uses :
Pelvic tilted backwards, so tension on anterior
structures of hip reduced. and lumber spin is
relaxed
Upper limb ex’s
Heel sliding
Abdominal ex’s.
Relaxation
starting positions 52
53. # CROOK LYING WITH PELVIS LIFTED :-
From crook lying, pelvis is lifted so that trunk
rests on shoulders and brought in to the line of
thighs.
starting positions 53
54. Muscle work :
Extensors of Hip work to hold the position.
Adductors and Medial rotators of Hip work.
Flexors of Knees.
Plantar flexors of Ankle.
Intrinsic muscles of Foot.
Uses :
pressure of the viscera on pelvic floor is
relieved and directed backward and upward
towards the diaphragm muscle so breathing is
slightly difficult
Hip extensor strengthening.
55. # HALF LYING :-
Trunk is supported in oblique position and legs
are supported horizontally.
starting positions 55
56. Uses :
Body is relaxed and comfortable so it is
suitable for the elderly people because
breathing is easier than in lying.
Movement of all part of the body can be
perform in this position and it is much
used for ward exercise and in the
treatment of chest condition.
The knee may bend to increase relaxation
of abdominal wall or the lower leg may
hang over the end of the plinth with the
feet resting on a floor.
57. # PRONE LYING :-
Lying with face downwards body is fully
supported on the plinth or floor
The position may be active or relaxed
starting positions 57
58. Active Position –
Head slightly raised from supporting surface
Shoulders are drawn back and down
Heels are held together and toes stretched.
starting positions 58
59. Muscle work :
Pre and Post vertebral neck muscles work
to maintain position of head.
Retractors and Depressors of scapulae
work.
Lateral rotators of Hips work to keep heels
together.
60. Relaxed Position :
Head is rotated to one side and rested on hands.
Heels roll apart.
No muscle work is required.
61. Effects and Uses :
Breathing is restricted sometime.
Spine is relieved of weight it tends to
elongated and straighten
Position for Back massage.
62. # LEG PRONE LYING :
Position taken on high plinth with legs being
supported from ASIS to the feet and stabilised by
strap.
Body is held in line with legs and is unsupported
over the end of the plinth.
starting positions 62
63. Muscle work :
Pre vertebral and Posterior
neck muscles.
Extensors of Trunk.
Extensors of Hips.
Extensors of Shoulder and
Elbows.
Flexors of Lumbar spine.
Effects and Uses :
Strong muscle work is needed.
Training Extensor group of
muscles.
starting positions 63
64. # SIDE LYING :
i) Patient rolls on one side from lying or
prone lying with under arm to support
head.
ii) Flexing under hip and knee.
iii) Three Pillows are used ; one under
head, one for uppermost arm to support
and the third one to support uppermost
flexed knee.
65. # SIT LYING :
Patient lies supine with knees bent and lower
leg hanging vertically over the end of plinth.
starting positions 65
66. # FALL HANGING :
Body in oblique position by arms grasping a
horizontal bar and feets resting on the floor.
Arms are vertically so shoulders are below
hands.
starting positions 66
POSITIONS DERIVED FROM HANGING
67. Muscle work :
Flexors of fingers.
Muscles of Wrist, Elbows and Shoulders
work strongly.
Retractors of Scapulae.
Prevertebral neck muscles.
Trunk extensors work to support trunk.
Extensors of Hips
Plantarflexors of Ankles.
68. # CROUCH SITTING :
Hips and Knees are fully bent.
Trunk is inclined .
Hands rest on floor.
Feets on the floor.weight is mainly supported
on the toes,the heels being toghether and
the knee pressed aparet and vertical
Arms are vertical and shoulder width apart.
starting positions 68
OTHER POSITIONS WHERE WEIGHT IS
TAKEN ON ARMS
69. Muscle work :
Intrinsic muscles of feet.
Extensors of Trunk.
Prevertebral and posterior neck muscles.
Muscles around shoulder and elbow.
Serratus Anterior work as weight is taken on arms.
Uses :
Starting position for strong leg extension
exercises.
Training correct landing from high jumping.
Children find it easy and comfortable and readily
learn to take weight on their arms,”bunny jump”
69
70. # PRONE FALLING :
From crouch position legs are extended at
hips and knees so legs and trunk are in one
line.
Body is supported by arms and toes. Arms
are vertical.
starting positions 70
71. Muscle work :
Extensors of elbows and all muscles around
shoulder.
Serratus Anterior holds scapulae firmly against chest
wall.
Pre vertebral and Postvertebral neck muscles work.
Flexors of Lumbar spine work to prevent sagging of
trunk.
Extensors of Knees.
Long flexors of Toes work to
grip floor.
starting positions 71
72. Uses:
Strong muscle work is needed.
Starting position for push ups.
# SIDE FALLING :
starting positions 72
