How PD Related Posture Changes Affect You

1. Reduces balance because it tips your centre of gravity forward over your feet.
2. Decreases efficiency of everyday movements which may contribute to fatigue and pain.
3. Alters your walking pattern and gait mechanics such as foot clearance, step length, turns, changes in direction.
4. Reduces your ability to take deep breaths which can affect communication, swallowing and ability to exercise.
5. Interferes with your body awareness (proprioception) and you start to have a new normal which is not ideal.

What can you do to improve posture?

1. Strengthen your core (tummy) muscles – these provide a base for you to stand tall.
2. Strengthen your extensor muscles – these are all the muscles at the back of you and include back muscles, buttocks and hamstrings.
3. Add pelvic tilting exercises to your everyday programme.
4. Stay as flexible as you can – perform back and trunk stretches.
5. Postural education – use a wall or sit up tall in front of a mirror and remind yourself what upright posture feels like.
6. Be mindful of posture during activities – check in with yourself, am I walking up tall, sitting up tall?
7. Deep breathing exercises will keep your chest wall, intercostals and lung walls mobile.
8. Raise your walking aid if you find you are hunched over (walking sticks and wheeled walkers).
9. Use posture aids simply for retraining and reminding you of good posture.