What defines swayback posture?

Swayback posture is characterized by the pelvis being positioned posteriorly, which leads to an exaggerated curvature of the thoracic spine. In this posture, the body's alignment causes the thoracic region to become kyphotic, meaning it has a rounding effect. This results in the shoulders appearing hunched, and the lower back may appear flatter due to the pelvic tilt.

This understanding aligns with the definition of swayback posture, where excessive extension is noted in the lumbar region, contrasting with the rounded thoracic spine. The free movement of the thoracic spine in this posture is a key feature. Recognizing these characteristics is essential for identifying swayback and addressing it in therapeutic practices, such as Pilates, where proper alignment and spinal health are emphasized.

Other options indicated variations of postural distortions but do not capture the specific traits associated with swayback posture, thus reinforcing the unique alignment characteristics that define it.