Posture taxonomy

Abstract

A diagrammatic method of recording static human postures was developed. Criteria established for the recording method were speed of completion, accuracy, reliability, ease of use, and universal applicability. Design of the recording method was based on cognitive, perceptual, and anthropometric considerations related to these criteria, and a review of existing posture recording methods. A validation study was carried out to assess the recording method against the established criteria. The study entailed having several subjects use the recording method to record various postures and a comparison of their results. The recording method proved to be moderately accurate for the postures studied. The recording method should prove useful in providing a record of the general posture being recorded. However, time required to complete the posture recordings was extensive.

Recommendations are given for improving the posture recording method. Among these is a recommendation for more extensive training and practice than was afforded the subjects in this study.

Other recommendations have been incorporated into a modified set of recording diagrams. Whether these modifications will improve the recording method remains to be determined.