National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

What is not assessed during the postural analysis?

1. Shoulder alignment

2. Swing phase of clients' gait

3. Pelvic tilt

4. Head position

The correct answer is: Swing phase of clients' gait

The postural analysis primarily focuses on the static alignment of various body segments to identify any muscular imbalances or postural deviations. Assessing shoulder alignment, pelvic tilt, and head position involves observing how different parts of the body align with each other when the individual is in a standing or resting position. These assessments can highlight posture-related issues that may be contributing to discomfort or musculoskeletal problems. On the other hand, the swing phase of a client's gait pertains to dynamic movement rather than static posture. Gait analysis typically involves observing how a person walks, including the phase where the foot is off the ground and swinging forward. Since postural analysis is concerned solely with the alignment and positioning of the body in a static state, it does not encompass the evaluation of gait or its specific phases. Thus, the swing phase is not assessed during postural analysis, making it the correct answer in this case.