Abstract
As an introduction the motor stereotypes or patterns according to Janda are mentioned and the mechanisms and causes are explained according to the developmental kinesiology of Vojta. An equilibrium between flexors and extensors, adductors and abductors, external and internal rotators of the extremities is established which makes the upright human posture possible.
During standing the feet form the fixed point for muscle chains, which by their coordinated activity are essential for the upright human posture. The spinal column is comparable to a mast to which muscles arising from the pelvis are attached.
The instability of the individual vertebrae, however, requires the deep stabilization system formed dorsally by the multifidus muscles and ventrally by the abdominal cavity with its walls, the diaphragm connecting the respiratory with the postural function. Stability of the plantar arch is due mainly to the activity of the flexors of the foot and toes.
The shoulder blades are fixed by the lower part of the trapezius muscle and the serratus anterior muscle. The head is stabilized by the short muscles of the craniocervical junction and the deep neck muscles.
The stabilizing muscles function mainly automatically and in cases of dysfunction, correct function must be learned. Trigger points in the chains of long muscles restricting joint movement apparently compensate for insufficiencies of the deep stabilization system as they regularly disappear when the deep stabilization system returns to normal.
Obviously, soft tissue lesions also play an essential role and the entire problem can only be fully understood by taking the control of the central nervous system into account.