Posture and Postural Deformities — Class 10 Health and Physical Education

Posture is the position in which we hold our body while standing, sitting, walking or lying down, and good posture means maintaining the body in correct alignment with the least strain on muscles and joints. This chapter explains the importance of correct posture for health, appearance, efficiency and confidence, and the causes of poor posture, such as weak muscles, bad habits, improper furniture, carrying heavy loads, illness and malnutrition. It describes common postural deformities — kyphosis (a rounded upper back), lordosis (an inward curve of the lower back), scoliosis (a sideways curve of the spine), flat foot, knock knees and bow legs — explaining their causes and how each affects the body. The chapter then gives corrective measures and exercises for each deformity, along with preventive advice such as sitting and standing correctly, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and using proper furniture, so that students can maintain good posture and avoid deformities.