PAS PAS Breathing Patterns & Postural Control 1

Question 1

Which breathing pattern is most commonly associated with upper crossed syndrome and forward head posture?

Accepted Answer

Apical / accessory muscle breathing

Answer

Apical breathing overactivates the scalenes, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid, reinforcing the muscle imbalances seen in upper crossed syndrome.

Question 2

The diaphragm contributes to lumbar spinal stability primarily through its role in:

Accepted Answer

Increasing intra-abdominal pressure during contraction

Answer

Diaphragmatic contraction increases intra-abdominal pressure, which stiffens the lumbar spine by creating a hydraulic cylinder effect in the abdominal cavity.

Question 3

A PAS client who chronically over-breathes (hyperventilates) is MOST likely to exhibit which postural finding?

Accepted Answer

Elevated and flared lower ribcage with reduced thoracic mobility

Answer

Chronic hyperventilation keeps the thoracic cage in an inhaled (elevated, flared) position, reducing thoracic rotation and altering the resting length of core muscles.

Question 4

Which nerve innervates the diaphragm and, when compressed by poor cervical posture, can impair respiratory function?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve (C3–C5)

Answer

The phrenic nerve originates at C3–C5 and descends to innervate the diaphragm; cervical compression can reduce diaphragmatic drive and breathing efficiency.

Question 5

Lateral costal breathing is taught in PAS corrective programs primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Improve thoracic cage mobility and reduce compensatory accessory muscle use

Answer

Lateral costal breathing expands the rib cage sideways, improving thoracic mobility and training clients to breathe without over-recruiting neck and shoulder muscles.

(PAS) Postural Alignment Specialist Practice Test

(PAS) Postural Alignment Specialist Practice Test

PAS PAS Breathing Patterns & Postural Control 1