Posture can be defined as the form of the body when sitting, walking, or standing. There would be no problem if muscles interact in harmony with musculoskeletal system or nervous system. Posture analysis is crucial for clinical assessments in physical medicine and rehabilitation. However, studies into this issue are limited. In this study, the relationship between static standing balance and anthropomorphic features in healthy subjects was investigated. The study was carried out with a total of 240 students at Baskent University (116 females, 124 males) aged between 18 and 25 years. Type of balance of the subjects was determined with lateral posture analysis. Additionally, muscle shortness tests, subcutaneous fat thickness, and waist and thigh circumference were measured. As the results of lateral posture analysis, 107 subjects (71 males, 36 females) were detected to have anterior balance, 89 (41 males, 48 females) posterior balance, and 44 (12 males, 32 girls) neutral balance. Values of waist circumference, thigh circumference, and waist/thigh ratio were compared with all three balance types. A statistically significant difference was detected between these values in the subjects who had anterior balance ( ). In conclusion, a significant relationship was detected between muscle shortness, waist and thigh circumferences, and postural balance type. 1. Introduction Posture is one of the most important factors affecting physical and mental status of the individuals through their lives. Posture in humans is affected by different factors including familial factors, anatomical structural impairments, postural habits, and occupation [1]. According to the definition of Posture Committee of American Academy of Orthopedics in 1947, posture is the regular and balanced arrangement of skeletal components so as to preserve supportive structures of the body from injury and progressive deformation [1, 2]. Cailliet stated that “posture may be in question if static spinal configuration does not lead to fatigue, pain in a certain period and is with acceptable ranges aesthetically” [2]. Kapandji defined ideal posture as body’s being in balance with minimal stress and loading and stated that spinal movement segment is a mechanical system composed of two adjacent vertebrae, intervertebral disks, ligaments, and facet joints. Anterior and posterior structures share the load on this segment as two columns. Anterior column is the main supportive structure. Anterior column plays a static role, and posterior column plays a dynamic role [3]. With a balanced posture, body and
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