Sway-back posture typically results in what type of pelvic tilt?

Sway-back posture is characterized by a specific alignment of the pelvis and spine where the pelvis tends to rotate posteriorly. In this posture, the lumbar spine often appears flattened while the thoracic spine is typically in a hyper-extended position. This specific alignment results in what is referred to as a posterior pelvic tilt.

In a posterior tilt, the front of the pelvis rises and the back of the pelvis lowers, which contributes to the overall sway-back alignment. This adjustment in pelvic position can affect the distribution of weight and function of the muscles around the hips, lower back, and even throughout the entire kinetic chain. Understanding this relationship is key for identifying postural deviations and planning appropriate corrective exercises in Pilates and other physical training.