CanFitPro Personal Training Specialist Practice Test

What syndrome is associated with a depressed sternum as a postural sign?

1. Lower crossed syndrome

2. Upper crossed syndrome

3. Both lower and upper crossed syndromes

4. Neither lower nor upper crossed syndromes

The correct answer is: Upper crossed syndrome

Upper crossed syndrome is a postural abnormality defined by a depressed sternum, rounded shoulders, and forward head posture. This syndrome is associated with tightness in the upper back, chest, and neck muscles, leading to a rounded and hunched upper body appearance. This can also result in shoulder and neck pain. Lower crossed syndrome, on the other hand, is associated with an anterior pelvic tilt and tightness in the hip and lower back muscles, leading to a swayback posture. Both lower and upper crossed syndromes are incorrect choices because they do not fit the postural sign of a depressed sternum. D is also an incorrect choice as it describes neither of the two syndromes.