What defines posterior pelvic tilt?

Posterior pelvic tilt is characterized by the backward movement of the pelvis. This occurs when the top of the pelvis moves closer to the back of the body while the bottom of the pelvis moves away from the front. This movement is primarily facilitated by the contraction of the abdominal muscles and the lengthening of the hip flexor muscles, leading to a flattening of the lumbar spine.

In functional terms, posterior pelvic tilt can help correct excessive anterior pelvic tilt, which is often associated with poor posture and can lead to low back pain. Understanding this movement is critical for identifying compensatory patterns in clients and for designing effective interventions to improve pelvic alignment and overall movement efficiency.