How do you observe and correct thoracic rounding in prone positions on the reformer?

• A. Look for a lifted sternum and open chest, cue lengthening through the spine, and stabilize the scapulae with down-and-back shoulder cues to prevent excessive rounding.
• B. Encourage forward rounding of the thoracic spine.
• C. Keep the head tucked and chin pressed down.
• D. Keep the pelvis tucked and the lower back in flexion.

Answer: (A)

The focus is on keeping the thoracic spine long and the shoulder girdle stable in prone on the reformer. When thoracic rounding occurs, the chest collapses and the scapulae tend to protract, so the cueing aims to lengthen through the spine and keep the chest open. Look for a lifted sternum and an open chest as signs that the thoracic spine is extending rather than rounding forward. Cue lengthening from the pelvis up through the crown, and stabilize the shoulder blades with down-and-back cues to prevent the scapulae from sliding forward and to stop excessive rounding. This approach directly addresses thoracic alignment and helps maintain an open chest during prone work. The other options either encourage more rounding, promote cervical flexion, or focus on lumbar flexion, which don’t appropriately correct thoracic rounding.