• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2020

Purpose : The aim of this study was to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity of measurements of head, neck, and pelvis posture using a mobile application in subjects with forward head posture. Methods : Forty-eight volunteers (22 men, 26 women) participated in this study. Two raters independently examined whole body picture images in a lateral standing posture with arms crossed using a CA-Smart Posture Reminder (CA-SPR), and a rater took and calculated posture images twice to assess reliability. We measured five parameters: craniovertebral angle 1 (CVA1), anterior shoulder translation (AST), pelvic tilt (PT), knee angle (KA), and ankle angle (AA) in the subject's sagittal plane using CA-SPR. We examined whole spine X-ray images in the same position to assess validity. We measured four variables in the subjects: CVA2, translation distance (AHT), anterior pelvic plane (APP), and sacral slope (SS). The intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Convergent validity was calculated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results : The intra-rater reliability (ICC=.889 -.989) and inter-rater reliability (ICC=.800 -.980) were excellent for all variables measured using CA-SPR. The variables measured using CA-SPR and X-ray were significantly positively correlated (r=.623, p<.01). However, the correlation of the variables in the pelvis was not statistically significant. Conclusion : This study shows that a mobile application (CA-SPR) is a useful tool for measuring head and neck posture in subjects with forward head posture. However, further study is needed to measure pelvic variables when using a mobile application.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2017

Purpose : Forward head posture is typical neck disorders occur in all people. And this attitude causes a shortening and weakening of the muscles in the body. It also causes excessive extension acts as a reward. This attitude has to change if the pain occurs around the neck and shoulders, and are subjected to unusual stress. Patients with chronic neck pain associated with forward head posture was found to be the more severe the fall of the respiratory, forward head posture poor quality of much breath. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of changes in forward head posture and neutral head posture on respiratory. Method : Forty volunteers were participated in study and divided into two groups [forward head posture group (n=20) and neutral head posture group (n=20)]. We measured cervical alignment with global postural system to find out a forward head posture. Respiratory function was measured with a SPIROVIT SP-1 equipment and we found out a forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC. A pared t-test was used to determine a statistical significance for the pulmonary function variation and a independent t-test was used to determine a statistical significance in the two groups. Results : In the experimental group, FVC and FEV1 were significantly higher in the artificial neutral head posture than in the forward head posture. In the control group, FVC and FEV1 were significantly higher in the neutral head posture than in the forward head posture. FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/ FVC were significantly higher in the neutral head posture of control group than the artificial neutral head posture of experimental group and higher in the artificial forward head posture of control group than the forward head posture of experimental group. Conclusion : In conclusion, neutral head posture is considered to be an important factor in correct posture and improvement of lung function and continuous study of posture correction program for posture imbalance will be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.25-35
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of applying mat Pilates and kinesio taping on the craniovertebral angle and muscle activity of adults in their 20s with a forward head posture. METHODS: The subjects were 20 adults in their 20s with a forward head posture: 10 from the Mat Pilates group (MPG) and 10 from the Kinesio taping group (KTG). Each group received the intervention for four weeks. The craniovertebral angle and muscle activity were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis of this study was performed using SPSS Ver. 23.0 for Windows was used, and the statistical significance level was set to α = .05. RESULTS: The change in the craniovertebral angle within each group was decreased significantly after the intervention for both MPG and KTG (p < .05), but there was no significant difference in the comparison result of the difference in the amount of change between each group (p > .05). The change in muscle activity within each group did not show any significant change before and after the intervention in all the MPG and KTG muscles (p > .05), and there was no significant difference in all variables for the difference in the amount of change between each group (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Mat Pilates effectively reduced the CVA, but neither intervention significantly affected muscle activity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.601-608
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• 2013

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of distance between trunk and desk on forward head posture and muscle activity of neck and shoulder muscles during computer work. METHODS: Twenty subjects who have healthy conditions were asked to perform computer work in two conditions (distance between trunk and desk was 0 and 15 cm). Forward head angle was analyzed with a SIMI motion analysis system. Surface electromyography recorded the upper trapezius and splenius capitis muscles. The significance of differences in distance between trunk and desk (0cm and 15cm) was tested by paired t-test. The alpha level was set at .05. RESULTS: The results showed that the change of forward head angle was significantly higher during the computer work when the distance between trunk and desk was 15cm than 0cm. The muscle activity of upper trapezius and splenius capitis was also significantly higher during the computer work when the distance between trunk and desk was 15cm than 0cm. CONCLUSION: Our study suggest that the distance between trunk and desk was should minimized for prevention of forward head posture during computer work.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2013

Background: The purpose of this study is to analysis of correlation upper body according to forward head posture. Methods: The subjects of this study were 40 female university students who were equally and randomly allocated to a forward head posture group, normal group. Using general posture system, electromyograph, visual analogue scale, tape measurement, neck disability index were evaluated. Results: There was positive correlation between posture analysis and Sternocleidomastoid, neck flexion (p<.05). There was positive correlation between Craniovertebral angle (CVA) and trapezius upper, VAS (p<.05). There was negative correlation between posture analysis and CVA (p<.05). There was negative correlation between Cranial rotation angle and CVA (p<.05). Conclusion: Increased forward head posture lead to increase of pain, muscles activity, so it suggests to be necessary on the prevention of dysfunction and limited activities daily living.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cervical deep muscle flexion exercise (CCFE) on craniovertebral angle, pain, and neck disability for patients with chronic neck pain Methods: The subjects of this study were randomly divided into three groups of 30 patients with chronic neck pain: rectus abodominis functional massage (n=10), cervical deep muscle flexion exercises group (n=10), and the control group(n=10). To assess visual analog scale (VAS) was used to test the neck pain, To assess neck posture was used to craniovertebral angle, VAS was used to test the neck pain, neck disability index (NDI) was used to test the neck dysfunction. All measurements were performed before and after each intervention was applied 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Results: In the results of all measurements, 2 groups except for the control group showed a significant change in the recovery of posture, neck pain, neck disability index (p<.05). Conclusions: Our results of this study showed that applying cervical deep muscle flexion exercise and rectus abodominis functional massage to patients with chronic neck pain improved cervical posture, neck pain, neck disability.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.21-28
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three exercise programs on forward head posture. Methods: Ninety-five individuals were recruited to assess the of the pectoralis minor muscle. Of these, 36 individuals with pectoralis minor muscles were selected and randomly divided into three groups: a functional massage group, a stretching group, and a stretching and muscle strengthening group. The exercise program consisted of sessions four times per week for two weeks. The length of pectoralis minor and the activity of the trapezius muscles were measured using electromyography. Forward head posture was assessed using the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and the cranial rotation angle (CRA) pre-, during and post-treatment. Result: Significant improvements were observed in pectoralis minor length, CRA, and CVA post-treatment in all groups (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001). However, only the activity of the lower trapezius demonstrated a statistically significant difference post-treatment. There were no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that all three exercise programs were effective in improving forward head posture and the length of pectoralis minor post-treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.74-91
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• 2005

척추의 기본적인 생체 역학적 기능은 신체 부분간의 운동을 허용하고 척수와 신경근을 보호하는 것으로서 이러한 기능을 수행하기 위해서는 척추의 역학적 안정성이 필수적이다. 척추의 안정체계는 수동적 근 골격계, 능동적 근 골격계, 그리고 신경계의 세 가지 하부체계로 나누어지며 이들 하부체계는 각각 독립적으로 안정성에 관여하고 있다. 경추의 불안정성의 문제는 비정상적으로 증가된 추간관절의 운동에 의해 염증성의 신경을 압박 또는 신장하거나 또는 통증수용기가 많이 분포하는 인대, 관절낭, 섬유륜과 종판에 비정상적인 변형을 일으키는 것을 말한다. 안정성의 장애는 근육의 기능적 측면에서 국소적 안정체계와 포괄적 안정체계의 문제로 구분할 수 있다. 불안정한 경추 환자의 임상적 양상은 일반적으로 머리가 앞으로 나오고 전방 전위된 자세로 견갑대와 승모근 상부의 과활동성을 나타낸다. 또한 능동운동은 감소되지 않으나 수동운동에서 분절의 회전운동과 병진운동의 증가와 종말감의 변화가 있다. 경추의 불안정성을 관리하기 위한 실험적 연구로 전반적인 근육 훈련, 고유수용기 훈련, 그리고 도수치료의 세 가지 주된 접근법이 있고 실제적인 접근법으로는 고유수용성 재활프로그램, 칼텐본-에반스 접근법, 그리고, 슬링운동법 등이 있다. 각 방법들은 임상에서 나름대로의 이점이 있으며 환자의 상태에 따라 이들 방법을 단독으로 또는 병행해서 적용할 수 있을 것이다. 그러나 경추에서 이러한 방법들의 효과를 입증하는 증거는 부족하여 앞으로 이러한 방법에 대한 임상적 경험보다는 그 효과를 입증할 수 있는 연구가 필요하다고 본다.

• Archives of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.17-24
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between forward head posture and pulmonary function in young women. Methods: Thirty-three young women participated in this study. The participants were grouped into non-forward head posture, mild forward head posture, and moderate-severe forward head posture groups. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and pulmonary function were measured using ImageJ and a spirometer, respectively. Results: Statistically significant differences in the participants' forced expiratory volume for one second (FEV1) and predicted forced expiratory volume for one second (predicted FEV1) were found among the three groups. No statistically significant differences in the participants' forced vital capacity (FVC), predicted forced vital capacity (predicted FVC), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were found among the three groups. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between CVA and FVC and among the predicted FVC, FEV1, and predicted FEV1. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that severe forward head posture has a negative effect on pulmonary function in young women.

• Archives of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of sport massage and McKenzie stretch exercise on forward head posture. To understand the effect, this study measured and analyzed body alignment of the neck. Methods: In this study, a total of 14 subjects with forward head posture were analyzed. Subjects were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=7) received a McKenzie stretch exercise and group 2 (n=7) received a McKenzie stretch exercise and a sport massage. The McKenzie stretch exercise was performed three times a week, for four weeks, while the sport massage was performed once a week. The body alignment of the neck (CVA, CRA) was measured using a goniometer. Results: The improvements in neck body alignments (CVA, CRA) after the McKenzie stretch exercise and sport massage were both significant (group 1: p<0.05; group 2: p<0.05), whereas the between-group comparison found no significant differences. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study confirmed that the McKenzie stretch exercise and sport massage had a significant positive effect on the body alignment of the neck. However, a study that included a greater number of subjects and a long-term treatment period is needed to generalize these results.