• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.27-35
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cervical and thoracic joint mobilization on cervical pain, cervical range of motion(ROM) and balance in adults with forward neck posture. A total 26 subjects were divided into a cervical joint mobilization group(CMG, n=13) and a thoracic joint mobilization group(TMG, n=13). performed joint mobilization three times per week for four weeks. As for changes in pain and ROM, statistically significant decrease were founded within group comparison(p<.05). In changes of static balance within group comparison, the CMG showed statically significant improvement in right foot on eyes closed(p<.05), while there were no significant changes in the TMG(p<.05). There were no significant differences were observed between group comparison(p<.05). In changes of dynamic balance within group comparison, the CMG and TMG were showed statistically significant improvement(p<.05). In conclusion, the joint mobilization on cervical and thoracic were effective on improving cervical pain, cervical range of motion and balance in adults with forward neck posture.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.13-25
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined cervical stabilization exercise (CSE) and stretching exercise (SE) on office workers with forward head posture (FHP). Methods : A total of 32 office workers with forward head posture were randomly assigned to experimental (n=16) and control (n=16) groups. The experimental group underwent combined CSE and SE, and the control group underwent cervical self-myofascial release and SE. Both groups performed exercises for 40 min per day, thrice per week for a total of 6 weeks. Craniovertebral angle (CVA), respiration, disability, and joint range of motion (ROM) before and 6 weeks after intervention were measured and compared. Results : There was no significant between-group difference in the general characteristics (p>.05). The intra-group comparison showed significant differences in the visual analog scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) of both groups post-intervention (p<.05). CVA and forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds (FEV₁) were significantly improved post-intervention in the experimental group only (p<.05). In the experimental group, all ROM variables were significantly improved post-intervention. In contrast, in the control group, all ROM variables improved significantly post-intervention, except for extension (p<.05). The inter-group comparison showed significant differences in NDI, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, and left rotation between the two groups (p<.05). Conclusion : The combination of CSE and SE, which stabilizes the cervical spine, had positive effects on cranial rotation angle, respiration, disability, and joint ROM in office workers with forward head posture. Therefore, the combination of the two exercises may be an effective option to reduce symptoms and prevent postural problems in office workers with FHP.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.47-51
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of wearable sensor wear on the muscle contraction of cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius causing the forward head posture induction in order to reduce the stress induced by the use of smartphone. This study was to investigate the muscle activity of healthy adults in the 20th to 30th generations by dividing them into the control group using the smartphone, the non-wearing group conscious the posture of the head posture, and the wearing group wearing the wearable sensor. There were no differences in muscle activity between cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius compared to the control, non - wearing, and wearing groups. In addition, the changes in muscle activity of cervical erector spinae muscles were increased in all groups, but the muscle activity of upper trapezius muscles were in the wear group compared to the non-wear group and the control group, but there was no statistical significance. That is, wear of the wearable sensor may be effective in controlling the conscious posture, but it may cause the compensation of another part.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.138-145
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• 2021

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) causes various posture imbalances associated with the head and neck. Myofascial release is an effective treatment method used for relaxing muscles and reducing muscle hyperactivity, but no studies have been conducted on suboccipital and neck muscles related to FHP. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of roller massages on the cranio-cervical flexion (CCF) range of motion (ROM) and CCF strength applied to suboccipital and neck muscles in subject with forward head posture. Methods: Twenty-four FHP subjects (male: 13, female: 11) were recruited for this study. All subjects were recruited with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of 53 degrees or less and a head tilt angle (HTA) of 20.66 degrees or higher. CCF strength was measured using Pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) in the supine posture and CCF ROM was measured using smartphone-based inclinometer. Roller massage (RM) was applied to suboccipital and neck muscles for 2 minutes and CCF ROM and strength were remeasured. Results: These results of this study showed that CCF ROM was a significant difference in CCF ROM before and after RM (p < 0.05). CCF strength also showed a significant difference before and after RM (p < 0.05). Conclusion: RM method might be recommended to increase the immediate ROM and strength of CCF in subjects with forward head posture.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.71-82
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report was to determine the effect of therapeutic exercise on posture, pain, and muscle activity in two patients with forward head posture (FHP). METHODS: A-31-year-old male (patient A) and a 19-year-old women (patient B) presented with FHP, neck pain, and headache. The therapeutic exercise program consisted of cervical mobilization, deep cervical flexors strengthening, and cervical extensors stretching, for 40 min/d, 2 d/week, for 8 weeks. Neck pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), cervical range of motion (CROM), lateral view of cervical spine X-ray (indicating the FHP), and asymmetrical neck and shoulder muscular activity ratio were measured before, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of corrective exercise. RESULTS: VAS and NDI decreased in patients A and B after exercise compared to before the program. CROM increased in patients A and B at flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation after exercise compared to before the program. FHP decreased in patients A and B at distance after exercise compared to before the program. In addition, asymmetrical neck and shoulder muscles activity ratio improved in patients A and B after exercise compared to before the program. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated in a case report that therapeutic exercise increases ROM, decreases pain and disability of neck, FHP, and asymmetry muscle activity ratio in patients with FHP. These finding have clinical implications for therapeutic exercise in patients with FHP.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.95-102
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to the effects of the Sling Neurac stabilization exercise(SNSE) on pain, cervical lordosis angle(CLA), and cervical gravity line(CGL) in young adults with a forward head posture. The subjects of the study were selected as SNSEG(n=10) and control group(n=10), they were conducted for 70 minutes three times a week for 8 weeks. Study results showed that pain(p<.001), CGLe(p<.01) were significantly decreased and CLA(p<.001) were also significantly increased in the SNSEG. In conclusion, SNSE is effective in improving the proprioceptive sense of the LM group and activating the muscle. Co-activation with the GM group was found to be effective in improving the CLA and CGL. Therefore, reactivation of the deep neck flexors and suboccipital muscles is an important factor in pain control and postural alignment, and is suggested as an effective intervention method to improve forward head posture.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.29-40
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of an exercise program for the thoracic spine and scapula rather than the neck, which is the primary site of pain. METHODS: Thirty-two elementary school teachers with a forward head posture (FHP) were assigned randomly to either the experimental group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 16). The experimental group performed scapular stabilization exercise (SSE) and thoracic extension exercise (TEE), and the control group performed cervical self-myofascial release exercise and stretching exercise. The pulmonary functions, pain, craniovertebral angle (CVA), and cervical range of motion (CROM) were measured before the intervention and six weeks after. RESULTS: The within-group comparisons showed that the VAS and CROM (except for extension) in both groups were significantly different before and after the intervention (p < .05). The changes in the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 sec (FEV1), and CVA were significant only in the experimental group (p < .05). The between-group comparisons showed a significant difference in the FVC, FEV1, VAS, CVA, and left lateral flexion (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The combination of SSE and TEE in the experimental group was more effective in improving the FHP and breathing ability. Moreover, the experimental group and control combination appeared to be effective in reducing pain and improving the CROM. The combination of SSE and TEE, which are exercises that do not target the cervical spine directly, was effective in improving the posture, respiration, neck pain, and CROM in elementary school teachers with FHP.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.301-309
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• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to provide an effective method of exercise therapy for patients with cervicogenic headache. Methods : The subjects were divided into the following two groups according to the intervention received: cervical stretch exercise (n=15, control group) cervix-stabilizing exercise (n=15, experimental group) tone (Hz) and stiffness (N/m) of the suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles were measured. T1 slope angle and neck tilt angle were measured. After the exercise program intervention, a greater amount of change in muscle tone and stiffness of suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles was found in the experimental group, as compared to the control group. Greater amount of change in posture was found in the experimental group, as compared to the control group (p<0.05). Results : After the exercise program intervention, a greater amount of change in muscle tone and stiffness of suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles was found in the experimental group, as compared to the control group. Greater amount of change in posture was found in the experimental group, as compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion : The neck-stabilizing exercise were shown to be effective in decreasing the tone of the cervical muscles by stabilizing the cervical bone and improving muscle activity, and in improving the posture by decreasing muscle tone and stiffness.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.104-113
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• 2024

Forward Head Posture (FHP) involves the anterior positioning of the head relative to the shoulders, often associated with muscular imbalances. It is known that individuals with FHP experience shortening of craniocervical extensors and cervical flexors. However, contrary to the understanding of flexion in the craniocervical extension subaxial region, a study has reported flexion in the craniovertebral spinal vertebrae among individuals with FHP. The aim of this study was to examine the consistency of biomechanical study results conducted for FHP. The relevant studies were investigated in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the keywords "forward head posture OR cervical sagittal alignment OR cervical spine AND biomechanics OR kinetic analysis OR kinematic analysis." During the research selection process, only nine studies relevant to the purpose of our study were identified. Out of these nine studies, four conducted kinematic analysis related to FHP formation, while six conducted kinetic analysis. During the comparison of these studies, five inconsistencies were identified. Biomechanical studies on FHP reveal conflicting findings, suggesting potential variability in the biomechanics of FHP formation across individuals. However, drawing definitive conclusions requires further exploration through additional biomechanical investigations on FHP in the future.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.679-690
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between neck posture and range of motion and neck disability index(NDI) in young adults with reduced cervical lordosis. This study selected 34 young adults with cervical lordosis reduced (Cobb's angle less than 35 degrees). The assessor measured neck flexion, extension, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, left rotation, right rotation and forward displacements of all subjects using cervical of range motion instrument, Then, the NDI was evaluated. After all assessments, degree for cervical lordosis was divided into two groups: bottom group(severe cervical lordosis) and top group(mild cervical lordosis). The bottom group was significantly higher in Cobb's angle, extension, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, left rotation, right rotation and forward displacement compared to the top group (p<.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in flexion, NDI(p >.05). In comparison of subscale of NDI, top group was significantly higher in pain, lifting, and headache than bottom group (p <.05). In correlation analysis, Cobb's angle showed significant positive correlation with flexion, extension, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, left rotation and right rotation(p<.05), and showed significant negative correlation with forward displacement, NDI(p<.05). Cobb's angle showed a significant negative correlation with pain, lifting, and headache of subscale of NDI(p<.05). The findings of this study potentially suggest that neck posture may affect the cervical range of motion and pain.