• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.272-277
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• 2020

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is common postural malalignment. FHP is described relatively extension to upper cervical and lower cervical is relatively flexion. Although several researchers mentioned the lower cervical flexion posture in FHP, most of the studies related to FHP is focused on the deep cervical flexor function. Objects: The purposes of present study is to compare the cervical strength (upper cervical extension [UCE], lower cervical extension [LCE], upper cervical flexion [UCF], lower cervical flexion [LCF]) between individuals with and without FHP. Methods: Fifty-one participants are recruited. Participants who have the craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 48 degree were classified to the FHP group (n = 24) and the others were included in without FHP group (n = 27). The cervical strength (UCE, LCE, UCF, LCF) were measured using Smart KEMA strength sensor and the strength data was normalized by body weight. All strength measurement conducted at head and neck neutral position in sitting. Independent t-test was used to compare the cervical strength between individuals with and without FHP. Results: The mean value of CVA was greater in without FHP group than with FHP group (p < 0.000). The strength value of UCF (p < 0.002) and LCE (p < 0.001) was significant less in FHP group than without FHP group. But no significant differences were seen in the LCF and UCE strength between two groups. Conclusion: UCF and LCE weakness in FHP group should be considered to evaluate and manage the individuals with FHP.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.9-17
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• 2015

PURPOSE: This paper aims to present the available angle to evaluate the severity of forward head posture (FHP) with the observation method and photographic method. METHODS: A cross-sectional observation research design study consisted of 29 subjects who was divided two groups (slight FHP group, moderate FHP group) in Eulji university was used. We evaluated the FHP and the angles including CranioVertebral Angle (CVA), Head Tilting Angle (HTA), Head Position Angle (HPA) and Forward Shoulder Angle (FSA) with the Body style S-8.0 (South Korea, LU Commerce). RESULTS: The mean of CVA, FSA from the slight FHP group was shown higher than moderate severe FHP group. According to independent t-test result, but there was no difference among all angles in two groups. The linear discriminate analysis showed the size of distinction of FSA was the biggest, and then CVA, HTA and HPA were in the order. 55.6% of FSA is properly classified in the slight FHP group. CONCLUSION: The FSA is the best to distinguish the severity of FHP and then CVA as the second best. Therefore, FSA is recommended to check the FHP.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.365-374
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• 2021

In this study, the effect of enzyme-modified starch used in the preparation of filled hydrogel powder loaded with curcumin (FHP) on redispersibility, thermal and UV stability, and curcumin retention during in vitro digestion was investigated. FHP maintained stability without layer separation when redispersed and showed more stability against UVB than the emulsion powder (EMP). There was no significant difference in the chemical stability of curcumin between rice starch-based filled hydrogel powder (RS-FHP) and enzyme-modified starch-based filled hydrogel powder (GS-FHP). However, the gel matrix of GS-FHP maintained greater stability of lipid droplets in the stomach compared to RS-FHP, thereby improving the retention rate of curcumin after in vitro digestion. GS-FHP could be used as a novel material for developing premixes that require stable formulation and maintenance of functional substances, as it can increase the dispersion stability and retention rate of functional substances after digestion.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.339-347
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• 2000

To elucidate pressure pain threshold of pericranial muscle due to involuntary. the effect of 30 min or forward head position(FHP) was studied in 20 patients with episodic tension-type headache and in 20 control without headache. Pressure pain thresholds were recorded before and after the FHP. and evaluated by pressure algometry. Thresholds increased in the patients and control after FHP. Relation between thresholds in patients anf control before FHP were not significant differences, but thresholds increased in patients after FHP. So, involutary muscle contraction due to FHP may be effect pressure pain threshold or pericranial muscle.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.251-256
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• 2021

Objective: The forward head posture (FHP) is strongly related to the rounded shoulder posture (RSP), which is associated with shoulder pain. Design: Observational cross sectional study design Methods: A total of 37 were enrolled in the study, 22 individuals with FHP(experimental group) and 15 healthy adults(control group). Correlation with differences between groups was analysed through craniovertebral angle (CVA) representing FHP for both groups, neck disability index (NDI) indicating neck pain, disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) indicating shoulder pain. Results: There was a significant difference in the results of CVA, NDI, and DASH in FHP and healthy adults (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between DASH and CVA in FHP participants (r = -0.656, p = 0.001). Also, in the regression analysis results of DASH and CVA, the regression model was found to be suitable and the variation in DASH could be explained by 43% (F = 15.118, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Shoulder pain and neck discomfort are potentially related, and an increase in shoulder pain can increase FHP.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.44-50
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• 2015

This study compared the effects of the initial head position (i.e., a HHP versus a relaxed head position) of subjects with and without a FHP on the thickness of the deep and superficial neck flexor muscles during CCF. The study recruited 6 subjects with a FHP and 10 subjects without a FHP. The subjects performed CCF in two different head positions: a HHP, with the head aligned so that the forehead and chin formed a horizontal line, and a relaxed head position (RHP), with the head aligned in a self-selected comfortable position. During the CCF exercise, the thickness of the longus colli (LCo) and the thickness of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) were recorded using ultrasonography. The thickness of each muscle was measured by Image J software. The statistical analysis was performed with a two-way mixed-model analysis of variance. The thickness of the SCM differed significantly (p<.05) between the subjects with and without FHP. According to a post $h^{\circ}C$ independent t-test, the change in thickness of the SCM increased significantly during CCF in the subjects with FHP while adopting a HHP compared to that in the subjects without FHP. The change in thickness of the SCM was not significantly different between the two positions in subjects without FHP, and there was no significant change in thickness of the LCo muscle during the CCF exercise according to the initial position in both subjects with and without FHP. The results suggest that CCF should be performed in RHP to minimize contraction of the SCM in subjects with a FHP.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 2024

Background: For instance, forward head posture (FHP), characterized by the forward movement of the head relative to the spine, places significant stress on the neck and upper back muscles, disrupting the biomechanical balance of the body. Objects: The objective of this study was to probe the biomechanical effects of FHP on musculoskeletal health through a relative analysis of 26 adults diagnosed with FHP and 26 healthy controls. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the biomechanical impacts of FHP. Participants adjusted their head positions and underwent muscle strength tests, including electromyography assessments and the Biering-Sørensen test for trunk muscle endurance. Data analysis was conducted using Kinovea (Kinovea) and IBM SPSS software ver. 26.0 (IBM Co.) to compare muscle activities between groups with normal and FHPs. Results: The study shows that individuals with FHP have significantly lower muscle activity, endurance, and spinal extension in the erector spinae compared to those without, highlighting the detrimental effects of FHP on these muscles. Conclusion: This study underscores the impact of FHP on erector spinae function and emphasizes the need for posture correction to enhance musculoskeletal health and guide future research on intervention strategies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.29-34
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• 2015

PURPOSE: The purpose of present study was to introduces an exceptional case in measurement methods (CVA, CRA and Cobb angle) to identify the FHP with verified reliability and validity. Subjects: Three males aged 30 years were recruited: A Normal, B and C who have FHP. METHODS: All the subjects were measured CVA, CRA and Cobb angle with the Photogrammetry and Radiography. RESULTS: The results revealed that it is not enough for measurement methods to identify the FHP using CVA, CRA and Cobb angle. On Photogrammetry values; CVA had $65^{\circ}$, CRA was $148^{\circ}$ of Normal subject A and CVA had $61^{\circ}$, CRA was $149^{\circ}$ of FHP subject B and CVA had $51^{\circ}$, CRA was $149^{\circ}$ of FHP subject C. On Radiography values; CVA had $73^{\circ}$, CRA was $148^{\circ}$ and Cobb was $50^{\circ}$ of Normal subject A and CVA had $70^{\circ}$, CRA was $150^{\circ}$ and Cobb was $53^{\circ}$ of FHP subject B and CVA had $61^{\circ}$, CRA was $153^{\circ}$ and Cobb was $31^{\circ}$ of FHP subject C. CONCLUSION: The reliable CVA, CRA and Cobb angle use methods from the previous studies might not be suitable for the diagnose the FHP. We think that it is necessary to have more detailed evaluation methods and the radiography is also needed for clear evaluations because of some possible exceptions.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.9 no.12
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• pp.208-215
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of deep neck flexion exercise(DNFE) and thoracic range of motion exerecise(TROM) on the pain and forward head position(FHP) in stroke patients. Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to DNFE group, TROM group, and control group. pre and post intervention, pain(VAS), Craniovertebral angle(CVA), cranial rotation angle(CRA), FHP, and TROM were measured. As a result. The DNFE group and the TROM group showed significant differences in VAS, CVA, CRA, FHP, and TROM pre and post intervention(p <.05), and the two groups showed VAS, CVA, CRA, FHP, and TROM compared to the control group (p <.05). In conclusion, in patients with stroke, DNFE and TROM were effective in restoring FHP and neck pain. We hope that they will be used in the interventional program for stroke patients in clinical practice.