• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.108-111
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the effects of the forward head posture and tension type headache on neck movement among office workers. Methods: The subjects were 6 male and 21 female patients composed of a forward head posture group, forward head posture group with a tension type headache and a normal group. Each group consisted of 2 males and 7 females. The cranio-vertebral angle of the head and the angle of motion of the neck were measured. SPSS 23.0 was used for data analysis and one-way ANOVA was performed for the mean comparison of the neck movements in the three groups. Results: The participants had a limitation in the movement of all necks between the forward head posture group and forward head posture with tension type headache group compared to the normal subjects. The forward head posture with tension headache group had limited neck extension and lateral bending compared to the forward head posture group. Conclusion: Office workers have limitations in the movement of the neck when they are accompanied by forward head posture and tension headache. In particular, when accompanied with a tension headache, there is a restriction on the neck extension and side bending. This study is expected to provide basic data for the relief of tension headache and the treatment of forward head posture in office workers.

• 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.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2020

Purpose: This study investigated the correlation between standing balance and head-forward posture in adolescents. Methods: The participants in this study were 15 female adolescents. We took photographs of the participants' craniovertebral angle with a digital camera to determine the degree of head-forward posture. Standing balance was evaluated using the 30-second Romberg test of BT4. The measurements were taken on a stable-support surface and on an unstable-support surface using a balance pad. The data measured in this study were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, and the statistical significance level α was established as 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was performed to identify the correlation between the degree of head-forward position of the participants and their balance ability. Results: When we measured 30 seconds of the Romberg test, we observed that, with their eyes open, the participants' head-forward posture and balance were not correlated. However, with their eyes closed, there was a strong correlation between the forward position of the head and the balance ability, which declined as the head position increased. Conclusion: Adolescents with severe head-forward posture exhibited problems with balance in posture control with closed eyes when visual information was not available. It can be inferred that an abnormality occurs in proprioceptor sensation due to their habitual head-forward posture. Education on correct posture and preventive activities should be recommended to improve the health of such adolescents and avoid possible future problems of physical deterioration.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.23-30
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• 2023

Background: Flexion of cervical and lumbar joints is required when viewing a smartphone screen. Thus, these joints are overused, together with the surrounding joints and muscles. Long-term use of smartphones will cause changes in cervical and lumbar posture. The effect on forward head posture will vary, depending on the angle of cervical flexion start position in relation to the smartphone. This study investigated how forward head posture changes over time when using a smartphone at 20° and 40° cervical flexion start positions. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-five subjects with a forward head posture angle of 35° or less participated in the study. A Forward Head Posture app on the participants' smartphones measured forward head posture 5 and 10 minutes after watching videos on their smartphones. Cervical range of motion was used to set a smartphone watching start posture of 20° and 40° of cervical flexion. Results: There was no significant difference in forward head posture, irrespective of cervical flexion start position, but the angle of forward head posture increased more at cervical flexion of 40° than at cervical flexion of 20°. There was no significant difference in what according to smartphone video viewing times, but the angle of forward head posture increased over time. Conclusion: An increase in forward head posture over time with smartphone usage poses a potential risk of neck and shoulder pain. Therefore, smartphone users should avoid prolonged screen time.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.151-156
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of posture correction and real-time visual feedback using a video display on muscle activity and change of head position during overhead arm lift test in individuals with forward head posture. Methods: Fifteen subjects with forward head posture and fifteen normal subjects who volunteered were included in this study. During both groups performed the overhead arm lift test, the muscle activity of the upper trapezius, serratus anterior, sternocleidomastoid, and lower trapezius muscle were measured using electromyography, and head position change was measured using photographs. Then, forward head posture group was asked to perform overhead arm lift test again after posture correction and real-time visual feedback using a video display respectively. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze four conditions: pre-test, posture correction, real-time visual feedback, and the control group. Results: The upper trapezius and lower trapezius muscle activity significantly decreased posture correction, real-time visual feedback, and control group than pre-test of forward head posture group (p<0.05). The sternocleidomastoid muscle significantly decreased real-time visual feedback and control group than pre-test of forward head posture group. Head position change significantly decreased three conditions than pre-test of forward head posture group and real-time visual feedback and control group significantly decreased than posture correction. Conclusion: This study recommend for maintaining cervical stability during the overhead arm lift test, postural control using real-time visual feedback is more effective in subjects with forward head posture.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2019

Purpose: This paper proposes proper and effective neck exercises by comparing the deep and superficial cervical flexor muscle activities and thickness according to the pressure level during cranio-cervical flexion exercises between a normal posture group and forward head posture group. Methods: A total of 20 subjects (8 males and 12 females) without neck pain and disabilities were selected. The subjects' craniovertebral angles were measured; they were divided into a normal posture and a forward head posture group. During cranio-cervical flexion exercises, the thickness of the deep cervical flexor neck muscle and the activity of the surface neck muscles were measured using ultrasound and EMG. Results: The results showed that the thickening of the deep cervical flexor was increased significantly to 28 and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The sternocleidomastoid muscle activity increased significantly to 24, 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The anterior scalene muscle activity increased significantly to 26, 28, and 30mmHg in the forward head posture group. A significant difference of 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles was observed between two groups. Conclusion: To prevent a forward head posture and maintain proper cervical curve alignment, the use of the superficial cervical flexor muscles must be minimized. In addition, to perform a cranio-cervical flexion exercises to effectively activate the deep cervical flexor muscles, 28 and 30 mmHg for normal posture adults and 28 mmHg for adults with forward head postures are recommended.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.205-213
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• 2021

Purpose: This study investigated the immediate effects of a figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention on round shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion mobility in forward head posture. Methods: Thirty patients with forward head posture were assigned randomly to the figure-8 shoulder brace group (n = 15) or the taping intervention group (n = 15). Patients were assessed for forward head posture, shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion. Results: The figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention groups showed a significant difference for forward head posture, shoulder posture, and thoracic kyphosis after the experiment (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that a figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention has a positive effect on rounded shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion in patients with forward head posture.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.217-223
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was to investigate whether the two different head postures, natural and ideal head posture, affect head/shoulder posture and muscle activity. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects with the forward head and round shoulder posture were participated in this study. This study utilized a within-subjects design with subjects being positioned into two sitting positions: natural head posture (NHP) and ideal head posture (IHP). Forward head angle (FHA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA) of each subject were measured for assessing the head/shoulder posture and muscle activities of upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during the forward overhead reaching. Results: There were significant increases in both FHA and FSA after taking IHP, which showed greater angles than in taking NHP. In change of muscle activities, there were significant decreases in both LT and SA after taking IHP, which showed lower activities than in taking a NHP, whereas there was no significant change in UT. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that postural alterations associated with forward head and rounded shoulder postures could alter scapular kinetics and muscle activity during the forward overhead reaching.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.311-315
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• 2013

Purpose: Forward head posture is a typical symptom in people who use computers for long periods of time. Respiration is a complex function involving co-operation of muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. Abnormal posture can have a negative effect on respiratory function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between forward head posture and respiratory function in young adults. Methods: Forty-six healthy subjects participated in this study. Craniovertebral angle was measured for assessment of the forward head posture. The respiratory function of all subjects was evaluated by measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume at one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio, and peak expiratory flow (PEF). The baseline of forward head posture was less than 49 degrees. Results: : Significant differences for predicted FVC and FEV1 were observed between the two groups, however, no statistically significant differences in FEV1/FVC ratio and PEF were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrate that forward head posture has a negative effect on respiratory function in young adults.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.219-228
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• 2007

Objective : The purpose of this study was conducted to find treatment of forward head posture and shoulder instability with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation concept. Methods : This is literature study with books, seminar note and international course. Results : Forward head posture and shoulder instability has related each other. Forward head posture will make muscle instability, weakness and stiffness on neck and shoulder girdle. It will make pain also. Important muscle are suboccipital muscle, omohyoid muscle, sternoclaidomastoid muscle, scaleni, pectoralis minor, levator scapular and digastric. Conclusion : Treatment of the forward head posture and shoulder instability is provided. It is that treatment of stiff muscle with eccentric muscle work, muscle elongation, muscle strengthening at the structure level and at the functional level for daily activities.