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

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.47-53
• /
• 2018

Purpose: To find the effect of visual feedback of head angle with using a mobile posture-aware system on craniocervical angle and neck and shoulder muscles fatigue for preventing or decreasing the forward head posture. Methods: Twenty-four healthy young adults in Chungbuk to participate in this study. The subjects started to watch a movie clip for 10 minutes with visual feedback in $0^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$, and $60^{\circ}$ of head angles. During the task, surface electromyography (EMG) was used to collect data from the upper trapezius (UT), sternocleidomasetoid muscle (SCM), cervical erecter spinae (CES) during watching the smartphone. Craniocervical angles were measured using a sagittal-view photograph of the subject in a sitting posture. A one-way repeated analysis of variance with a significant level of 0.05 used for statistical analysis. Results: Craniocervical angle with $0^{\circ}$ visual feedback was significantly greater than $30^{\circ}$ and $60^{\circ}$. Craniocervical angle with $30^{\circ}$ visual feedback was significantly greater than $60^{\circ}$. In addition, MDF of UT muscles in $0^{\circ}$ and $30^{\circ}$ of visual feedback was significantly greater than $60^{\circ}$. Conclusion: We concluded that $0^{\circ}$ visual feedback of head angle with using a mobile posture-aware system would be beneficial to prevent or decrease forward head posture during watching a smartphone. We also could recommend using of $30^{\circ}$ visual feedback in case of caring UT muscle fatigue primarily.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.435-440
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of older adult's head-turn gait on gait parameters by comparing with head oriented forward gait and to provide criteria for their risk of falling compared to young adult. Methods: The subjects were 19 young adults in their 20s and 18 older adults in their 60s or above residing in Daegu or Gyeongsangbuk-do. To evaluate their gait parameters, spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using a gait analysis tool (Legsys, BioSensics, USA) under two conditions: 1) walking while keeping one's eyes forward and 2) walking while turning the head. The measurement for each test was performed after one practice session, and the mean value of three measurements was analyzed. The collected data were statistically processed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare any differences in gait parameters between the two groups under the two conditions. The statistical significance level was set at α=0.05. Results: According to the comparison of gait parameters in young adult and older adult between the head oriented forward gait and head-turn gait, statistically significant differences were observed in two parameters: stride length according to the height ratio and stride speed obtained by dividing the stride length according to the height ratio by time (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the head-turn gait causes greater differences in stride length and speed among older adult than in young adult and therefore can act as a cause of falling.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.319-324
• /
• 2020

Purpose: This study was to investigate the effect of dorsal neck muscle fatigue on the cervical range of motion (CROM) and proprioception in adults with the forward head posture (FHP). Methods: Thirty pain-free subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects were measured the forward head angle by taking the capture of the sagittal plane of their upper body to determine the FHP. Subjects were distributed into two groups: the FHP group (n=14) and Control group (n=16). All subjects were measured the CROM and the Head repositioning accuracy (HRA) for joint proprioception before and after inducing muscle fatigue of the dorsal neck. The CROM and HRA were measured in neck flexion, extension, right-left lateral flexion, and right-left rotation. Sorenson's test was used to induce muscle fatigue of the dorsal neck. Results: Total CROMs were significantly decreased after dorsal neck muscle fatigue in both groups (p<0.05). Total HRAs were significantly increased after dorsal neck muscle fatigue in the FHP group (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the control group (p>0.05). Total CROM changes were not significant differences between groups (p>0.05), but total HRA changes were significant differences between groups (p<0.05) except for right and left lateral flexion (p>0.05). Conclusion: Immediate CROM and proprioception reduction after the dorsal neck muscle fatigue were observed in adults with the FHP. Therefore, FHP can significantly affect the CROM and positioning consistency of cervical proprioception.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.53-61
• /
• 2019

PURPOSE: Forward head posture (FHP) is a head-on-trunk malalignment that results in musculoskeletal dysfunction and neck pain. To improve forward head posture, both the craniocervical flexion exercise (CCFE) and the visual guide (VG) technique have been used. This study compared the immediate effects of CCFE and VG combined with CCFE on craniovertebral angle (CVA), as well as on the activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and anterior scalene (AS) muscles during CCFE in subjects with FHP. METHODS: In total, 16 subjects (nine males, seven females) with FHP were recruited using the G-power software. Each subject conducted CCFE and CCFE combined with VG in random order. The CVA was recorded using a digital camera and the ImageJ image analysis software. The EMG data of SCM and AS were measured by surface electromyography. A paired T-test was used to assess differences between the effects of the CCFE and VG combined with CCFE interventions in the same group. RESULTS: The CVA was significantly greater for CCFE combined with the VG than for CCFE alone (p<.05). The activity of the SCM and AS muscles was also significantly greater when the VG was combined with CCFE than during CCFE alone across all craniocervical flexion exercise phases (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Use of the VG technique combined with CCFE improved FHP in subjects with FHP compared to CCFE alone.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.41-49
• /
• 2022

Background: In patients with forward head posture (FHP), the head is positioned forward, causing increased tension in the muscles and structures of the head, neck, and shoulders. This can result in joint dysfunction that may lead to abnormal afferent information. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on foot pressure through the isometric hip abduction (IHA) bridge exercise using elastic bands in patients with FHP. Methods: Twenty patients with FHP were randomly assigned to a study group that applied joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, a deep neck flexor strengthening exercise, and the IHA bridge exercise using an elastic band. A control group was also constituted, and members were given joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization therapies, and the deep neck flexor strengthening exercise. Ten patients were assigned to each group. The static foot pressure and dynamic foot pressure of each patient were measured before and after the intervention, and the interventions for each group were applied twice a week for 4 weeks. Results: Both the study group and the control group showed significant differences in static and dynamic foot pressure before and after the interventions (p<.05). There were no significant differences in foot pressure between the study and control groups. Conclusion: : The results of this study revealed that there were no significant differences between the group doing the IHA bridge exercise using the elastic band and the control group. However, the intervention methods applied to both the groups were effective in improving the body center control of FHP patients.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.21 no.6
• /
• pp.468-474
• /
• 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a horseback riding simulator, Slings and Kendall Exercise on a cranio-vertebral angle and the neck pain of the Forward Head Posture. This study included 30 young people with forward head posture. They were randomly divided into three groups. Each group performed the exercises for six weeks three times a week from September 2018 to November 2018. The variations of cranio-vertebral angle and neck pain were analyzed using paired t-tests and a one-way ANOVA test. The results of the study are as follows. Three groups showed significant variations of cranio-vertebral angle and neck pain (p < 0.05). But comparison of cranio-vertebral angle and neck pain between the groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). This study found that each exercise group for forward head posture was effective for inducing normal cervical alignment and neck pain relief. Therefore, various exercises can improve the forward head posture.

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

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
• /
• v.4 no.4
• /
• pp.101-105
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kinesio Taping on the forward head posture before application and immediately after application. We measured 18 students college students in Kangwon province by using Exbody's equipment before applying kinesio taping and immediately after application, we measured plumb line, CVA and PCMT. The results of this study were statistically significant (p <.05) as compared to before Kinesio Taping application for both Plumb Line, CVA, and PCMT immediately after application of Kinesio Taping. Therefore, it was confirmed that the effect of improving the head posture from the moment of Kinesio taping application.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.105-110
• /
• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the degree of dizziness affects static balance due to the disruption or absence of the senses involved in balance. To this end, the correlation between the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), which objectively evaluates dizziness, the Fourier Index (FI; Frequency bands of postural oscillation, F1, F2-4, F5-6, F7-8) and the Stability Index (ST), which evaluates static balance ability, were examined. Methods: This study investigated balance and dizziness issues in 30 healthy young adults. Participants underwent multiple tests like the DHI and tetra-ataxiometric posturography (Tetrax) under different conditions (eyes open/closed, standing on a foam-rubber pillow, and with the head in various orientations). Results: We found that F1 exhibited a weak positive correlation with dizziness under normal conditions, as well as when the eyes were closed (r=0.396, p<0.05) and the head was tilted back (r=0.375, p<0.05). Meanwhile, F5-6 showed a moderate positive correlation with dizziness in both head-back (HB: r=0.471, p<0.05) and head-forward postures (r=0.404, p<0.05). Lastly, both F7-8 and ST demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with dizziness when the head was in a forward posture (F7-8: r=0.483; ST: r=0.403, p<0.05). Conclusion: The study results indicate that the severity of dizziness affects sensory systems and balance. It also suggests that head movements, especially forward and backward, further stimulate the vestibular system, intensifying dizziness, and balance problems in affected individuals.