• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.174-183
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• 2023

Background: Office workers experience neck or back pain due to poor posture, such as flexed head and forward head posture, during long-term sedentary work. Posture correction is used to reduce pain caused by poor posture and ensures proper alignment of the body. Several assistive devices have been developed to assist in maintaining an ideal posture; however, there are limitations in practical use due to vast size, unproven long-term effects or inconsistency of maintaining posture alignment. We developed a headphone and necklace posture correction system (HANPCS) for posture correction using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor that provides visual or auditory feedback. Objects: To demonstrate the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of neck and upper trunk flexion measurements using a HANPCS, compared with a three-dimensional motion analysis system (3DMAS). Methods: Twenty-nine participants were included in this study. The HANPCS was applied to each participant. The angle for each action was measured simultaneously using the HANPCS and 3DMAS. The data were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = [3,3] with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The angular measurements of the HANPCS for neck and upper trunk flexions showed high intra- (ICC = 0.954-0.971) and inter-day (ICC = 0.865-0.937) values, standard error of measurement (SEM) values (1.05°-2.04°), and minimal detectable change (MDC) values (2.92°-5.65°). Also, the angular measurements between the HANPCS and 3DMAS had excellent ICC values (> 0.90) for all sessions, which indicates high concurrent validity. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the HANPCS is as accurate in measuring angle as the gold standard, 3DMAS. Therefore, the HANPCS is reliable and valid because of its angular measurement reliability and validity.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.185-190
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• 2020

Background: Backward walking exercise may offer some unique and potentially beneficial differences compared with forward walking exercise. There is still a lack of research on backward walking exercises and forward head posture. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of backward walking exercise on college students forward head posture in their 20s. Methods: Twenty-one subjects participated in the experiment. The subjects were those with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of 55 degrees or less who understood the purpose and method of this study and voluntarily agreed. A camera capable of taking pictures of the lateral plane was installed at a distance of 1.5 meters before exercising. Pictures were taken before walking backward, and after walking for 15 minutes on the treadmill, the images were taken in the same way. The composition of the backward walking exercise was walking at a rate of 1.0 for 5 minutes, and the remaining 10 minutes were walking at a rate of 1.5. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare CVA and craniorotational angle (CRA) before and after exercise. Results: As a result of this study, there was a significant difference in CVA before and after exercise (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in CRA before and after exercise (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The backward walking exercise and verbal command seems to have positively influenced the changes in CVA and CRA among college students in their 20s. It seems that studies to confirm balance or muscle activity as well as changes in forward head posture through the long-term intervention of the backward walking exercise should be conducted.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.155-160
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• 2022

Purpose: This study was to identify the effect of cervical stabilization exercise with visual feedback on the craniovertebral angle and foot pressure in subjects with forward head posture. Methods: Thirty healthy adults were recruited in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the stabilization exercise with visual feedback (SE-VF) group (n=15) or stabilization exercise (SE) group (n=15). The SE-VF group performed cervical stabilization exercise while sitting on a chair without a backrest and checking their side profile in real time a monitor 3m away. The SE group performed the same cervical stabilization exercise as the SE-VF group accompanied by without visual feedback. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured to quantify forward head posture, and the foot pressure of the subjects were evaluated. Results: The foot pressure showed statistically significant differences pre and post in both midfoot and left metatarsal only in SE-VF group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings of this study showed that the cervical stabilization exercise with visual feedback was effective for the foot pressure of subjects. In addition, based on the results of this study, it is suggested that visual feedback will be effective in cervical stabilization exercise.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.51-62
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• 2006

In assessing risks related to working posture, pictures of postures are taken from various directions, which can be a source of observation error. Joint postures of the neck, lower back, knee, shoulder, and elbow were taken from 7 different viewing angles and 19 observers estimated joint angles by observing the pictures in 2-dimensional display. The joint angles were also measured using an optoelectronic motion measurement system. The estimation error increased as the viewing angle varies from the right side of the human body, but the patterns differ according to which joint angles were being observed. Guidelines to increase the validity of observation of joint angles were presented based on the results. In general, it is recommended to maintain the viewing angle within 20 degrees from the right side of the human body, while different ranges of viewing angle are recommended for each joint angle.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.13-20
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• 2019

PURPOSE: Sitting with crossed legs may have an effect on maintaining a healthy body posture and proper functioning of the respiratory system. Thus, this study's objective was to identify whether or not sitting with crossed legs affects the vertebral angle, chest wall mobility, the pulmonary function, and the activity of the respiratory muscles. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects were recruited for this study (16 males and 14 females). The vertebral angle, chest wall mobility, pulmonary function, and the activity of the respiratory muscle were measured while the subjects sat in the correct posture and these factors were again measured with the subjects seated with their legs crossed. Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to determine the trunk and lumbar vertebral angles. Surface electromyography was employed to measure the sternocleidomastoid, the rectus abdominis, and the external and internal oblique abdominis muscles. A tapeline was utilized to evaluate the subjects' chest wall mobility. Spirometry was assessed to determine the forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second. Paired t-tests were then performed (p<.05). RESULTS: There were significant differences in the trunk and lumbar flexion angles, the chest wall mobility, the activity of the right external oblique muscle, and the left internal oblique abdominis muscle. However, the difference in pulmonary function did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: A crossed leg posture caused slight thoracic extension and lumbar flexion, which may lead to a decrease of the chest wall mobility and also to an imbalance of the abdominal muscles. Therefore, sitting with a crossed leg posture should be avoided. Yet a crossed leg posture did not have any clinical effect on the pulmonary function of healthy people. It may be necessary to study the effects of sitting with crossed legs over an extended period of time for patients suffering with impaired respiratory function.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.59-67
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• 2023

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of shoulder and neck stabilization exercise using a gym ball for healthy women in their 20s with round shoulder and forward head posture, it is intended to try and find improvement for posture. Methods: The subjects of the study were 25 women who understood the purpose of the research and voluntarily agreed to participate in the experiment. They carried out the shoulder and neck stabilization exercise program using a gym ball, which was conducted for 35 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The position of the round shoulder and shoulder bones was measured using an tape measurement and were recorded in both at pre, 2 weeks, and post intervention. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and craniorotational angle (CRA) was measured using an image J. Results: The round shoulder posture left was statistically significantly different within group (p<.05); however, the round shoulder posture right wasn't statistically significantly different (p>.05). As a result of this contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post. The scapular position on the left and right were statistically significantly different within the group (p<.05). As a result of the contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post (p<.05). The CVA and CRA on the left and right were statistically significantly different within the group (p<.05). As a result of the contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post (p<.05). Conclusion: The gym ball exercises improved the posture of women in their 20s. Therefore, gym ball exercises can help improve the quality of life of those with shoulder and neck pain.

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

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2008

This study was conducted with 8 male table tennis players who won national competitions. Of the subjects, 4 used a racket of penholder grip and 4 used one of shake hand grip, and all of them were right.handers. We analyzed three-dimensional angular characteristics such as angular component, swing trajectory and swing posture related to the racket swing motions of forehand drive and smash in table tennis, and drew conclusions as follows. Racket angle(p<.05) and racket swing angle(p<.01) were significantly different between the two motions. In smash, the back swing posture maintained the racket angle large by holding the racket upright and made the racket swing angle small for high ball speed. In addition, the height of the racket head in back swing posture was also significantly different between the two motions. In phg on impact, the open angle of the long axis of the racket was significantly different between the two motions. This shows that impact was applied a bit behind for giving top spin to the ball. In the back swing of drive, the gradient of the upper body was slightly larger in shg than in phg probably because of the structural difference of the racket grip in the neutral posture.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.44-51
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• 2018

Background: In this paper, the relationship between the Cranio-Vertebral Angle (CVA) and the vital capacity in each position is reviewed, and the vital capacity in the position is studied. Methods: This study targeted 20 non-smoking female students of U university, which is located in Gyeongju-si. To review the Forward Head Posture (FHP) of each subject, CVA was measured, and FVC, FEV1, and FEF (25-75%) were measured and analyzed using a spirometer. Subjects were ordered to exhale three times with ease and then inhale up to their total lung capacity. After then, they were requested to exhale longer than six seconds. Then the inspiration and expiration were repeated. The measurement was executed in three positions, including supine, prone, and sitting. In each position the measurement was repeated twice, and a one-minute break was given between each cycle, so it was measured six times in total. SPSS 14.0 for Windows was used to analyze the data. The subjects' general properties were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the correlation between the angle and the respiration variable result in each position was analyzed. The result of the respiration variable in each position was analyzed using the one-way ANOVA, and then a Scheffe post-hoc comparison was executed. Results: According to the analysis result of the correlation between the angle and respiration variable in each position, the sitting position and FEF (25-75%) showed a positive correlation (P<0.05). The respiration variable in each position showed a significant difference in FVC (p<0.05), and the Scheffe post-hoc comparison differed in prone and sitting positions. Conclusion: To increase the FVC of FHP patients, different exercises for each position can be applied, and the result of this study can be utilized as background data for further research.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.559-563
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• 2013

Background One of the reasons women with macromastia chose to undergo a breast reduction is to relieve their complaints of back, neck, and shoulder pain. We hypothesized that changes in posture after surgery may be the reason for the pain relief and that patient posture may correlate with symptomatic macromastia and may serve as an objective measure for complaints. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of reduction mammaplasty on the posture of women with macromastia. Methods A prospective controlled study at a university medical center. Forty-two patients that underwent breast reduction were studied before surgery and an average of 4.3 years following surgery. Thirty-seven healthy women served as controls. Standardized lateral photos were taken. The inclination angle of the back was measured. Regression analysis was performed for the inclination angle. Results Preoperatively, the mean inclination angle was 1.61 degrees ventrally; this diminished postoperatively to 0.72 degrees ventrally. This change was not significant (P-value=0.104). In the control group that angle was 0.28 degrees dorsally. Univariate regression analysis revealed that the inclination was dependent on body mass index (BMI) and having symptomatic macromastia; on multiple regression it was only dependent on BMI. Conclusions The inclination angle of the back in breast reduction candidates is significantly different from that of controls; however, this difference is small and probably does not account for the symptoms associated with macromastia. Back inclination should not be used as a surrogate "objective" measure for symptomatic macromastia.