• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.378-382
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of forward head posture on the flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) and muscle activity during sustained neck flexion and to investigate the correlation between craniovertebral angle and FRR. Methods: Nineteen subjects participated in this study and were allocated to a forward head posture (FHP) group or a non-forward head posture (NFHP) group. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) and FRR were measured in all subjects, and all participants performed a standardized cervical flexion-extension movement in two phases: Phase I, sustained cervical full flexion for 5s; and Phase II, cervical extension with the return to the starting position for 5s. The value of CVA has calculated three times, and the value of FRR was measured three times in order to obtain the mean value. Results: FRR values in the FHP and NFHP group were significantly different (p<0.05). Phase I was significantly different, but the Phase II was not significantly different between the FHP and NFHP group (p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between the muscle activity of Phase I and CVA (p<0.05). However, FRR and the muscle activity of the Phase II were not a significant correlation with the CVA (p>0.05). Conclusion: FHP increases the muscle activity of the cervical erector spinae during sustained neck flexion and reduces FRR, which can cause fatigue in the cervical erector spinae. In addition, for those with a smaller CVA, muscle activity of the cervical erector spinae is increased during sustained neck flexion, which can increase neck muscle tension.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.231-236
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between craniovertebral angle(CVA), age, and body mass index(BMI) in middle-aged people in their 40s and 50s. The forward head posture(FHP) was measured using a posture measuring device using a 3D sensor for 456 healthy men and women. As a result of the study, the middle-aged CVA had a high level of negative correlation with age (r=-.937; p<.01) and a very low level of positive correlation with BMI (r=.071). CVA of middle-aged men had a high negative correlation with age (r=-.932; p<.01) and a very low positive correlation with BMI. There was a correlation (r=.056), whereas, for middle-aged women, there was a high level of negative correlation (r=.939, p<.01) only with age, but had a weak (low level of negative) correlation with BMI. This study suggests that CVA has a significant negative correlation with age in both males and females however, has a weak relationship with BMI.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.51-59
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• 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of mobilization with movement (MWM) applied to the ankle joint, on the craniovertebral angle (CVA), pressure pain threshold, and neck disability index (NDI) in asymptomatic adults with a forward head posture (FHP). Methods: A total of 32 subjects with FHP were assigned to either the MWM group (N=16) or the cranio-cervical flexion exercise (CCFE) group (n=16). The CVA, pressure pain threshold and NDI were measured before and 4 weeks after the intervention. Results: A significant improvement in the CVA was observed in the MWM group (p<.05), whereas no significant changes (p>.05) were observed in the CCFE group. Both groups showed significant differences in the pressure pain threshold and NDI before and after the intervention (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that MWM applied to the ankle joint can effectively improve the CVA, pressure pain threshold, and NDI of adults with a forward head posture. Based on this study, the ankle MWM technique for dorsiflexion can be used as an objective research method for additional studies targeting FHP patients in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.145-154
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the sling exercise wearing a neck orthosis on the craniovertebral angle, muscle tension, and headaches in adults with a forward head posture and tension headache. METHODS: In this single-blinded, randomized, controlled, comparative study, a total of 22 adults with forward head postures and tension headaches were randomly assigned to the experimental group (sling exercise wearing a neck orthosis, n = 11) or the control group (sling exercise without a neck orthosis, n = 11). All participants undertook the sling exercise program (3×/week for 4 weeks). The craniovertebral angle, muscle tension, and headache were measured before and after the 4-week training. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in the craniovertebral angle, muscle tension, and headache in the experimental group (p < .05). This group also showed a larger decrease in the muscle tension and headache (upper trapezius, -4.97 Hz vs -1.70 Hz, p < .05; splenius capitis, -5.44 Hz vs -2.54 Hz, p < .05; headache, -19.73 score vs -14.64 score, p < .05, respectively). CONCLUSION: The sling exercise wearing a neck orthosis could be an effective way to relieve the symptoms caused by a forward head posture. It could also be a more effective way of decreasing muscle tension and headaches than the sling exercise without wearing a neck orthosis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.213-225
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related on pain in female office workers. Methods : Neck pain group of 31 female subjects complained of neck and arm discomfort. Normal group of 20 female subjects had no complaints or minimal discomfort. Cervical curvature and muscle tone were assessed by whole spine x-ray, meridian-electromyography(MEMG), craniovertebral angle, and Moire. Neck pain was evaluated by Neck Disability Index(NDI) and Visual Analog Scale(VAS). The emotional and other physical factors that could effect neck pain were checked by questionnaires including Beck Depression Index(BDI), Stress Reaction Index(SRI), Holmes & Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale(SRRS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ), and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale(GSRS). Results : The contraction and fatigue of upper trapezius by MEMG was significantly higher in the neck pain group. And BDI, SRI, SRRS, and GSRS were significantly higher in the neck pain group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the Jackson's angle, Cobb's method, craniovertebral angle, and moire between two groups. Conclusions : The results suggest that neck pain is related to mental stress rather than physical stress and physical stress does not change cervical curvature significantly.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between the cervical lordosis angle (CLA) and the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and between CVA and a cross-sectional area (CSA) of the cervical muscles. METHODS: In 17 healthy college students, the CLA was measured using a posterior tangent technique. The CVA was analyzed using photographic images, and the CSA of the cervical muscles, including longus colli, longus capitis, and sternocleidomastoid, was evaluated using computerized tomography. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between these variables and a neck disability index. RESULTS: The CVA correlated with the CLA and with a CSA of longus colli (r = .487, p = .047 and r = .592, p = .012, respectively). The CLA correlated with a CSA of longus colli (r = .578, p = .015). CONCLUSION: This study clarified the relationship between the postural, structural, and muscular changes in the cervical regions. A significant correlation was observed between the CVA and a CSA of the longus colli with the CLA and between the CVA and the CSA of the longus colli. Prescription strengthening exercises for the deep neck flexors for individuals with a forward head posture and reduced cervical lordosis are useful.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.135-144
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 2 weeks of backward walking exercise (BWE) on cervical angle and gait parameters in college students with forward head posture. Methods : Fifteen subjects participated in the experiment. All the participants had a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of 55 degrees or less. The purpose of the study was explained to all the subjects prior to participation, and volunteered to take part in the study. A camera capable of taking pictures of the lateral plane was installed at a distance of 1.5 meters from each subject. Images of forward head posture were obtained before and after performing the BWE, and the CVA and craniorotational angle (CRA) were compared pre- versus post exercise. Foot pressure and gait parameters (step length of left and right, stride length, stance of left and right, swing of left and right, step time of left and right, and stride time) were measured using a rehabilitation treadmill. The subjects performed the BWE for 2 weeks. The exercise program consisted of a 5-minute warm-up exercise, 20-minute main exercise, and 5-minute cool-down exercise. In the main exercise, the treadmill speed was set to 2.4 km/h in the first week and 3.4 km/h in the second week. A paired t test was used to compare the CVA and CRA and gait parameters before and after the exercise. Results : Comparison of the CVA and CRA before and after the BWE revealed a significant difference post exercise, with a marked improvement in forward head posture after the exercise (p<.05). Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, the BWE is considered to be an effective exercise for the forward head posture. Also, additional research is needed to shed light on the impact of the BWE on gait parameters.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.129-135
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of the head posture with the tone and stiffness of the cervical extensor muscles. Eighty adults in their twenties were chosen as subjects, and the tone and stiffness of the cervical extensor muscles were measured, with their usual head posture in the sagittal plane. For the measured head posture, the craniovertebral angle (CVA), craniorotation angle (CRA), and forward shoulder angle (FSA) were analyzed using Image J. It was observed that the tone and stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle increased significantly with a decrease in the CVA as well as with an increase in the CRA (p < 0.05). As a result of further classification into the normal and forward head postures based on the CVA of the subjects, the forward head posture was characterized by a significant increase in the tone and stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle (p<.05). The results of this study are expected to be used as basic data for the evaluation of the forward head posture and posture education in clinical practice.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.153-157
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-postural control on foot pressure in subjects with forward head posture. Methods: Forty-two healthy adults were recruited in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: The forward-head postural (FHP) group (craniovertebral angle<$53^{\circ}$, n=22) and the control group (craniovertebral angle${\geq}53^{\circ}$, n=20). In the FHP group, foot pressure was measured using three different standing postures: Comfortable standing posture (CSP), subjective neutral standing posture (SNSP), and neutral standing posture with visual feedback (NSP-VP). Each position was performed in random order. In the control group, foot pressure was measured only using the comfortable standing posture. Results: With respect to CSP and SNSP, there was a significant difference on heel pressure between the two groups (p<0.05). Regarding NSP-VP, however, there was no significant differences on heel pressure between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: We suggest that cervical posture control using visual feedback has a positive effect on the distribution of foot pressure in subjects with forward head posture.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cervical deep muscle flexion exercise (CCFE) on craniovertebral angle, pain, and neck disability for patients with chronic neck pain Methods: The subjects of this study were randomly divided into three groups of 30 patients with chronic neck pain: rectus abodominis functional massage (n=10), cervical deep muscle flexion exercises group (n=10), and the control group(n=10). To assess visual analog scale (VAS) was used to test the neck pain, To assess neck posture was used to craniovertebral angle, VAS was used to test the neck pain, neck disability index (NDI) was used to test the neck dysfunction. All measurements were performed before and after each intervention was applied 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Results: In the results of all measurements, 2 groups except for the control group showed a significant change in the recovery of posture, neck pain, neck disability index (p<.05). Conclusions: Our results of this study showed that applying cervical deep muscle flexion exercise and rectus abodominis functional massage to patients with chronic neck pain improved cervical posture, neck pain, neck disability.