Forward head posture does not affect sensorimotor function in young healthy adults
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Abstract
Background: Forward head posture has been proposed to affect sensorimotor function. However, its effect on the cervical proprioceptive sense (JPS) and postural control remains unclear.
Objective: To determine whether forward head posture affects cervical joint position sense and standing balance in healthy university students.
Methods: 60 university students (30 with forward head posture and 30 with normal head posture), aged between 19 and 24, were included in this study. Forward head posture was screened by craniovertebral (CV) angle. The CV angle ≤ 48 degrees was considered as having a forward head posture. The cervical JPS was measured in cervical extension and rotation to the right and left sides, using a laser pointer attached to the head. Standing balance was measured using a sway meter under two conditions: narrow stance with eyes open and closed. The outcome measures were cervical joint position error (JPE), and postural sway area, and displacement in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions.
Results: There were no significant differences between groups for the cervical JPE in all directions (all p > 0.05). The total sway area and displacement in AP and ML directions during standing with eyes open and closed were not found to be different between both groups (all p > 0.05)
Conclusion: Forward head posture did not affect the cervical joint position sense and standing balance in healthy university students. This may suggest that forward head posture does not contribute to sensorimotor integration.
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References
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