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ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FORWARD HEAD POSTURE AND CERVICAL DISABILITY IN FEMALE PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

Gul Andama, Ayesha Javed, Azka Kainat, Sibgha Jamil, Hifza Mubarik, Wajeeha Tauqir, Muqaddas Bibi, Syed Hashir Ali

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Abstract:

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) occurs when the head is positioned structurally away from the body's midline, with the upper cervical vertebrae stretched and the lower cervical vertebrae bent, increasing the weight of the head being supported by the neck.

Objective: The current study sought to investigate the relationship between neck impairment and the degree of forward head position.

Methods: The craniovertebral angle was used to quantify the degree of forward head posture in standing and sitting position, and neck discomfort and functional impairment were measured using neck disability indices. A total 201 subjects aged 19 to 24 years were chosen for this study.

Results: In contrast to 60.1±7.1 in the sitting position, the CVA of the individuals were 62.5±4.5 while standing. The standing position CVA and NDI correlation coefficient analysis revealed r=-0.46, showing a substantial negative association, whereas in sitting position r=-0.29 was discovered, indicating a similarly significant negative correlation.

Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that there is an association between FHP and neck impairment. To avoid postural deformity, postural pain syndrome, and functional incapacity, proper postural habits and posture training activities are advised.

Key Words: Forward Head Posture, FHP, Cervical disability, physiotherapy, Neck Disability Index, NDI