scholarly journals Effects of a combination of scapular stabilization and thoracic extension exercises for office workers with forward head posture on the craniovertebral angle, respiration, pain, and disability: A randomized-controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-299
Author(s):  
Na-Yeon Kang ◽  
Sang-Cheol Im ◽  
Kyoung Kim

Objectives: This study aims to investigate how exercise programs not directly applied to the cervical spine affect office workers with forward head posture (FHP). Patients and methods: Between March 2018 and June 2018, a total of 32 office workers with FHP (13 males, 19 females; mean age 36.63 years; range, 23 to 57 years) were randomized either to experimental (n=16) or control groups (n=16). Scapular stabilization and thoracic extension exercises were applied to the experimental group and cervical stabilization and stretching exercises to the control group. The results of the pre-intervention and after six weeks measurement of the craniovertebral angle (CVA), respiration, pain, and disability were compared and analyzed. Results: For intra-group comparison, both groups showed significant differences (p<0.05) in CVA, forced expiratory volume at 1 sec (FEV1), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and neck disability index at pre- and post-intervention, while only the experimental group showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and forced vital capacity. For inter-group comparison, a significant difference (p<0.05) between FEV1 and VAS was observed. Conclusion: The combination of scapular stabilization and thoracic extension exercises, not directly applied to the cervical spine, has an effect on improving the posture, respiration, neck pain, and disability in office workers with FHP.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Isha Sikka ◽  
Chandan Chawla ◽  
Shveta Seth ◽  
Ahmad H. Alghadir ◽  
Masood Khan

In contemporary societies, computer use by children is a necessity and thus highly prevalent. Using computers for long hours is related to a higher risk of computer-related muscular disorders like forward head posture (FHP) and neck pain (NP). Deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles are important head-on-neck posture stabilizers; thus, their training may lead to an improvement in FHP and NP. The aim of this study was to determine if 4 weeks of DCF training is effective in alleviating NP, improving FHP, and functional status in adolescent children using computers regularly, a pretest-posttest experimental group design was used. Subjects were randomly assigned into the experimental group (receiving DCF training and postural education) and the control group (receiving postural education only). 30 subjects with a mean age of 15.7 ± 1.725 years with NP and FHP using computers regularly participated in the study. Dependent variables were measured on day 1 (at baseline) and after 4 weeks of training. Photographic analysis was used for measuring FHP, visual analog scale for NP intensity, and neck disability index for functional status. Data analysis showed that in both groups, no significant improvement occurred in FHP. In both groups, there was a significant improvement in functional status and NP. There was no significant difference between both groups for FHP and NP. There was a significant improvement in functional status in the experimental group in comparison to the control group. Four weeks of DCF training does not cause a significant improvement in FHP in 13 to 18 years old adolescent children using computers regularly.


Author(s):  
Wonho Choi

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of flexion exercise of the deep cervical muscles on headache and sleep disorders in patients with tension headaches and forward head posture. A total of 32 patients with tension headaches and forward head posture were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 16). The experimental group performed cervical deep muscle flexion exercises for 4 weeks, whereas the control group performed stretching exercises for the same period. The Henry Ford Hospital Headache Disability Inventory (HDI) was used for headache assessment, and the Korean version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-K) was used for sleep disorder assessment. The experimental group showed a significant reduction in both HDI and PSQI-K score after 4 weeks of intervention (p < 0.001), while no significant difference was found in the control group (p > 0.05). On comparing the experimental and control groups, we found a significant difference in changes in the HDI and PSQI-K between the groups (p < 0.05). The results indicate that flexion exercise of the deep cervical muscles in patients with tension headache and forward head posture will improve the quality of life and activities of daily life by mitigating headaches and sleep disorders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 478
Author(s):  
Yung Hyun Jeon ◽  
Kyun Hee Cho ◽  
Shin Jun Park

After a stroke, forward head posture occurs, resulting in swallowing dysfunction. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with upper cervical spine mobilization has demonstrated enhanced recovery of the swallowing function in stroke patients. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of NMES in conjunction with upper cervical mobilization in stroke patients with dysphagia. Thirty-four stroke patients were recruited (in a randomized controlled clinical trial) and divided into an experimental group (n = 17; NMES plus upper cervical spine mobilization) and a control group (n = 17; NMES plus sham mobilization). Forward head posture was measured by craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) and craniovertebral angle (CVA). Swallowing function was measured by variations in video fluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) and penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) scores using the video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). All measurements were done at baseline and after four weeks of NMES plus mobilization. A significant increase was observed in CCFT, CVA, VDS (total VDS score, oral stage score, pharyngeal stage score), and PAS score in all variations in the experimental group. The CCFT, CVA, pharyngeal stage score, total VDS, and PAS score were significantly higher in the experimental group when compared to the control group. NMES plus upper cervical spine mobilization can be regarded as a promising method to improve swallowing function and forward head posture changes in stroke patients with dysphagia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 09 (03) ◽  
pp. 098-103
Author(s):  
Dipti Vilas Kadu ◽  
Jaimala V. Shetye ◽  
Amita Mehta

Abstract Introduction Cervical spine is closely approximated with neurovascular structures. Therefore, misalignment of cervical spine so commonly seen today may lead to altered blood pressure (BP). There could be a relationship between head neck posture as measured by craniovertebral angle and peripheral arterial BP. Aim The aim of this study is to compare peripheral arterial BP in individuals with and without forward head posture (FHP). Study Design This is a comparative, prospective, observational study in healthy population. Subjects and Methods A total of 150 students were selected randomly and screened so that there were equal and desired number of subjects in the two groups (64 in each group) for this comparative, prospective, observational study. Three readings of BP were taken in sitting position on brachial artery at interval of 2 to 3 minutes. One standard image was taken in lateral view used for measuring craniovertebral angle with “MB ruler software.” Craniovertebral angle, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the two groups were compared. Results The aim of the study was to compare peripheral arterial BP in individuals with and without FHP. The mean SBP and DBP of both the groups were within the normal range as was expected because the subjects were young students with no clinical symptoms. However, it was seen that the mean SBP was significantly higher in subjects with FHP than in subjects without FHP (p = 0.0009). Conclusion Peripheral arterial BP in individuals with FHP is statistically significantly higher than in individuals without FHP.


Author(s):  
Parisa Sayyadi ◽  
Rahman Sheikhhoseini ◽  
Kieran O’Sullivan ◽  
Ramin Balouchi

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of shortened-length versus through-range exercise training on upper quarter posture in primary school students with Forward Head Posture (FHP). Materials and Methods: Sixty pain-free participants with FHP were randomly allocated to one of three groups; shortened-length training (n=20), through-range training (n=20), and no- treatment control group (n=20). The shortened-length and through-range groups participated in training programs 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Upper quarter postures, including Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), Shoulder Angle (SA), Cranial Angle (CA), and thoracic kyphosis were measured by photogrammetry before and after the training. The confidence level was set at 95% (P<0.05). Results: After training, both exercise groups showed significant changes in CVA (P=0.001), SA (P=0.001), CA (P=0.001), and thoracic kyphosis (P=0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, CVA changed more in the shortened-length exercise group compared to the through-range exercise group (P=0.003) (effect size= 0.446). Conclusion: Both through-range and shortened-length exercises altered upper quarter alignment. The shortened-length training resulted in a larger change in CVA. These changes were small, and more studies are needed to investigate the effects of such training programs among people with pain.


2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Bokaee ◽  
Ehsan Ghasemi ◽  
Fateme Etemadi ◽  
Sedighe Sadat Naimi

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) of the craniocervical region is one of the most common poor postures. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) is one of the most common methods to evaluate this posture. The longus colli (LCo) muscle is an important muscle to control head posture. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CVA and thickness of LCo in women with FHP. Methods: This case-control research included 35 women with FHP and a control group. Sagittal view photography of the cervical spine was used for measurement of CVA. An ultrasonography device measured the thickness of the LCo. Correlation between CVA and thickness of LCo was determined using correlation coefficient in both groups. Results: Our findings showed a non-significant correlation between the CVA and thickness of LCo in case and control groups. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, there was no significant correlation between a lower CVA and smaller thickness of LCo.


Author(s):  
Una Veseta ◽  
Irena Upeniece ◽  
Oskars Onzevs ◽  
Inga Liepina ◽  
Ineta Lice

The purpose of this study was to discover the relationship between head and neck posture and level of physical activity for office workers. In our study, 66 subjects (women 28-49 age old) who work in office longer than one year, sitting would total about 6 hours per 8 hour workday. Exclusion criteria were self-report of previous significant back injury; current neck or upper back pain; or referred pain into the upper extremity (i.e. cervical radiculopathy). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Physical activity levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. The head posture and the craniovertebral angle was measured using photogrammetry, Protractor mobile application using iPhone 6s cell phone. The cervical Range of Motion was analyzed using the inclinometer and the Neck Disability Index as an instrument for self-rated disability. The collected data were analyzed using the methods of mathematical statistics. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship of level of physical activity with craniovertebral angle and Neck Disability Index. The results showed physical activity level has no correlations at all, a weak correlation to the craniovertebral angle. There is a correlation between all other head posture indicators. 


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
Ho Jung An ◽  
Shin Jun Park

The forward head posture (FHP) of stroke patients has a negative impact on respiratory function. Cervical spine mobilization is a manual therapy technique that used to prevent and treat FHP and respiratory function. This pilot study investigated whether cervical spine mobilization can effectively improve outcomes following FHP and respiratory function of stroke patients. Twenty-four patients participated in our assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. All the participants received neurodevelopmental treatments (gait training and trunk rehabilitation). The experimental group additionally received 15-min sessions of cervical spine mobilization three times per week for 4 weeks. The control group received cervical spine sham mobilization during the same period. For the cervical angles, the cranial vertebral angle (CVA) and cranial rotation angle (CRA) were measured. A respiratory function test was performed to measure the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and chest circumferences (upper and lower chest sizes). Except for MIP, there was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. The CVA and CRA were significantly increased in the experimental group only. Cervical spine mobilization improved cervical angles and inspiratory function of the stroke patients in this study. However, a comparative study with a larger number of patients is needed to confirm this finding from our pilot study, which had a small sample size.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nana Ren ◽  
Guangmin Yang ◽  
Xiaofeng Ren ◽  
Lekun Li

Abstract Background Long-term recovery of patients undergone cervical spine surgery is of paramount importance to improve their quality of life. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of foot massage on relieving pain and anxiety of patients with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods Enrolled patients undergone ACDF and diagnosed with anxiety disorder at least six months before surgery were treated with 10-min foot massage on a daily basis for four weeks using sweet almond oil. Patients were assessed by neck pain visual analog pain scale (NP-VAS), neck disability index (NDI) and self-rating anxiety scale. Results More significant relief in NP-VAS was observed in patients who received foot massage treatment. No significant difference in NDI reduction was seen in patients with or without the treatment. Intervention group demonstrated less anxiety during follow-up (p = 0.021) compared to the control group and more reduction compared to baseline (p = 0.046). In terms of quality of life, while both groups demonstrated improvement in pain relief (p = 0.015 for the intervention group and p = 0.037 for the control group), only the intervention group showed improved mental function (p = 0.031). Conclusion This study found that foot massage was effective in alleviating pain and anxiety, while improving quality of life in patients undergone ACDF, indicating that this intervention should be considered in the clinical management of these patients.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document