The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy

The Korean Society of Physical Therapy (대한물리치료학회)
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The Effect of Forward Head Posture and Cervical ROM on Chronic and Episodic Tension-Type Headache in University Students

대학생에서의 만성 및 특발성 긴장성 두통이 두부전방자세와 경추가동범위에 미치는 영향

  • Chae, Yun-Won (Department of Physical Therapy, Gwangju Health College University)
  • Received : 2009.04.19
  • Accepted : 2009.06.08
  • Published : 2009.06.25
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Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the differences in the forward head posture (FHP), cervical range of motion, and headache clinical parameters in episodic tension-type headache (ETTH) subjects, chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) subjects, and healthy controls (university students). Methods: Fifteen CTTH subjects, 15 ETTH subjects and 15 controls without headache were examined. Side-view images of each group were taken in both the sitting and standing positions, in order to assess the FHP by measuring the craniovertebral angle. The CROM was used to measure the cervical range of motion. A headache diary was kept for 4 weeks to assess the headache intensity, frequency, and duration. Results: The craniovertebral angle was smaller, ie, there was a greater FHP, in the CTTH and ETTH subjects than in the healthy controls in both the sitting and standing positions (p<0.05). The CTTH and ETTH subjects showed a lower cervical range of motion than the healthy controls in the total range of motion as well as in the half-cycles (p<0.05). Conclusion: The increased FHP and decreased cervical range of motion might be a contributing factor in the initiation of tension-type headache.

Keywords

References

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