• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.108-111
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the effects of the forward head posture and tension type headache on neck movement among office workers. Methods: The subjects were 6 male and 21 female patients composed of a forward head posture group, forward head posture group with a tension type headache and a normal group. Each group consisted of 2 males and 7 females. The cranio-vertebral angle of the head and the angle of motion of the neck were measured. SPSS 23.0 was used for data analysis and one-way ANOVA was performed for the mean comparison of the neck movements in the three groups. Results: The participants had a limitation in the movement of all necks between the forward head posture group and forward head posture with tension type headache group compared to the normal subjects. The forward head posture with tension headache group had limited neck extension and lateral bending compared to the forward head posture group. Conclusion: Office workers have limitations in the movement of the neck when they are accompanied by forward head posture and tension headache. In particular, when accompanied with a tension headache, there is a restriction on the neck extension and side bending. This study is expected to provide basic data for the relief of tension headache and the treatment of forward head posture in office workers.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.471-480
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the correlations between a forward head posture and the endurance and maximal voluntary contraction of the deep neck flexor, neck pain, and the changed position of the mandible. Methods: The subjects of this study were 50 male and female adults who work at a desk for at least four hours a day. The head-spine angle was photographed with a camera, and the endurance and maximal voluntary contraction of the deep neck flexor and the changed position of the mandible were measured using pressure biofeedback. The Neck Disability Index was used to measure neck pain. To examine the correlations between a forward head posture and the endurance and maximal voluntary contraction of the deep neck flexor as well as the changed position of the mandible, a Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted. The statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: A forward head posture and the endurance of the deep neck flexor showed a statistically significant positive correlation, and a forward head posture and neck pain showed a statistically significant negative correlation. In addition, the endurance of the deep neck flexor and neck pain showed a statistically significant negative correlation. Conclusion: The results of this study show that a forward head posture and the endurance of the deep neck flexor were correlated; in addition, a forward head posture and neck pain were correlated. Therefore, enhancing the endurance of the deep neck flexor can assist in correcting an imbalanced forward head posture, which can reduce neck pain.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.33-37
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• 2015

Background: The purpose of this study on the effects of deep cervical flexors strengthening exercise to forward head posture and pain of neck in patients with chronic neck pain. Method: We selected 30 subjects among neck pain patients and carried out measurements. The subjects' forward head posture was measured including head tilt angle (HTA), neck flexion angle (NFA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA), neck disability index (NDI), numeric rating scale (NRS). The subjects underwent deep cervical flexors muscle strengthening with pressure bio-feedback device for 4 weeks. Then, after intervention, the subjects' forward head posture was measured again. It was performed Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for confirming the effect of deep cervical flexor muscles strengthening exercise. Results: As a result of comparison of measurements before and after intervention, we found that there were statistically significant improvement in the subjects' NDI, NRS and forward head posture including head tilt angle, neck flexion angle and forward shoulder angle. Conclusion: We concluded that deep cervical flexors strengthening exercise has the effect of alleviation of neck pain patients and is effective for forward head posture.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.121-129
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to measure the effects of cervical stabilization exercises on neck pain, forward head posture, and the acoustic characteristics frequency and amplitude modulation of patients with chronic neck pain caused by forward head posture using pressure biofeedback. METHODS: 20 patients with chronic neck pain and voice disorders presenting at the S Exercise Center in Daegu, Korea, were included in the study. A cervical stabilization exercise program of 50 minutes per session was performed three times a week for eight weeks. Pressure biofeedback was utilized to determine the impact of the exercises on neck pain, forward head posture, and the acoustic characteristics of the patients. The measurements were taken prior to and after the intervention to determine any changes. RESULTS: A significant improvement in neck pain, craniovertebral angle and the acoustic characteristics frequency and amplitude modulation of the patients was demonstrated after the intervention (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical stabilization exercises were demonstrated to have a significantly positive effect on neck pain, forward head posture, and vocalization stability in patients with chronic neck pain in the current study based on measurements taken using a pressure biofeedback system. This indicates that an improvement in forward head posture positively impacts postural stability and vocalization. Future studies investigating a greater range of interventions designed to improve neck pain and acoustical effects in patients with chronic neck pain and forward head posture patients are warranted.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2019

Purpose: This paper proposes proper and effective neck exercises by comparing the deep and superficial cervical flexor muscle activities and thickness according to the pressure level during cranio-cervical flexion exercises between a normal posture group and forward head posture group. Methods: A total of 20 subjects (8 males and 12 females) without neck pain and disabilities were selected. The subjects' craniovertebral angles were measured; they were divided into a normal posture and a forward head posture group. During cranio-cervical flexion exercises, the thickness of the deep cervical flexor neck muscle and the activity of the surface neck muscles were measured using ultrasound and EMG. Results: The results showed that the thickening of the deep cervical flexor was increased significantly to 28 and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The sternocleidomastoid muscle activity increased significantly to 24, 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The anterior scalene muscle activity increased significantly to 26, 28, and 30mmHg in the forward head posture group. A significant difference of 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles was observed between two groups. Conclusion: To prevent a forward head posture and maintain proper cervical curve alignment, the use of the superficial cervical flexor muscles must be minimized. In addition, to perform a cranio-cervical flexion exercises to effectively activate the deep cervical flexor muscles, 28 and 30 mmHg for normal posture adults and 28 mmHg for adults with forward head postures are recommended.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.337-342
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• 2021

Objective: Forward head posture can caused by deformation of structures and soft tissues around the neck, which has an uncomfortable effect on daily life as well as functional disorders of the neck. However, studies related to direct forward head posture, neck function, and quality of life have not yet been conducted. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of improving the forward head posture on the function of the neck and to examine the change in the quality of life. Design: A randomized controlled trial Methods: The participants were 41 adults (22.17±2.67 years) recruited and redivided randomly into two group (Biofeedback, BFG vs. Control). The Biofeedback group was proceeded according to the over load principle through 4 steps. (n=21). The control (n=20) was not applied after TENS padding was applied and 20 minute. This study was conducted three times a week for a total of four weeks. Results: Forward head posture for showed significant improvement in the results in the craneocervical angle (p<0.05, 95% CI: 0.130, 2.858). In neck disability index more significant improvement in BFG than group (p<0.05, 95% CI: 14.346, 17.825), and BFG showed significant increased in the results in the Quality of life (p<0.05, 95% CI: 0.392, 9.549) Conclusions: This study suggected that forward head posture treatment and effective for neck function and quality of life

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.425-432
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• 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate that the differences in sternocleidomastoid muscle activity, neck rotation angle, neck lateral bending angle and neck lateral bending onset time between conditions with and without visual biofeedback during neck rotation. METHODS: Ten male and four female adults with condition of forward head posture were recruited in this study. Subjects conducted to left and right maximal neck rotation under the conditions with and without visual biofeedback. During neck rotation, kinematic data of neck rotation, neck lateral bending movement, and electromyography activities of bilateral sternocleidomastold muscles were collected. Differences in dependent variables between conditions with and without visual biofeedback were analyzed using paired t-test. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in lateral bending angle, while lateral bending movement onset time was delayed significantly when applying visual biofeedback (p<.05). However, there were no significant differences in the activation of left and right sternocleidomastoid muscles and neck rotation angle between conditions with and without visual biofeedback (p>.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that visual biofeedback may be effective for axial rotation of cervical spine during neck rotation in adults with forward head posture.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.1619-1625
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• 2018

To examine the changes in pain, the severity of the neck disorder, craniovertebral angle, and muscle activity in young adults with forward head posture. 37 "N" University students in their 20s with forward head posture, including both male and female participants. Measurement of pain, NDI (neck disorder index) craniovertebral angle, and muscle activity were taken before and after the 6 week intervention period. The pain was measured using the visual analog scale. The severity of the neck disorder was measured using the NDI The craniovertebral angle was measured by taking a photo. The muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography. Neck posture correction exercises paired with proprioceptive training is the most effective intervention for reducing pain. Both neck posture correction exercises paired with Kinesio taping or proprioceptive training are effective interventions for addressing neck disability, craniocervical angle, and muscle activity. Neck posture correction exercises paired with Kinesio taping or proprioceptive training are more effective at addressing pain, neck disorder, craniocervical angle, and muscle activity than performing the neck posture correction exercises alone.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1960-1968
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• 2020

Background: The alignment of the neck and shoulder is important in people with forward head posture. However, previous studies have mainly conducted fragmentary studies on the neck and shoulders, and studies on the combined movement of the neck and shoulders are incomplete. Objective: To investigate the effects of 6 week dynamic exercise program using Thera-band on craniovertebral angle (CVA) in adults with forward head posture. Design: Quasi-experimental study. Methods: The study was conducted on 24 adults with forward head posture and experimented with neck and shoulder exercises and divided them into groups of neck exercises, shoulder exercises, and neck and shoulder exercises to measure CVA values before and after the experiment. The neck exercise program included flexion and extension muscles of the neck and shoulder exercises included dynamic exercise of the upper extremities such as the trapezius muscles and serratus anterior muscle. The CVA results were measured using PA200. Results: Following the interventions, neck exercise group showed significant improvement in CVA (P<.05), but shoulder exercise group and combined exercise group did not show any significant results (P>.05). However, both groups showed some positive results. Significant differences were seen in the comparisons between the three groups (P<.05), and the results of the post-hoc test showed significant differences in neck exercise group and shoulder exercise, neck exercise and combine exercise group. Conclusion: This study suggested that the Thera-band neck exercise is beneficial for foward head posture patients and is expected to be used in clinical trials.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.88-97
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• 2024

Background: This study was to investigate effects of Correlation Analysis between Cervical-Vertebra Angle and Neck Range of Motion, Muscle Strength, Sternocleidomastoid Thickness of Patients with Forward Head Posture Design: Correlation Analysis. Methods: The subjects of this study were a total of 54 people in the forward head position and their ages were between 30 and 50 years old. The subjects cranio-vertebral angles, neck extension, neck flexion, neck rotation angles, neck flexor strength, neck extensor strength, sternocleidomastoid thickness were evaluated through measuring instruments. The thickness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was measured using an imaging ultrasound diagnostic device (ultra sound, Versana Premier, GE Medical systems, China). CVA was measured by measuring the side photo of the subject was taken with a camera and evaluated.. neck joint range of motion was measured through digital inclinometer for extension, flexion, and neck rotation. neck muscle strength was measured by measuring the using a digital sthenometer. Data analysis in this study was statistically processed using SPSS version 26.0 (IBM SPSS Inc., USA). Correlation analysis was used and the statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The results neck extension(r= 0.70^**), neck flexion(r= 0.67^**), neck rotation(r= 0.56^**), neck extensor muscle strengt(r= 0.85^**), neck flexor muscle strength(r= 0.66^**), sternocleidomastoid thicknes(r= -0.81^**) It indicates that there is a correlation. Conclusion:These results improve the Cervical-vertebra angle of patients with forward head posture should include a program to improve the thickness of the SCM. In the future, study can be used as an evidentiary material for treatment interventions to improve the Cervical-vertebra angle of patients with forward head posture.