• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.41-52
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• 2016

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare the levels of usage of the superficial neck muscles during head rotation in forward head posture and in multimodal postures for improvement of cervical rotation movement impairment. METHODS: To acquire electromyography (EMG) signals from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM-M), upper trapezius (UPT-M), and the splenius capitis (SPC-M) muscles, 11 subjects practiced right rotation of the head in forward head postures (FHP), upright sitting postures (USP), upright sitting postures with supported arms (SUP), standing postures with the arms leaning against the wall (WSP), and four feet postures (FFP), respectively. RESULTS: The left SCM-M was used significantly more in the FFP compared to the FHP, but not in other postures (p<0.01). The left UPT-M was used significantly more in all postures other than the FHP. The right SPC-M was used significantly more in the FFP (p<0.001) and significantly less (p<0.05) in the SUP compared to the FHP. CONCLUSION: During the rotation of the head, although the usage of the SPC-M significantly decreased in SUP compared to FHP but the usage of the SCM-M and UPT-M did not decrease significantly in other postures compared to FHP. Further research is necessary to prove the hypothesis that special postures may reduce the activity of the superficial neck muscles during head rotation.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.41-47
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• 2016

PURPOSE: Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most common postural problems among white-collar workers who perform highly repetitive tasks in the same position. The aim of this study was to research the effects of thoracic and lumbar support fixtures on forward head posture (FHP) during visual display terminal (VDT) work. METHODS: The subjects were 36 healthy male students with no problems in their medical history or respiratory systems. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: control group (n=12), thoracic support fixtures (n=12), and lumbar support fixtures (n=12). We conducted a text typing task of the same content for 20 minutes, and evaluated the angles, including the craniovertebra angle (CVA), craniorotation angle (CRA) with photogrammetry. RESULTS: The thoracic and lumbar support fixture groups showed a statistically significant difference at the CVA and CRA to the control group (p<.05), and the post-hoc test showed an increase of the CVA and decrease of the CRA than the control group. However, when we compared the effects of thoracic and lumbar support fixtures on FHP, there was no significant difference in the difference in decrease of the CVA or increase of the CRA (p>.05). CONCLUSION: We determined that VDT work using thoracic and lumbar support fixtures has a positive effect on forward head posture in white-collar workers. Further studies are required to find the more effective location of support fixtures.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.137-149
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• 1994

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between Forward Head Posture(FHP) and Craniomandlbular Disorders(CMDs). Many studies reported that there was some relationship between them, however, there is still controversy. So It Is necessary to observe and compare many more patients with CMDs wirh normal controls. For the study 85 patients with CMDs and 37 dental students were selected as experimentals and controls, respectively. And the experimentals were classified Into two groups, that is, TMJ internal derangement group and muscle disorders group according to clinical diagnosis. For measuring the FHP, CROM(Cervical-Range-of-Notion)was used. This goniometer is composed of three part. First, gravity goniometer for flexion and extension. Second, magnetic compass and yoke for rotational movement. And last, forward head arm and vertebra locator for forward head posture. Next T-Scan, electronic occlusal analyzer, was used for recording of occlusal contact state. Other items such as maximum opening, lateral excursion, Helkimo's anamnestic index, and muscle palpation point from Friction's craniomandibular index were checked clinically by one examiner. The result of this study were as follows : 1. In male, control group showed much more measurement in resting forward head posture than did experimental group. But there were not significant differences between groups in female subject. From this results, the author contended that CROM is new measuring system and differ from other goniometers in some aspect, so that results should be re-evaluated 2. Mean value of maximum mouth opening in nearly all groups were greater than 40mm. and mouth opening had a significant correlation with occlusal force and with anamnestic index both sex. 3. Mean value of palpation point had not any correlationship with forward head posture in both sex, but there was significant difference between upper and lower group by rounded shouldes. 4. In summary, there was no significant relationship between forward head posture and sign and symptom of Craniomandibular Disorders.

• 대한정형도수물리치료학회지
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.41-49
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• 2022

Background: In patients with forward head posture (FHP), the head is positioned forward, causing increased tension in the muscles and structures of the head, neck, and shoulders. This can result in joint dysfunction that may lead to abnormal afferent information. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on foot pressure through the isometric hip abduction (IHA) bridge exercise using elastic bands in patients with FHP. Methods: Twenty patients with FHP were randomly assigned to a study group that applied joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, a deep neck flexor strengthening exercise, and the IHA bridge exercise using an elastic band. A control group was also constituted, and members were given joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization therapies, and the deep neck flexor strengthening exercise. Ten patients were assigned to each group. The static foot pressure and dynamic foot pressure of each patient were measured before and after the intervention, and the interventions for each group were applied twice a week for 4 weeks. Results: Both the study group and the control group showed significant differences in static and dynamic foot pressure before and after the interventions (p<.05). There were no significant differences in foot pressure between the study and control groups. Conclusion: : The results of this study revealed that there were no significant differences between the group doing the IHA bridge exercise using the elastic band and the control group. However, the intervention methods applied to both the groups were effective in improving the body center control of FHP patients.

• 감성과학
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.105-112
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• 2024

거북목 자세는 현대인의 대표적인 자세 변형 문제로 신체적 및 정신적으로 다양한 문제를 야기하고 있으나 거북목 자세가 휴식시 불편함이나 주의력 분산 등에 미치는 영향은 잘 알려지지 않았다. 이에 본 연구에서는 휴식시의 뇌파 신호 분석을 통하여 거북목 자세가 뇌기능에 미치는 영향을 확인하고자 한다. 본 연구에는 33명의 컴퓨터 과사용자가 참여하였고 그들은 모두 컴퓨터 사용시 기능적 거북목 자세가 나타났다. 연구참여자는 정상자세와 거북목 자세를 번갈아 수행하도록 하였고, 각 자세를 5분 동안 유지하는 동안 자극이 주어지지 않은 상태로 휴식시 뇌파를 측정하였다. 뇌파는 32개의 채널에서 신호를 획득하였고, 주파수 분석을 통해 불편함이나 주의력에 밀접한 관련이 있다고 알려져 있는 델타파와 베타파에 대한 자세별 변화를 비교 분석하였다. 그 결과 거북목 자세에서는 정상자세 보다 9개의 채널에서 델타파의 유의한 감소를 보였고, 14개의 채널에서는 베타파의 유의한 증가를 보여주면서 거북목 자세가 휴식시 뇌기능에 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 변화는 심리적 불편감과 주의력 분산 상태에서 나타나는 변화와 일치하며 거북목 자세의 근골격계 변화로 인해 증가된 불편함이 뇌활성에도 영향을 주기 때문으로 보인다. 이러한 결과는 자세 교정이 이루어진다면 휴식시 뇌기능과 심리 상태 개선에 도움이 될 수 있다는 것을 보여주는 중요한 결과로 평가될 수 있다.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제9권4호
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• pp.149-158
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• 2021

Purpose : Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most common postural malalignment of the cranio-cervical region. Previous studies have reported that FHP might affect both temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cervical muscles, but still remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the changes of craniovertebral angle (CVA) and muscle properties after smartphone use in healthy individuals with and without FHP. Methods : Fifteen healthy individuals aged 18 to 22 years were included. CVA was evaluated using Dartfish motion analysis, and the subjects were divided into two groups according to their CVA: a FHP group (n = 7, CVA less than 48 °) and a control group (n = 8, CVA more than 48 °). MyotonPro was used to measure muscle properties of masseter, digastric and sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM). Each subject underwent 15-minutes of smartphone task (web browsing or video watching) in relaxed sitting posture. CVA and muscles properties were assessed both before and after the smartphone task. Results : There were significant changes in post measurements of CVA between the groups. Masseter muscle showed significant differences in pre and post measurements of all muscle properties, and digastric muscle showed significance only in muscle tone. Amount of changes (post-pre), however, showed no significant difference in this study. Conclusion : 15-minutes of smartphone task did not affect CVA and muscle properties of masseter, digastric and SCM in both groups, however, there were significant changes in pre and post measurements of CVA and some muscle properties of masseter and digastric muscles. Therefore, CVA, masseter and digastric muscles might be significantly changed in a heavy duration of smartphone usage more than 15-minutes. Further studies are needed regarding duration of smartphone task, assessments in other various TMJ muscle groups, and participants with pathological FHP conditions.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.19-27
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• 2020

Purpose : We aimed to investigate the effect of cranio-cervical flexion exercises(CCFE) with visual feedback(VF) on the muscle activity of the upper trapezius in forward head posture (FHP) and whether deficits in proprioception affect the changes in muscle activity. Methods : Twenty subjects with FHP were assigned to one of 2 groups according to deficits in proprioception. The muscle activity of the upper trapezius during arm movement under three exercise conditions (resting, CCFE, and VF + CCFE). Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare differences in muscle activity according to the exercise conditions between the groups and to analyze the interactions between groups and conditions. Results : Significant differences were observed in muscle activity according to the exercise condition (p<.05), with no significant differences between the groups. The muscle activity of the upper trapezius was significantly different between the resting and VF +CCFE conditions (p<.05), with no significant difference between the resting and CCFE conditions (p>.05). Conclusion : The results of this study showed that the CCFE combined with VF are an effective intervention for FHP to train deep muscles selectively. In addition, the loss of proprioceptive sensation is not related to changes in muscle activity during exercises.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.89-101
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• 1996

This study was performed to investigate influence of the changes of head posture on resting electromyographic (EMG) activity in anterior temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid muscle and trapezius, and on status of occlusal contacts. For this study twenty-nine patients with temporomandibular disorders(TMD) and thirty dental students without any masticatory symptoms were selected as patients group and control group, respectively. EMG activity($\mu$V) at rest was observed in four kind of head postures such as natural or normal head posture(NHP), forward head posture(FHP), upward head posture(UHP), downward head posture(DHP), and in NHP and FHP, EMG activity with flat occlusal splint was also checked. BioEMG$^\textregistered$(Bioelectromyograph, Bioresearch Inc., USA) was used to record EMG activity in the above four muscles with eight locations on both sides. The author used T-Scan$^\textregistered$(Tekscan Co., USA) system to investigate the changes of oclusal contats on clenching in the four head postures about number, force, time(duration) and total left-right statistis(TLR, occlusal stability crossing left-right dental arch on clenching). For taking in upward or downward head posture, head was inclined $10^{\circ}$ upward or downward and CROM$^\textregistered$ (cervical-range-of motion, Performance attainment Inc., USA) was used to maintain same posture during the procedure. The results obtained were as follows : 1. For resting EMG activity, anterior temporalis did not show any difference by change of head posture, but masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscle showed higher value of EMG activity in FHP and UHP, and trapezius showed higher value of EMG activity in FHP and DHP. 2. EMG activity of trapezius was higher than that of any other muscles in NHP, FHP, and DHP, but in UHP, the activity was the lowest reversely. 3. Patients group showed higher EMG activity than control group did in all the muscles in NHP. And significant difference between the two groups were also observed in anterior temporalis in FHP, in sternocleidomastoid muscle in UHP, and in sterno-cleidomastoid muscle and trapezius in DHP with higher activity in patients group. 4. There was no change of EMG activity in NHp with splint, but EMG activity in anterior temporalis and masseter was decreased in FHP with splint. 5. In general, status of occlusal contacts was not changed with head posture in all subjects, and difference between patients group and control group was only noted for number and force of tooth contact in UHP and DHP with more value in control group. 6. Correlationship between EMG activity and number ad force of tooth contacts was shown negatively with regard to masseter in NHP, and trapezius in UHP and DHP.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• 제5권4호
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• pp.178-184
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• 2016

Objective: Tension-type headache is caused by hormones, foods, irritants, stress, obesity, fatigue, and neck and head trigger points-prolonged abnormal posture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of relaxation approach on head posture, static postural stability, and headache in persons with tension-type headache. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-five persons with tension-type headache participated in this study. This study was a pretest-posttest with a control group design for a duration of 4 weeks (60 min/3 times/1 wk). The participants were randomly allocated to the relaxation approach group (n=18) and the control group with conventional rehabilitation including thermotherapy and transcutaneous electrical stimulation for the same period (n=17). Outcome measures involved forward head posture (FHP), foot pressure, neck disability index (NDI), and six-item headache impact test (HIT-6). Results: Relaxation approach and control groups improved significantly in the amount of forward head posture, neck disability index, and six-item headache impact test scores after training (p<0.05). The control group was found to be significantly different in the amount of FHP, backward foot pressure, NDI, and HIT-6 after training compared to before training (p<0.05). The relaxation approach group significantly improved in forward head posture, neck disability index, and six-item headache impact test compared with control group after training (p<0.05). Neck disability index and six-item headache impact test significantly improved after training compared with before training in the control group (p<0.05). However, the foot pressure was not significantly different between relaxation approach and control groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that treatment with relaxation approach combined with self-exercise would be effective in reducing the amount of forward head posture, neck disability and headache impacts.

• 국제물리치료학회지
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.1018-1024
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of cervical alignment, pain, and physique to apply proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) techniques in patients with forward head posture (FHP). The subjects of this study were 24 patients diagnosed with FHP. They were randomly divided into two groups: a PNF group(n=12) and a control group(n=12). The intervention was performed a total of 24 times, 30 min a day, six times a week for four weeks. Data on cervical alignment(forward head displacement, FHD), pain(visual analog scale, VAS), and physique(height, weight, and body mass index) were obtained pre- and post-intervention. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the groups and time. For FHD, the VAS, and physique(height and BMI), there was an interaction effect for the groups and time(p<.001, BMI: p<.05) and main effects for time(p<.001, BMI: p<.05). For weight, there were main effects of time(p<.01). For FHD(p<.01) and the VAS(p<.05), there were main effects for the groups. In the PNF group, there were significant improvements in FHD, VAS, and physique. In the control group, there was a significant increase in FHD. The results of this study indicated that PNF intervention using scapular and upper extremity patterns effective in FHP positively. The use of a therapeutic intervention on physique changes may also be effective in improving poor posture and help to better patients' quality of life.