• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.3 s.71
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• pp.45-56
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• 2007

Objectives : We investigated the possibility of cervical spine misalignment caused by scalenus anticus syndrome to find out how it affects cervical spine misalignments. Methods : 28 patients with scalenus anticus syndrome (sample group), along with 21 participants without neck pain (control group), who attended the Dept. of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Dong-guk University from the 20th of June to the 30th of November, 2006 were investigated. After researching misalignments through neutrality, flexion and extension lateral x-ray examination views, we measured the difference of each length of cervical spine misalignment. We analyzed the relationships among the neutrality lateral, flexion lateral and extension lateral positions. Results : We found with statistical significance that there were differences in length of cervical spine misalignments between the sample and control groups. Furthermore, we found that C3 and C4 vertebra bodies were shown in lateral neutrality position, only C3 vertebra body in flexion lateral position, and C2, C3, and C4 vertebra bodies in extension lateral position. Conclusions : It is considered that scalenus anticus syndrome could increase cervical spine misalignment which could be a factor in causing cervical spine disease.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.83-91
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• 2024

Purpose : This case study aimed to investigate the effects of backward walking exercises with a front-loaded bag on craniovertebral angle (CVA), craniorotational angle (CRA), and gait variables in subjects with forward head posture (FHP). Methods : Two individuals in their twenties with FHP performed backward walking exercises on a treadmill while carrying a front-loaded bag with a load equivalent to 20 % of their body weight, for 30 minutes per day, three times a week, over two weeks. CVA and CRA were measured before and after the intervention using side view photographs taken from 1.5 meters away. CVA was calculated by marking C7, the tragus of the ear, and the outer canthus of the eye, and CRA was determined using the same landmarks. Image J software was used for angle analysis, with measurements taken three times and averaged. Gait variables such as step length and cadence were recorded using a step analysis treadmill and analyzed with the software included with the equipment, with measurements taken at baseline and after the two-week intervention. Results : Both participants demonstrated notable improvements in the CVA, indicating enhanced head alignment relative to the cervical spine. There was also a marked decrease in the CRA, suggesting a reduction in rotational misalignment. Although differences were observed in gait variables, such as step length and cadence, these changes were not consistent across measurements. The results suggest that backward walking exercises with a load carried in front can positively influence postural adjustments by aligning the cervical spine in individuals with FHP. Conclusion : The findings of this case study indicate that backward walking exercises with a front-loaded bag can effectively improve cervical spine alignment in individuals with FHP. Differences were observed in gait variables, such as step length and cadence, but these changes were not consistent across measurements. Future studies should explore these effects more comprehensively and consider optimizing the exercise protocol for better therapeutic outcomes.