Neurodynamic evaluation and nerve conduction studies in patients with forward head posture.

Abstract

Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most frequently seen problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurodynamic tests and peripheral nerve conductions of upper extremity in patients with FHP. The study population included 100 patients with upper extremity and neck problems and 34 healthy individuals as a control group. Craniovertebral angle measurement was used to determine forward head posture. Stretch tests for radial, ulnar and median nerves were performed. Nerve conductions of bilateral median, radial, ulnar and medial antebrachial cutaneous (MAC) nerves were examined in all patients included in the study. The most significant nerve conduction differences in moderate-to-severe FHP patients were a decrease in the sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes of median nerves, a decrease in the SNAP amplitude of ulnar nerves, a delay in the F response latency of ulnar nerves and prolongation in the SNAP latency of the MAC nerve. FHP makes patients more prone to peripheral entrapments.