Craniovertebral Angle Research Articles

Effect of selective manual therapy techniques in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized control trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of selective manual therapy (MT) techniques on chest expansion, pulmonary function (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], and FEV1/FVC ratio), craniovertebral angle (CVA), kyphosis angle, functional capacity, and dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA parallel double-blinded randomized controlled trial involved 52 male subjects with a mean age of 56.23 ± 3.54. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups, each consisting of 26 subjects: the control group (A) received only conventional physical therapy, and the experimental group (B) received both MT and conventional physical therapy. Treatment was administered three times per week for 8 weeks. Chest expansion by chest caliper; FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio by spirometry; CVA and kyphosis angle by Kinovea software; functional capacity by the 6-min walk test (6MWT); and dyspnea by the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea index all were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. ResultsPrior to treatment, there was no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the between-group analyses (p > 0.05). After treatment,a statistically significant difference was found between both groups, with a predilection for the experimental group in FEV1 middle difference (MD) of 0.55 L, FVC MD = 0.39 L, FEV1/FVC% MD = 18.97, dyspnea MD = −2.58, 6MWT MD = 92.81 m, CVA MD = 5.21°, kyphosis angle MD = 3.1°, anteroposterior (AP) chest expansion MD = 1.08 cm, and lateral chest expansion MD = 1.54 cm. ConclusionThe combination of MT approaches with conventional physical therapy leads to a clinically significant difference in AP chest expansion, FVC, FEV1, CVA, functional capacity, and dyspnea, and a statistically significant difference in kyphosis angle, FEV1/FVC%, and lateral chest expansion compared to using conventional physical therapy only in patients with COPD.

Prevalence of Forward Head Posture and Its Association with Smartphone Use among University Students

A person exhibits forward head posture when their spine is out of neutral alignment with their head. Nowadays, smartphones are a necessary tool whose use is becoming increasingly significant. The side effect of smartphone use is forward head posture, which is most common among university students. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of forward head posture and its association with smartphone use among university students. Methods: This correlational study was conducted on university students with a sample size of 340. Both male and female students aged between 18-28 years, who use their smartphones for at least four hours and have no previous record of birth defects of cervical and lumber vertebrae were included. Whereas, any history of cervical surgery, or spinal abnormalities was excluded from the study. The goniometer and ruler method were used to measure the craniovertebral angle, and a smartphone addiction scale was used to screen the participants. Results: A positive correlation was found between craniovertebral angle and duration of smartphone usage with a correlation coefficient of r=0.084 and p=0.02. In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between the ruler method and the duration of smartphone usage with a correlation coefficient of r=0.54 and p=0.403. Conclusions: It was concluded that the prevalence of forward head posture was found to be 47.9% by the ruler method and 62.1% by the craniovertebral angle measurement. There is a correlation between craniovertebral angle and smartphone use and the duration of smartphone usage.

The Addition Of Pressure Biofeedback Unit In Forward Head Exercise Is Better On Improving Neck Alignment Asymptomatic Forward Head Posture

Asymptomatic forward head posture is a chronic condition without symptoms. Improvement in neck alignment can be enhanced by adding a pressure biofeedback unit to forward head exercises. The aim of this study was to determine if the addition of a pressure biofeedback unit to forward head exercises is more effective in improving neck alignment in high school students with asymptomatic forward head posture compared to forward head exercises alone. This study was conducted at SMA N 1 Semarapura in April-May 2021, using a two-group pre-post test design with simple random sampling. There were two groups consisting of 14 samples each. Group I was given forward head exercises with the addition of a pressure biofeedback unit, and Group II was given forward head exercises alone. The outcome measure for neck alignment was the craniovertebral angle, measured using a goniometer. Analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Levene's test. The difference in mean neck alignment was tested using paired t-tests. An independent sample t-test showed an increased difference in neck alignment in both groups. In Group I, the mean pre-test score was 45.57±1.45 and the post-test neck alignment was 53.21±1.36, with a mean difference of 7.35±1.49 and a p-value of 0.000. In Group II, the pre-test score was 45.78±1.85 and the post-test score was 50.28±1.22, with a mean difference of 4.5±1.2 and a p-value of 0.000. A significant difference in neck alignment improvement was found based on the comparison test, with a p-value of 0.000. The study results indicate a significant difference in the improvement of neck alignment between the two groups. The addition of a pressure biofeedback unit to forward head exercises is effective in improving neck alignment in high school students with asymptomatic forward head posture at SMA N 1 Semarapura.

Is There a Difference in Pulmonary Functions and Craniovertebral Angle Among Adolescents Based on Their Smartphone Usage Time? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: People who use smartphones for extended periods run the risk of developing cumulative trauma. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of using smartphones on pulmonary function and craniovertebral angle (CVA) among adolescents and compare addicted and nonaddicted ones. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 71 boys and 57 girls; Participants were categorized into two groups according to their scores on the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) for adolescents. Addicted group (score > 32, n =37 M /27 F) while non-addicted group (score ≤ 32, n = 34 M/30 F). The outcome variables were craniovertebral angle (CVA), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Results: The findings of this study suggest a moderately strong negative relationship between smartphone addiction and CVA, as well as a weak negative association between smartphone addiction and the FEV1/FVC ratio. However, no significant correlations were found between smartphone addiction and FEV1 (r = -0.128, p = 0.149) or FVC (r = -0.019, p = 0.835). Conclusion: using smartphones for a long time had a bad impact on CVA and pulmonary function in adolescents.

Forward head posture in sports-involved children

Purpose: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common cervical postural fault in the sagittal plane that can cause various issues and conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of FHP among sports-involved children and to examine the differences in craniovertebral angle (CVA) with regard to gender, age, neck pain, and the sports in which they participate. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 sports-involved children (76 males and 78 females), aged 11–14, participating in various sports (basketball, football, volleyball, and athletics). After obtaining signed consent, photography of the sagittal view was performed in a standing position, which was then used to measure the CVA using the Web Plot Digitizer software. A questionnaire was used to gather data about gender, age, sports in which a participant is involved, presence of neck pain, and pain scale. Results: Among the 154 children, 37 (24.03%) exhibited FHP (15 males, 22 females). The mean CVA for the entire sample was 51.30° ± 6.20°. Female participants had a significantly lower CVA (p = .021) compared to male participants. No significant differences were found with regard to age, presence of neck pain, or engagement in a specific sport. Conclusion: FHP is present in sports-involved children, with a higher prevalence among females.

Real-Time Forward Head Posture Detection and Correction System Utilizing an Inertial Measurement Unit Sensor

Forward head posture (FHP) has become a prevailing health issue in modern society as people spend more time on computers and smartphones. FHP is a posture where the head is forward and the anterior and posterior curvatures of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spines are both, respectively, exaggerated. FHP is often associated with neck pain, bad static balance, and hunched shoulders or back. To prevent this, consciously maintaining good posture is important. Therefore, in this study, we propose a system that gives users real-time, accurate information about their neck posture, and it also encourages them to maintain a good posture. This inexpensive system utilizes a single inertial measurement unit sensor and a Raspberry Pi system to detect the changes in state that can progress to an FHP. It retrieves data from the sensor attached to the user’s cervical spine to indicate their real-time posture. In a real-world office environment experiment with ten male participants, the system accurately detected the transition to the FHP state for more than 10 s, with a delay of less than 0.5 s, and it also provided personalized feedback to encourage them to maintain good posture. All ten participants recognized that their average craniovertebral angle had to be increased after receiving visual alerts regarding their poor postures in real time. The results indicate that the system has potential for widespread applications.

A period of backwards walking affects the craniovertebral angle, proprioception, balance, and foot pressure on forward head posture of female students

PurposeThe presence of spinal arches is crucial for maintaining good body posture, reducing pressure on joints, and preventing deformities caused by misalignment. Engaging in exercises that focus on correcting body alignment, such as walking backward, can enhance posture and various related factors. MethodA group of 46 female students suffering from forward head posture was selected (age: 22.89 ± 2.31 years, height: 1.63 ± 0.05 m, weight: 60.01 ± 5.41 kg, body mass index: 22.38 ± 1.28 kg/m2) and randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group participated in three exercise sessions per week for four weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention during the study. Changes in the craniovertebral angle, proprioception, resistance, and foot pressure were measured using photogrammetry, head-neck angle examination with a laser pointer, a balance measuring device, and a foot scanner. FindingsThe results of this study showed that the training program had a significant effect on the craniovertebral angle (P = 0.001), neck proprioception (P = 0.001), balance (P = 0.001), and sole pressure (P = 0.001). Likewise, the results of the group comparison revealed significant differences in various variables, such as the craniovertebral angle (P = 0.001), neck proprioception (P = 0.001), balance (P = 0.001), and plantar pressure (P ≥ 0.05). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that walking backward enhanced the craniovertebral angle, proprioception, balance, and alterations in the plantar center of pressure. Therefore, this exercise is recommended as a complementary therapeutic approach for individuals with forward head posture.

Association of Craniovertebral Angle with Non- Specific Neck Pain and Functional Limitations among IT Professionals

Association of Craniovertebral Angle with Non- Specific Neck Pain and Functional Limitations among IT Professionals

Correlation between Cranio-Vertebral Angle and Muscle Activity According to Body Movements in Forward Head Posture

The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between FHP and how it may affect muscle activity during raising the arm and loss of body balance, 40 young people participated. All subjects will have their cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) and muscle activity of the serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), and lower trapezius (LT), static balance index, and central pressure excursion index (CPEI) measured. Muscle activity was measured using TeleMyo 2400(Noraxon U.S.A., Inc., Scottsdale, AZ, USA), and static balance indicators and CPEI were measured using the MatscanVersaTek system (Tekscan Inc., MA). Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between variables. CVA and SA, UT, and LT all showed significant correlation, positive correlation with SA(r=0.429/p=0.006) and LT(r=0.377/p=0.017), and negative correlation with UT(r=-0.473/p=0.007) (Table 2). CVA showed a moderate level of negative correlation with AREA(r=0.-0.420 /p=0.007) and L-R distance(r=-0.508 /p=0.000) among balance indicators, and did not show a significant correlation with CPEI (Table 3). In people with more severe FHP, SA, and LT muscle activity tended to be lower, UT muscle activity tended to be higher, and static balance ability was lower. According to the results of this study, FHP can have a negative effect on various factors of the body, such as arm movement and static balance, suggesting that establishing correct posture is necessary to prevent secondary physical problems.

Comparative Effects of Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises on Craniovertebral Angle and Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex in IT Students

Background: Vestibular dysfunction affects balance and spatial orientation, leading to symptoms like dizziness and impaired gaze stability. Forward head posture (FHP) is common among IT students due to prolonged screen time, exacerbating vestibular and postural issues.Objective: To compare the effects of Gaze Stabilization Exercises (GSE) and Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises (CCE) on craniovertebral angle (CVA) and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) among IT students.Methods: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on 50 IT students aged 19-25 years with FHP. Participants were randomly assigned to GSE (n=25) or CCE (n=25) groups. Interventions were performed thrice weekly for 3 weeks. CVA and VOR were assessed pre- and post-intervention using a goniometer and clinical scale, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 with Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests.Results: Post-intervention, Group B (CCE) showed a significant increase in CVA (mean rank 26.80, U = 280.000, p = 0.527). Group A (GSE) demonstrated a significant reduction in VOR (mean rank 30.80, U = 180.00, p = 0.003).Conclusion: GSE effectively improved VOR, while CCE significantly enhanced CVA, indicating the potential for targeted rehabilitation in addressing vestibular and postural dysfunctions.

Global postural re-education versus Egoscue exercises in upper cross syndrome on neck pain, forward head and rounded shoulder posture: a randomised clinical trial

Abstract Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is a condition that is caused due to alternating tightness and weakness in the opposite muscle groups of the neck, shoulders, and upper back which results in abnormal postural deviations. Global postural re-education (GPR) and Egoscue exercises (EE) aim to improve postural alignment and reduce musculoskeletal discomfort by maintaining certain postures. There is a lack of literature where these approaches are not compared and hence the need arises to evaluate their efficacy in the management of UCS. A randomised clinical trial was conducted on 34 individuals with UCS, where 17 individuals were randomly allocated into two groups, i.e. Group A (GPR) and Group B (EE). Both groups received conventional therapy (hot moist pack and interferential current therapy) 3 times/week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures like craniovertebral angle (CVA), pectoralis minor index (PMI), tragus to wall test (TTW), deep cervical flexors endurance, neck disability index (NDI), and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline and on day 12 post-treatment. Within group analysis has shown statistical significant improvement in all the outcomes (). Between group analysis has shown both interventions to be equally effective in CVA (), PMI (), TTW (), deep cervical flexors endurance (), NDI () and patient satisfaction scale (PSS) () in individuals with UCS. In conclusion, both the interventions were equally effective and can be included in the protocol for the better outcomes in musculoskeletal dysfunctions. This present trial was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India with registration number CTRI/2023/10/059361.

Pilates mat versus cervical stabilization exercises on the craniovertebral angle, pain, function, and myoelectrical activity of the cervical muscles in forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionOne of the most prevalent postural problems involving the neck is called forward head posture (FHP), which is defined as the anterior head protruding from the sagittal plane and appearing to be positioned in front of the body. The incidence of FHP is 70% in young adults. This study aimed to compare Pilates mat versus cervical stabilization exercises on the craniovertebral angle (CVA), pain, function, and myoelectric activity of the upper trapezius (UT) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles in patients with FHP. Also, both experimental groups were compared to the control group in terms of CVA, pain, function, and myoelectric activity of the UT and SCM muscles.MethodsSixty participants (18 to 25 years old) with symptomatic FHP were randomly assigned to three groups using an opaque sealed envelope; Pilates mat and postural correction exercises were assigned group A, cervical stabilization and postural correction exercises were assigned group B, and solely postural correction exercises were assigned group C for 12 weeks at a frequency of 3 times/week. The patients were assessed before and after 12 weeks of interventions. The photogrammetric method was used to determine CVA, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Arabic neck disability index (ANDI ) for neck function, and surface electromyography (sEMG) for the UT and SCM muscle root mean square during rest and activity.ResultsMultiple pairwise comparisons revealed statistically significant differences between pre and post-treatments for all variables in the Pilates, cervical stabilization, and control groups with a <i>p</i> < 0.05. Between groups, analyses showed that there were statistically significant differences (<i>p</i> < 0.05) at post-treatment between the Pilates and cervical stabilization groups and also between Pilates and the control, and finally between the cervical stabilization and control groups with more favor to the Pilates group.ConclusionsPilates mat and cervical stabilization exercises are both effective interventions for FHP, with Pilates mat exercises being superior.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises for treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with forward head posture: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises have been widely advocated for the management of patients with different musculoskeletal conditions. However, its effect on the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in patients with forward head posture (FHP) has not been fully investigated. To investigate the effect of PNF stretching exercises on the treatment of TMD in patients with FHP. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial. Twenty-four patients with TMD and FHP aged from 18-40 years were randomly assigned to PNF or control group. The PNF group composed of 12 patients received PNF stretching exercises of masticatory muscles in addition to routine physical therapy treatment (FHP correction exercises and ultrasound for the temporomandibular joint); the control group composed of 12 patients received routine physical therapy treatment only. Interventions were conducted twice a week for six weeks. Craniovertebral angle, pain threshold, pain intensity, temporomandibular joint ROM, and temporomandibular joint function were assessed for all participants before and after the intervention. The outcomes were analyzed using Two-way mixed MANOVA. For further multiple comparisons, post-hoc tests with the Bonferroni correction were performed. There was no significant difference between both groups pre-treatment (p> 0.05). Comparison between groups post-treatment revealed statistically significant differences in all outcome measures (p< 0.05) in favor of the PNF group. Adding PNF stretching exercises of masticatory muscles to routine physical therapy programs is an effective method for management of TMD in patients with FHP more than routine physical therapy programs alone.

Recognition of Forward Head Posture Through 3D Human Pose Estimation With a Graph Convolutional Network: Development and Feasibility Study.

Prolonged improper posture can lead to forward head posture (FHP), causing headaches, impaired respiratory function, and fatigue. This is especially relevant in sedentary scenarios, where individuals often maintain static postures for extended periods-a significant part of daily life for many. The development of a system capable of detecting FHP is crucial, as it would not only alert users to correct their posture but also serve the broader goal of contributing to public health by preventing the progression of chronic injuries associated with this condition. However, despite significant advancements in estimating human poses from standard 2D images, most computational pose models do not include measurements of the craniovertebral angle, which involves the C7 vertebra, crucial for diagnosing FHP. Accurate diagnosis of FHP typically requires dedicated devices, such as clinical postural assessments or specialized imaging equipment, but their use is impractical for continuous, real-time monitoring in everyday settings. Therefore, developing an accessible, efficient method for regular posture assessment that can be easily integrated into daily activities, providing real-time feedback, and promoting corrective action, is necessary. The system sequentially estimates 2D and 3D human anatomical key points from a provided 2D image, using the Detectron2D and VideoPose3D algorithms, respectively. It then uses a graph convolutional network (GCN), explicitly crafted to analyze the spatial configuration and alignment of the upper body's anatomical key points in 3D space. This GCN aims to implicitly learn the intricate relationship between the estimated 3D key points and the correct posture, specifically to identify FHP. The test accuracy was 78.27% when inputs included all joints corresponding to the upper body key points. The GCN model demonstrated slightly superior balanced performance across classes with an F1-score (macro) of 77.54%, compared to the baseline feedforward neural network (FFNN) model's 75.88%. Specifically, the GCN model showed a more balanced precision and recall between the classes, suggesting its potential for better generalization in FHP detection across diverse postures. Meanwhile, the baseline FFNN model demonstrates a higher precision for FHP cases but at the cost of lower recall, indicating that while it is more accurate in confirming FHP when detected, it misses a significant number of actual FHP instances. This assertion is further substantiated by the examination of the latent feature space using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding, where the GCN model presented an isotropic distribution, unlike the FFNN model, which showed an anisotropic distribution. Based on 2D image input using 3D human pose estimation joint inputs, it was found that it is possible to learn FHP-related features using the proposed GCN-based network to develop a posture correction system. We conclude the paper by addressing the limitations of our current system and proposing potential avenues for future work in this area.

Cognitive Load and Dual-Task Performance in Individuals with and without Forward Head Posture.

Background: Recent studies have found forward head posture (FHP) is associated with altered physiology. There is a lack of research into whether FHP is associated with altered gait parameters when cognitively challenged. Our hypothesis is that individuals with FHP and those without will demonstrate different responses when undergoing dual-task assessment. Methods: Forty-five asymptomatic participants with FHP, defined as a craniovertebral angle (CVA) < 50°, were matched to forty-five participants with normal head posture (NHP) with a CVA > 55°. Participants walked along a 10 m platform under a control condition (no cognitive load) while an optical motion-capture system assessed gait kinematics. Secondly, participants were assessed under a dual-task cognitive load condition to identify the impact on gait kinematics. Results: Under the single-task condition, there were no significant differences for any gait parameter. In the dual-task condition, 12/13 gait parameters were significantly altered for the FHP vs. NHP group (p < 0.01). A calculation of the dual-task cost (DTC) percentage showed significant increases in all gait parameters in participants with FHP (p < 0.02). Correlations between the CVA and gait parameters were not significant for the single-task condition, but all gait parameters were correlated to CVA for the dual-task condition (p < 0.01). The correlation between CVA and DTC for all gait variables was significant (p < 0.04). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that FHP significantly increases the cognitive cost during walking, highlighting the importance of proper postural alignment for maintaining cognitive function under a dual-task condition.

Effectiveness of postural corrective exercise on postural improvement in students with forward head posture (FHP)

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is a postural problem in the cervical area characterized by the position of the tragus in front of the plumb line in the sagittal plane with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) value &lt;50°. This condition can be caused by work positions or activities that tend to look down for a long duration. Postural corrective exercise is one of the exercises that can improve posture.Objective: Knowing the effectiveness of postural corrective exercise on posture improvement in students with FHP.Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental pre &amp; post-test design. Respondents were 68 students of Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta with CVA &lt;50° who were then randomly divided into 2 groups. namely Group A (postural corrective exercise) and Group B (self-postural corrective exercise). CVA measurement was performed using the On Protractor application.Results: There was a significant increase in CVA after postural corrective exercise and self-postural corrective exercise treatment (p = 0.00). Postural corrective exercise is more effective in improving FHP posture than self-postural corrective exercise (p = 0.00).Conclusion: Postural corrective exercise is more effective on posture improvement in students with FHP.

Effects of 60 versus 30 Minutes of Pilates Exercise on Cervicothoracic Alignment, Muscle Strength, and Endurance in University Students with Upper Crossed Syndrome.

Background/Objectives: This study determined the effects of 60 min or 30 min Pilates program on cervicothoracic alignment, muscular strength, and endurance in university students with upper-crossed syndrome (UCS). Methods: Twenty-six university students with UCS were randomly allocated into 60 min Pilates (60 PG, n = 9), 30 min Pilates (30 PG, n = 9), and control (CG, n = 8) groups. The 60 and 30 PG students participated in the Pilates program, focusing on relaxation, stability, mobility, and strengthening of the cervical, thoracic, and scapular muscles for 60 or 30 min per session, twice a week, for 12 weeks. Cervicothoracic alignment was measured using BodyStyle to determine craniovertebral angle (CVA), forward shoulder angle (FSA), head position angle (HPA), head tilt angle (HTA), and kyphosis angle (KA). We measured the muscular strength and endurance of the shoulder on the dominant side. Results: After the intervention, CVA, HPA, HTA, and KA significantly improved in the 60 and 30 PG (all p < 0.01) but not in the CG (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 60 and 30 PG at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Shoulder strength differed between shoulder flexion and horizontal abduction (p < 0.01). Shoulder endurance differed between extension, flexion, and horizontal abduction (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: This study confirmed the effectiveness of the Pilates program in improving cervicothoracic sagittal alignment and shoulder muscular function in university students with UCS. Additionally, the effects of participating in 60 and 30 min Pilates programs were found to be equivalent. Therefore, encouraging busy university students to participate in at least 30 min of the Pilates program is important.

Forward head posture associated with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness in psychotic disorders compared to autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls

Individuals with psychotic disorders often lead sedentary lives, heightening the risk of developing forward head posture. Forward head posture affects upper cervical vertebrae, raising the likelihood of daily discomforts like skeletal misalignment, neck pain, and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness in psychotic disorders is relevant, given its proven benefits in enhancing physical and mental health. This study investigates forward head posture by measuring craniovertebral angles in psychotic disorders and the relationship with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. To determine whether forward head posture is specific to psychotic disorders, we also included individuals with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls. Among 85 participants (32 psychotic disorders, 26 autism spectrum disorder, 27 healthy controls), photogrammetric quantification revealed a significantly lower mean craniocervical angle in psychotic disorders compared to autism spectrum disorder (p = < 0.02) and the healthy control group (p = < 0.01). Reduced craniovertebral angle is related to diminished cardiorespiratory fitness in psychosis (R2 = 0.45, p = < 0.01) but not in other control groups. This study found reduced craniovertebral angles, indicating forward head posture in psychotic disorders. Moreover, this relates to diminished cardiorespiratory fitness. Further research is needed to examine the underlying causes and to investigate whether this can be reversed through physical therapy.

Upper body posture changes during sitting in female office workers with lower crossed syndrome

Background/Objective: Office workers are exposed to high levels of sedentary time. This sedentary time may have impacts on office workers which affect the normal movement patterns of sitting position caused by muscle tightness and weakness. The aims of this study were to investigate postural changes in lower crossed syndrome (LCS) on a head tilt angle (HTA), craniovertebral angle (CVA), sagittal shoulder angle (SSA), and trunk flexion angle (TFA) during 30 min sitting in female office workers. Methods: Fifty-four office workers who use computer for at least 4 h/day, work for at least 5 years were recruited. All subjects were evaluated their posture, muscle length and power and assigned into three groups: healty group ([Formula: see text]), LCS type A ([Formula: see text]), and LCS type B ([Formula: see text]). Testing posture was 30[Formula: see text]min sitting at computer workstation and typing on standardized with video record. Then three pictures were captured at four points of time from VDO records. All angles were measured two-way mixed ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test was used to analyse the data. Results: Subjects with LCS type B have less CVA, SSA, and TFA than healthy and participants with LCS type A significantly during sitting at 0, 10, 20 and 30[Formula: see text]min. There was no significant difference in HTA among the three groups. Conclusion: Subjects with LCS type B showed significant the upper body posture changes compared with other groups.

To Find Out the Effect of Varying the Back Rest Angles on Drivers Posture While in a Static Condition

Abstract : A total of 32 male subjects, with a mean age of 26, were recruited for the study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria .Before included in the study , the consent form were taken from all the subjects. They were recruited from different hospitals of Dehradun. 32 male subjects were taken for photographs with car seats adjusted at three different angles. Subjects were asked to assume their comfortable sitting posture, while resting their backs on the car seat, holding the steering wheel and looking directly though the wind shield. Photographs were taken of each subject at three different backrest angles; 110°, 120°, and 130°. Each photo was analyzed using corel-draw software, to calculate the craniovertebral angle, craniohorizontal angle, and sagittal shoulder posture. The result, CHA vs CVA (p=0.001), CVA vs SSP (p=0.045) and SSP vs CHA (p= 0.001) was found to be significant. Similarly, post hoc analysis for multiple comparisons test was applied for 130°. The result, CHA vs CVA (p=0.001), CVA vs SSP (p=0.042) and SSP vs CHA (p=0.001)) was found to be significant.