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Comparison of Prefrontal Hemodynamic Responses and Balance Control Differences Based on Head Posture and Task Difficulty in Cognitive-Balance Tasks

Comparison of Prefrontal Hemodynamic Responses and Balance Control Differences Based on Head Posture and Task Difficulty in Cognitive-Balance Tasks

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06850077
Enrollment
38
Registered
2025-02-27
Start date
2025-04-27
Completion date
2025-10-20
Last updated
2026-01-07

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Forward Head Posture, Normal Head Posture

Keywords

forward head posture, dual task, prefrontal cortex, cognition

Brief summary

* Recent studies have shown that individuals with forward head posture (FHP) experience not only impaired balance control but also cognitive deficits. * Using a balance-cognitive dual-task paradigm, this study aims to explore the relationship between balance ability and Prefrontal cortex(PFC) oxygenation levels(△HbO2) in individuals with FHP compared to those with normal head posture(NHP). * By analyzing differences in frontal lobe activation based on task difficulty, this study is expected to provide practical data for designing balance training and cognitive-motor intervention programs tailored to individuals with FHP.

Detailed description

\- This study is a cross-sectional study aiming to investigate the differences in balance ability between individuals with forward head posture (FHP) and those with normal head posture (NHP), as well as the differences in frontal lobe oxygenation levels during a balance-cognitive dual task. Study participants will be assigned to receive two groups: (a) Forward head posture (b) Normal head posture. Each group will perform three balance tasks while simultaneously completing three cognitive tasks. To determine the differences, the primary outcome will assess prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamic response, and the secondary outcome will assess balance ability.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALCognitive-Balance dual task

The cognitive-balance dual task consists of three levels of difficulty and is performed simultaneously. The cognitive tasks include the N-back test, while the balance tasks consist of static balance tasks.

Sponsors

Sahmyook University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 39 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Healthy adults aged 20 to 39 years * Classified as having Forward Head Posture (FHP) or Normal Head Posture (NHP) based on Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) measurement

Exclusion criteria

* Individuals with a history of spinal or musculoskeletal trauma or surgery * Individuals who have reported recent neck or shoulder pain

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The degree of hemodynamic response in the prefrontal cortex (PFC)From enrollment to 2 daysHemodynamic response changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) will be assessed by measuring variations in oxyhemoglobin (HbO) concentration using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The study will compare HbO concentration changes between the control and experimental groups during cognitive-balance task performance.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Balance performanceFrom enrollment to 2 daysStatic and dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the Good Balance system (Metitur, Finland). The assessment will be conducted on a triangular platform by measuring changes in the center of pressure (COP), regardless of foot position. The results will be reported as variations in COP displacement and velocity. Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the Four Square Step Test (FSST). Participants will step in four quadrants formed by rods or tape arranged in a cross pattern. The time taken to complete the FSST will be recorded in seconds.

Countries

South Korea

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026