Forward Head Posture
Conditions
Brief summary
Forward head posture is commonly observed among university students and may influence cervical sensorimotor function and physiological responses during functional activities. The purpose of this observational cross-sectional study is to examine the association between forward head posture and cervical proprioception, deep cervical muscle endurance, and cardiopulmonary responses during a cognitive-motor task in university students.
Detailed description
This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted among healthy university students aged 18 to 26 years. The study aims to investigate the relationship between forward head posture and cervical joint position sense, deep cervical muscle endurance, and cardiopulmonary responses during a combined cognitive-motor task. No therapeutic intervention or treatment is applied.
Interventions
OTHERNo intervention
No intervention
Sponsors
Abeer Abdrabo
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 26 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* University students aged 18 to 26 years * Both male and female participants * Apparently healthy individuals * Ability to understand and follow study instructions * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Age below 18 years or above 26 years * History of cervical spine surgery or cervical fracture * Presence of neurological disorders affecting the cervical spine or balance * Chronic cardiopulmonary diseases * Current or recent neck or shoulder pain within the past 6 months * Any musculoskeletal condition that may affect cervical posture or movement
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical joint position error measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer | At baseline | Cervical proprioception will be assessed by measuring joint position error (JPE) during cervical flexion, extension, and rotation using a smartphone-based inclinometer. Participants will attempt to reposition their head to a neutral target position with eyes closed. The absolute repositioning error (in degrees) will be calculated, and the mean JPE will be used for analysis. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Deep cervical flexor endurance measured by the craniocervical flexion endurance test | At baseline | Deep cervical flexor endurance will be assessed using the craniocervical flexion endurance test. Participants will perform a chin-tuck head lift in the supine position and hold the position as long as possible. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds. |
| Cervical extensor endurance measured by a cervical extensor endurance test | At baseline | Cervical extensor muscle endurance will be assessed using a cervical extensor endurance test in the prone position. Participants will maintain the head in a neutral horizontal position for as long as possible. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds. |
| Heart rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task using a chest-strap heart rate monitor | During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session | Heart rate will be recorded during a combined stepping and cognitive subtraction task using a validated chest-strap heart rate monitor. The mean heart rate during the task will be used for analysis. |
| Respiratory rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task | During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session | Respiratory rate will be measured during the same cognitive-motor dual-task by counting breaths per minute. The mean respiratory rate during the task will be used for analysis |
Countries
Jordan
Outcome results
None listed