Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most common postural deviations that are usually associated with disability. Active vibration exercises using the Body-blade can produce muscle contractions by stimulation of the muscle spindles.Purpose of the study: The goal of this study was to determine the effect of adding Body-blade exercises (BBE) to the traditional treatment on cranio-vertebral angle (CVA), neck pain, function, and scapular muscles strength in volunteers with FHP. Material and Methods: Forty-two volunteers diagnosed with FHP of both genders, their age range from 20-35 years old were enrolled in the study. All volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups; the experimental group which received (BBE and the traditional treatment) and the control group which received the traditional treatment only. The CVA was measured in AutoCAD 2007 after taking a photo for each volunteer.The pain intensity was recorded using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The neck function was assessed using the neck disability index (NDI). The strength of the scapular muscles was measured with the Hand Held Dynamometer (HHD). All of these outcome measurements were recorded before and after the treatment. Results: The results of the study showed a more significant increase in CVA and the strength of middle trapezius (ML), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) muscles after treatment in the experimental group compared to the control group. There was a more significant decrease in pain after treatment in the experimental group compared to the control group.There was a non significant decrease in NDI and UT strength after treatment in the experimental group compared to the control group

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