Correlation between Forward Head Posture and Levator Scapulae Syndrome in Computer Users / By Amira Ebrahem Sadek ; Under Supervision of Prof. DR. Soheir Shehata Rizkalla, DR. Rehab Abd Elhafiez Saleh,

Thesis (M.Sc.) -Cairo University, 2023.

Bibliography: pages 74-86.

Background: Prolonged sitting postures have been significantly implicated in
the development of musculoskeletal problems during computer work which
increase the risk of Forward Head Posture (FHP). The levator scapula is an
important postural muscle that tends to shorten or become tight because of over
activity and bad posture. Forward head posture also has an impact on the
muscles in the shoulders and around the head, which exacerbates postural
deformity and results in a significant load on the upper trapezius and
levator scapulae muscle. Levator scapulae syndrome (LSS) is characterized
by neck pain, restricted range of movement, increased muscle tone and trigger
points. Purpose: this study was conducted to investigate the correlation
between forward head posture (FHP) and levator scapulae syndrome (LSS).
Subjects: 114 participants were assigned into 2 equal groups, Group A: 57
participants without FHP, craniovertebral angle (CVA)> 49°. Group B:
57participants with FHP CVA <49°. Methods: LSS was assessed through
trigger points, levator scapulae flexibility, Levator scapulae length and index ,pain
and cervical range of motion, Results: there was significant decrease in mean
values of cervical flexion, extension, right and left side bending, right and left
rotation in group B P=0.023, 0.001, (0.002 and 0.005), (0.001) respectively,
there was significant increase in mean values of pain in group B (P=0.001),
There was significant increase in number of subjects had trigger points and
flexibility deficit (P=0.002), (P=0.001) respectively, There was no significant
difference in mean values of levator length (right and left) between groups A
and B (P=0.062 and 0.786) respectively. There was significant direct
moderate correlation between lack of right flexibility and pain of the right
side (r=0.562) (p=0.001) and between left trigger point and pain of the
left side (r=0.560) (p=0.001). There was significant direct strong
correlation between left flexibility and pain of the left side (r=0.690)
(p=0.001) Conclusion: forward head posture may be associated with levator
scapulae syndrome evidenced by limited CROM, levator scapulae pain, trigger
points, and flexibility deficit.

تعيين توزيع 114 مشاركًا في مجموعتين متساويتين ، المجموعة أ: 57 مشاركًا بوضعية رأس طبيعيه، زاوية انحناء الرأس للأمام أكبر من 49درجة. المجموعة ب: 57 مشاركًا بوضعية الرأس الأماميه, زاوية انحناء الرأس للأمام أقل من49 درجة. تم تقييم متلازمة العضله الرافعه للكتف عن طريق قياس مدى حركة الرقبه وتقييم الألم ونقاط الزناد وقياس طول العضله باسخدام شريط القياس واختبار مرونة العضله الرافعه للكتف. ومن الممكن أن ترتبط وضعية الرأس الأماميه بمتلازمة العضله الرافعه للكتف والذي تم إثباته من خلال نطاق حركة الرقبه المحدود ، وألم الرقبه الموجود في العضله الرافعة ووجود نقاط الزناد ، وعجز المرونة في العضلة الرافعة للكتف

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Text in English and abstract in Arabic & English.