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

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common postural fault associated with neck pain. However, it is not clear if it is a common postural fault in young adults with mechanical neck pain or not. Furthermore, there is no consensus whether standing or seated positions should be used during the assessment of this posture fault. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to compare the severity of FHP in patients with mechanical neck pain and asymptomatic matched controls from the standing and sitting positions. The secondary purpose was to determine if there was any relationship between the severity of FHP and pain and disability reported in those patients. Participants: Eighty adult females were enrolled in this study (40 patients with mechanical neck pain and 40 asymptomatic participants). Methods: The severity of FHP was quantified by measuring the craniovertebral (CVA) and gaze angles using the photogrammetric method. The Arabic version of Neck Disability Index was also used to assess neck pain and disability in patients with mechanical neck pain. Results: The CVA and gaze angles in patients with mechanical neck pain were not different than that of asymptomatic participants when assessed from standing and sitting positions. Furthermore, within each participant, the two measured angles were not different between standing and sitting positions. A significant negative weak correlation existed between CVA measured from standing (r=-.44, P=0.004), and sitting (r=-.41,P=0.008) and neck disability index scores. However, no correlation existed with regards to the gaze angle measured from standing (r=-.05,P=0.75), or sitting(r=-.23,P=0.133). Conclusion: The severity of FHP is not different in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain compared to asymptomatic participants in sitting and standing positions. Furthermore, forward head posture may explain partly increased disability seen in patients with mechanical neck pain

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