Effects of Forward Head Posture on Cervical Proprioception, Muscle Endurance, and Cardiopulmonary Function During Cognitive-Motor Tasks Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Abeer Abdrabo
- Enrollment
- 80
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Cervical joint position error measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer
Overview
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.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Other
- Time Perspective
- Prospective
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 26 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts 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
Arms & Interventions
Group / Cohort 1 Group Name: Forward Head Posture Group
This cohort includes participants diagnosed with forward head posture based on standardized postural assessment criteria.
Intervention: No intervention (Other)
Group / Cohort 2 Group Name: Normal Head Posture (Control) Group
This cohort includes participants with normal head and neck posture and no musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.
Intervention: No intervention (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Cervical joint position error measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer
Time Frame: 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 Outcomes
- Deep cervical flexor endurance measured by the craniocervical flexion endurance test(At baseline)
- Cervical extensor endurance measured by a cervical extensor endurance test(At baseline)
- 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)
- Respiratory rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task(During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session)
Investigators
Abeer Abdrabo
Lecture, Department of Neuromuscular Disorder, Faculty for Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Isra University, Jordan