A study to correlate between the craniovertebral angle and abdominal core muscles strength in healthy adult population

There is an increase use of smartphones and mobile applications for teaching and learning activities in academics.Computer and laptop use by students in college and universities for their academic work as well as for personal and social use of technology is increasing. The use of computers has been linked with musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), although causal relationships between computer use and specific upper limb conditions have not yet been established. Previous research has identified risk factors for computer-related MSDs in the workplace,such as daily time spent using a computer etc.University students commonly report pain in the neck, shoulders and at the base of the thumb, which can be attributed to the postures assumed by the students during smartphone usage and the type of smartphone they use.The study found the prevalence of 63.96% in university students with forward head posture.

 Posture is essential component of any body’s maximum effort to achieve with less efforts. It is said that “proper posture is believed to be the state of musculoskeletal balance that involves a minimal amount of stress and strain on bodyâ€. Although correct posture is desired, many people do not exhibit good posture.

 Ideally cervical spine is lordotic, with the movement like protraction and retraction occurring in sagittal plane. Protraction movement will cause extension of upper cervical spine and flexion of lower cervical spine, wherein retraction movement will cause flexion of upper cervical spine and extension of lower cervical spine. During prolonged duration, if cervical spine is held in protracted position it could lead to alterations in head posture than the normal which is known as forward head posture.The head displaced anteriorly cause shift of COG resulting the upper body to shift backward with slumped shoulder. These posture leads to musculoskeletal disorder known as “Upper cross syndrome†which decreases lordosis in lower cervical and kyphosis of upper thoracic vertebrae. These eventually causes decrease in craniovertebral (CV) angle less than 500 .

Less than 50 degrees of Craniovertebral angle is pathological which is checked through photography method called as photogrammetry. Cranial angle also known as sagittal head tilt and head angle will be considered. The 7th cervical vertebrae serves as relatively immobile landmark with respect to head. As the neck and head is thrust forward / backward varying in postures of tragus, it is obvious that there is change in size of angleâ€. The studies show mobile application forward head posture is a valid and reliable tool to measure craniovertebral angle and kinovea software is a gold standard to measure the CV angle.

Forward head posture decreases neck muscle strength which leads to decrease in respiratory muscle strength. Forward head posture has a negative effect on the thoracic expansion and alveolar ventilation, thereby decreasing the lung volume and vital capacity. Studies show that FHP with chronic neck pain have shown to have less respiratory muscle strength than normal individuals and their accessory respiratory muscle are shortened which largely affects their respiratory function.

 Pressure biofeedback unit is a tool developed by Physiotherapist’s in improving function and strength of muscles (Jull et all 1993). It provides biofeedback during treatment and is also an objective measure. It provides visual feedback during treatment and even an objective measure of the fatigue time of the deep abdominal muscle. Study postulated that deep abdominal dysfunction including transverse abdominis, could be related to decrease spinal stability and control and these leads to chronic low back pain.

 There are no studies which have correlated Craniovertebral angle (CVA) with abdominal core muscle strength in healthy adults.This study may help to understand the impact of CVA and its relation with abdominal core muscle strength. It may further help in understanding the healthy adult’s life style and musculoskeletal disorders.Thus it may give better idea or understanding for preventive and therapy strategies in above condition.

Hence the aim of the study is to correlate between craniovertebral angle and abdominal core muscle strength.

 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION:

Craniovertebral angle - Craniovertebral angle is the angle formed by the intersection of a horizontal line through a line to tragus of ear and the spinous process of C7.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Ø  Is there any correlation between the Craniovertebral angle and Abdominal core muscle strength?

  ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS (H1):

There is correlation between the Craniovertebral angle and Abdominal core muscles strength.

 NULL HYPOTHESIS (H0):

There is no correlation between the Craniovertebral angle and Abdominal core muscles strength.