The Efficacy of Exercise Program Based on Motor Learning Principles in Correction of Forward Head Posture
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Abnormalities
- Sponsor
- Eleni Kapreli
- Enrollment
- 52
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Static Forward Head Posture (sFHP)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 7 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of an exercise program based on principles of motor learning in correction of Forward Head Position (FHP) in asymptomatic patients.
Detailed Description
Epidemiological studies have shown that bad posture and poor body control occurs at puberty, with forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulders being the most common biomechanical deviations in sagittal plane. The FHP is defined as an anterior displacement of the head with hyperextension of the cervical spine and this is associated with a reduction in the length of the upper portion of the trapezius, posterior portion of the cervical extensor muscles, the sternocleidomastoid and the levator scapulae. FHP can be evaluated by measuring craniovertebral angle (CVA) which is defined as the angle between a horizontal line passing through C7 and a line extending from the tragus of the ear to C7. CVA, smaller than 50 degrees, constitute a criterion of abnormal posture of cervical spine, suggesting FHP. People with FHP present incomplete balance control, thereby affecting the position of the center of gravity and motor control of the body. The establishment of altered motor control strategies could lead to balance disorders, neck muscle imbalances, chronic neck pain and even respiratory dysfunction. Despite the efforts of researchers to create effective treatment programs based on strength training and stretching exercises, positive long-term results have been a problem in FHP correction. For this reason, re-education of posture and body alignment, through exercise programs based on motor learning, with cognitive elements (attention, motivation, feedback, reasoning), could be proved a more effective therapeutic strategy.
Investigators
Eleni Kapreli
Associate Professor, Physiotherapy Department
Technological Education Institute of Sterea Ellada
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Students at Technological Educational Institute of Sterea Ellada,
- •Aged 18-26 years old
- •Males and females
- •Craniocervical angle \< 50 degrees (statical Forward Head Posture in standing position)
Exclusion Criteria
- •Injury or surgery in cervical spine
- •Accompanying neurologic, musculoskeletal or mental problems
- •Any medical administration
- •Intense continuous or intermittent neck pain
- •Participation in any rehabilitation or physiotherapy sessions considering neck dysfunction the last 6 months
- •Change in physical activities during the research period of 6 weeks
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Static Forward Head Posture (sFHP)
Time Frame: Change from Baseline sFHP at 4 weeks and Change from Baseline sFHP at 6 weeks
The sFHP will be assessed by calculating the craniovertebral angle through lateral photographs in standing. The craniovertebral angle is the angle between the line extending from the tragus of the ear to the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) spinous process and the horizontal line through C7. The calculation of the angle on the photographs will be carried out using AutoCAD software. A performance curve will be developed using the measurements during the 4 weeks practice and 2 weeks after the end of protocol (retension test).
Change of Dynamic Forward Head Posture (dFHP)
Time Frame: Change from Baseline dFHP t at 4 weeks and Change from Baseline dFHP at 6 weeks
The dFHP will be assessed by calculating the craniovertebral angle through video motion during walking. The craniovertebral angle is the angle between the line extending from the tragus of the ear to the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) spinous process and the horizontal line through C7. The calculation of the angle The calculation of the angle will be carried out using Kinovea and AutoCAD softwares. dFHP will be regarded as a transfer test. Transfer tests are tests involving some novel situation, so that people must adapt the skill they have been practicing to the characteristics of this new situation.
Secondary Outcomes
- Overall self-esteem(Baseline; week 4; week 6)
- Mood(Baseline; week 4; week 6)
- Attention-concentration(Baseline; week 4; week 6)
- Verbal Comprehension index(Baseline)
- Overall physical fatigue(Baseline; week 4; week 6)
- Height(Baseline)
- Overall mental fatigue(Baseline; week 4; week 6)
- Perceptual Organization Index(Baseline)
- Weight(Baseline)
- Change in Deep neck flexors endurance(Change from Baseline Deep neck flexors endurance at 4 weeks and Change from Baseline Deep neck flexors endurance at 6 weeks)
- Change in Discomfort(Change from Baseline discomfort at 4 weeks and Change from Baseline discomfort at 6 weeks)
- Change in Area of Discomfort(Change from Baseline discomfort at 4 weeks and Change from Baseline discomfort at 6 weeks)