Influence of Forward Head Posture on Cervicocephalic Kinesthesia and Electromyographic Activity of Neck Musculature in Asymptomatic Individuals

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare cervicocephalic kinesthesia and electromyographic (EMG) activity of neck muscles—upper trapezius (UT) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM)—between individuals with and without forward head posture (FHP) and to examine the correlation between cervicocephalic kinesthesia and craniovertebral angle (CVA). Twenty-two asymptomatic individuals with FHP and 22 without FHP were recruited for the present study. Craniovertebral angle was measured, and those with CVA ≤53° were assigned to the FHP group, whereas those with CVA >53° were assigned to the control group. Thereafter, cervicocephalic kinesthesia and EMG activity of the neck muscles were assessed. Cervicocephalic kinesthesia was measured using a head repositioning accuracy test for all cervical spine motions. EMG activity of the UT and SCM muscles was recorded at rest and during activity. Position-sense error values were found to be significantly greater for all directions—ie, flexion, extension, side flexion, and rotation—in participants with FHP than those without (P < .05). EMG activity of the UT and SCM muscles was found to be significantly raised both at rest and during activity in individuals with FHP relative to the non-FHP group (P < .05). Position-sense error values showed a significant inverse correlation with CVA (P < .05). Findings of the present study suggest that cervicocephalic kinesthesia and activation patterns of the neck muscles may be significantly altered in individuals with FHP. Also, cervicocephalic kinesthesia is significantly associated with the severity of FHP.

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