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Y. Muniandy1,2, D.K. Ajit Singh1, R. Krishnan Vasanthi2, S.H. Samsuri3
1Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2INTI International University, Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, 3University Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is associated with neck pain. The effectiveness of long term exercises in correcting FHP has been reported. However, the changes in head posture and neck range of motion (ROM) in adults with FHP and its interaction between these changes following a shorter duration (three to six weeks) of postural exercises program is not clear.
Purpose: In this study, we aimed to examine the effectiveness of three to six weeks (shorter duration) of postural exercises in reducing FHP among adults with nonspecific neck pain (NSNP).
Methods: A total of 30 participants were recruited and randomized into two groups. The control group (n=15) did not receive any exercises and continued their usual care and the experimental group (n=15) received an evidenced-based home postural exercise program. FHP was assessed using photogrammetry methods and neck ROM using the cervical range of motion device; CROM, at baseline, and re-assessed at three and six weeks post-intervention.
Results: Analysis using mixed-design two-way repeated measure ANOVA demonstrated a significant interaction effect between time and group for cervical angle, F (1.5, 40.7) =11.351, p< 0.001; cervical flexion, F (2,54) =17.34, p<0.001; cervical extension, F (1.63, 44.22) =32.33, p< 0.001; lateral flexion to right, F (1.35, 36.48) =13.22, p<0.001; lateral flexion to left, F (1.39, 37.55) =16.18, p<0.001; left rotation, F (1.73, 46.92) =12.112, p< 0.001. Greater mean percentage changes were shown in all measurements among the experimental group. Post-hoc analyses using Bonferroni method indicated greater improvements in all measurements from baseline to six weeks compared to three weeks post intervention.
Conclusion(s): Six weeks of postural exercise program was effective in reducing FHP and improving the neck range of motions among adults with NSNP. Clinically, at least six weeks of neck postural exercises are required to correct FHP to more normal head postures. Future research should investigate the effect of detraining following postural exercise program.
Implications: Our study findings can be used to design effective prevention and rehabilitation programs to counteract FHP associated with neck pain.
Funding, acknowledgements: Nil
Keywords: Posture, exercise, neck pain
Topic: Musculoskeletal: spine
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Committee: Ethical committee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Ethics number: (UKM 1.21.3/244/NN-2016-069)
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
