EXAMINATION OF FORWARD HEAD POSTURE AMONG STUDENTS

Abstract

Summary: In the modern age, forward head posture (FHP) is becoming more and more common. Improper posture, which can be seen in the sagittal plane, can lead to muscle imbalance, pain and consequent musculoskeletal damage in the given region. The aim of the research is to examine this phenomenon and to prove the importance of physiotherapy. The study involved 38 people (24 women; average age 21.93 ±2.19 years). During the survey, the participants indicated their pain on a numerical scale of 0-10. The physical examination included, after inspection and palpation, wall-occiput distance measurement, muscle maximum extensibility testing, and photo analysis-based craniovertebral, shoulder, and head-tilt angle measurements. In addition to the average pain value of 5.29 ±2.16, the results showed forward positioning of the head (34%) and shoulders (61%) in the participants, as well as a wall-occiput distance that can be classified as medium severity, and a decrease in the extensibility was spotted at neck extensors, m. sternocleidomastoid, m. levator scapulae and the upper part of trapezius muscle (61%). Most of the participants show signs of posture problems, proving the relevance of explaining the correct posture, correcting the posture and using targeted mobilizing, strengthening and stretching exercises. The test methods supported the applicability of measuring the posture angles.