Comparison Between Effect of Posterior Cervical Weighting and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercise on Forward Head Posture
Comparison Between Effect of Posterior Cervical Weighting and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercise on Forward Head Posture
It has been reported that the head protrudes forward relative to the body from the sagittal
 plane associated with the anterior shifting of the line of gravity (LOG) relative to the base
 of support (BOS). On the other hand, the center of gravity (COG) has changed with the forward
 head posture (FHP) and is related to mechanical and musculoskeletal modifications due to
 postural control, which affects the whole body balance (J.-H. Lee, 2016). Griegel-Morris et
 al. Reported that, after evaluating eighty-eight healthy participants, 66% had a forward head
 posture (FHP). In addition, he stated that the inverted head posture in the forward head
 posture will not only cause neck problems, but also can extend to the shoulder joint and
 thoracic spine. As a result, it causes a general imbalance in the musculoskeletal system
 (Griegel-Morris, Larson, Mueller-Klaus, & Oatis, 1992). Jung-Ho Kang and his colleagues
 examined the effect of daily sitting times of computer users on dynamic and static balance
 and stated that balance ability decreased in heavy computer users (J.-H. Kang et al., 2012).
 Another study on forward head posture (IBP) revealed that it limits ankle joint movement,
 especially in ankle plantarflexion (Hyong & Kim, 2012).
One of the most common postural deformities in the neck region is forward head posture seen
 in 66% of the population according to the American Physical Therapy Association
 (Griegel-Morris et al., 1992). The use of computers and smartphones and long readings, which
 are the result of today's technological lifestyle, is one of the most common causes of FHP,
 causing the body to lean forward for hours. Maintaining the reverse neck posture also forces
 the body into many bad postures that damage the spine (Szeto, Straker, & O'Sullivan, 2005).
 Although forward head posture is experienced unconsciously at first, this unbalanced posture
 will accompany various degrees of advanced head posture, which turns into deformity, symptoms
 and complications (Weber, Corrêa, Milanesi, Soares, & Trevisan, 2012).

 FHP is an anterior translation of the head characterized by the extension of the upper
 cervical vertebra C1 and 2 and the bending of the lower cervical vertebra (Sun, Yeo, Kim,
 Hyun, & Kim, 2014; Weber et al., 2012). According to Kapandji, each inch (2.54 cm) of the
 head forward equals the extra 4.5 kg on the neck extensor muscle, which leads to muscle
 fatigue and weakness, resulting in an unbalanced head posture with an abnormal bow in the
 neck. (Kapandji, 1987). Immunohistochemical studies conducted by Satoshi Inami and colleagues
 showed that there is damage to the synovial folds containing nociceptive nerve endings as a
 result of compression of the facet joints in the forward head posture (Inami et al., 2001).

 Aim of the work The aim of this study is to present a neck orthosis to correct neck posture
 and to see how posture correction will reflect on balance and plantar pressure distribution
 in individuals with forward head posture. This study can help answer questions about changes
 in gait level and mechanics between the spine and peripheral levels.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adults aged 18 years and over willing to attend the study.

 -  Individuals with craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 48 degrees for those
 participating in forward head posture (FHP).

 -  Young adults without known problems will be divided into groups by evaluating their
 craniovertebral angle value. (As individuals below 48 degrees).

 -  Mechanical neck pain experienced / felt in the last 3 months.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Spine trauma, surgery, bone pathology, arthritis, etc. Having a history of illness.

 -  Kyphotic deformity types are rounded back, Scheuermann's disease, hunched back, flat
 back and Dowager hump.

 -  Any spinal deformity, bone abnormality, postural deformity, and disc herniation with /
 without peripheral symptoms.

 -  Body mass index (BMI)> 30, which is an indicator of obesity.

 -  Suffering from balance problems, coordination problems, and other neurological or
 vestibular diseases that affect body balance and posture.

 -  Any orthopedic or neurological disease affecting the body joints or the integrity of
 the musculoskeletal system.

 -  Use of any medication that can cause dizziness or drowsiness in the last months.