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REVIEW PAPER
Exercises in the management of forward head posture: much needed posture care for online way of life
1
Department of Physiotherapy, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, India
Submission date: 2020-10-01
Acceptance date: 2020-11-16
Publication date: 2022-12-19
Physiother Quart. 2022;30(4):41-51
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Forward head posture is a common postural deviation in people of all ages; however, the new online way of life could accentuate this disorder. It involves hyperextension of upper cervical vertebrae (C1–C3) and flexion of lower cervical vertebrae (C4–C7). The aim of the study was to examine the effect of different exercises on forward head posture.
Methods:
The electronic databases of PubMed and Cochrane Library (Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials or clinical trials that investigated different exercises for forward head posture published between January 1, 2010 and March 31, 2020. The studies had to examine at least 1 of the following outcomes: pain, forward head posture parameters, Neck Disability Index, balance, and cervical position sense. PEDro score was used to assess the methodological quality of these studies.
Results:
Overall, 19 studies were found that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. On assessing by PEDro scale, the methodological quality of the studies was 7/10.
Conclusions:
Stabilizing exercises and posture correction exercises are effective for the management of forward head posture. Adding manual therapy with these exercises could also be an effective way to treat forward head posture.
Forward head posture is a common postural deviation in people of all ages; however, the new online way of life could accentuate this disorder. It involves hyperextension of upper cervical vertebrae (C1–C3) and flexion of lower cervical vertebrae (C4–C7). The aim of the study was to examine the effect of different exercises on forward head posture.
Methods:
The electronic databases of PubMed and Cochrane Library (Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials or clinical trials that investigated different exercises for forward head posture published between January 1, 2010 and March 31, 2020. The studies had to examine at least 1 of the following outcomes: pain, forward head posture parameters, Neck Disability Index, balance, and cervical position sense. PEDro score was used to assess the methodological quality of these studies.
Results:
Overall, 19 studies were found that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. On assessing by PEDro scale, the methodological quality of the studies was 7/10.
Conclusions:
Stabilizing exercises and posture correction exercises are effective for the management of forward head posture. Adding manual therapy with these exercises could also be an effective way to treat forward head posture.
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