Influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems – a critical review of literature

Forward head posture (FHP) is frequently observed in both patients and the asymptomatic population. FHP is defined as a position in which the external auditory canal is forward to the plumb line that goes through the shoulder. The reasons for these changes can vary, but one contributing factor may b...

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Main Authors: Zbigniew Wroński, Mario Klasic, Burim Gjinovci
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The Polish Chamber of Physiotherapists 2024-03-01
Series:Physiotherapy Review
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.termedia.pl/Influence-of-physiotherapy-on-forward-head-posture-and-related-problems-a-critical-review-of-literature,161,52685,1,1.html
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author Zbigniew Wroński
Mario Klasic
Burim Gjinovci
author_facet Zbigniew Wroński
Mario Klasic
Burim Gjinovci
author_sort Zbigniew Wroński
collection DOAJ
description Forward head posture (FHP) is frequently observed in both patients and the asymptomatic population. FHP is defined as a position in which the external auditory canal is forward to the plumb line that goes through the shoulder. The reasons for these changes can vary, but one contributing factor may be the increased use of modern technology such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Studies have shown that individuals using smartphones for more than 4 hours per day are more likely to exhibit FHP and experience neck pain more frequently. A forward head position is associated with lower cervical spine flexion and upper cervical spine extension. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) is commonly used to quantify the degree of FHP. Existing evidence suggests that manual therapy has the potential to influence pain and disability in patients, prompting the research focus on postural changes. Providing patients with information about the possibility of postural corrections through physiotherapy is deemed valuable. A total of six papers were critically reviewed, comprising five randomized controlled trials and one systematic review. In summary, all studies indicate the potential influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture as measured by the craniovertebral angle. Manual therapy appears to be beneficial in the short term, and exercises are deemed necessary to achieve lasting effects of the treatment. The findings suggest that it is indeed possible to influence forward head posture through physiotherapy management.
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spelling doaj-art-1daf9fec2b5c443a8fba1a9394dba6812025-01-27T10:36:56ZengThe Polish Chamber of PhysiotherapistsPhysiotherapy Review2719-51392719-96652024-03-01281223210.5114/phr.2024.13648652685Influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems – a critical review of literatureZbigniew WrońskiMario KlasicBurim GjinovciForward head posture (FHP) is frequently observed in both patients and the asymptomatic population. FHP is defined as a position in which the external auditory canal is forward to the plumb line that goes through the shoulder. The reasons for these changes can vary, but one contributing factor may be the increased use of modern technology such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Studies have shown that individuals using smartphones for more than 4 hours per day are more likely to exhibit FHP and experience neck pain more frequently. A forward head position is associated with lower cervical spine flexion and upper cervical spine extension. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) is commonly used to quantify the degree of FHP. Existing evidence suggests that manual therapy has the potential to influence pain and disability in patients, prompting the research focus on postural changes. Providing patients with information about the possibility of postural corrections through physiotherapy is deemed valuable. A total of six papers were critically reviewed, comprising five randomized controlled trials and one systematic review. In summary, all studies indicate the potential influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture as measured by the craniovertebral angle. Manual therapy appears to be beneficial in the short term, and exercises are deemed necessary to achieve lasting effects of the treatment. The findings suggest that it is indeed possible to influence forward head posture through physiotherapy management.https://www.termedia.pl/Influence-of-physiotherapy-on-forward-head-posture-and-related-problems-a-critical-review-of-literature,161,52685,1,1.htmlexercise forward head posture cranio-vertebral angle manual therapy
spellingShingle Zbigniew Wroński
Mario Klasic
Burim Gjinovci
Influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems – a critical review of literature
Physiotherapy Review
exercise
forward head posture
cranio-vertebral angle
manual therapy
title Influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems – a critical review of literature
title_full Influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems – a critical review of literature
title_fullStr Influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems – a critical review of literature
title_full_unstemmed Influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems – a critical review of literature
title_short Influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems – a critical review of literature
title_sort influence of physiotherapy on forward head posture and related problems a critical review of literature
topic exercise
forward head posture
cranio-vertebral angle
manual therapy
url https://www.termedia.pl/Influence-of-physiotherapy-on-forward-head-posture-and-related-problems-a-critical-review-of-literature,161,52685,1,1.html
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AT marioklasic influenceofphysiotherapyonforwardheadpostureandrelatedproblemsacriticalreviewofliterature
AT burimgjinovci influenceofphysiotherapyonforwardheadpostureandrelatedproblemsacriticalreviewofliterature