Evaluation of Forward Head Posture, Balance, and Risk for Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the influence of fear of falling, forward head posture (FHP), cervical proprioception, dynamic balance, and sensory integration on fall risk in older adults. Methods: Thirty-one participants were evaluated using tests designed to detect fall risk. FHP was assessed using a cervical range of motion device and craniovertebral angle (CVA) measurement. Results: Independent t tests were significant for Sensory Organization Test conditions 2 (P = .031) and 5 (P = .043) for FHP versus non-FHP groups. Regression analysis revealed that CVA could predict 16.7% variance in fall risk. Conclusion: CVA is a practical measure for measuring FHP and identifying fall risk in older adults.