Comparison of Sensorimotor Integration and Skill-Related Physical Fitness Components Between College Athletes With and Without Forward Head Posture

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate sensorimotor integration and skill-related physical fitness components for participants with forward head posture (FHP) compared with strictly matched controls with normal head alignment. Material and Methods: We measured FHP, sensorimotor processing, and skill-related physical fitness variables in 50 participants with FHP and in 50 participants matched for age, gender, and body mass index with normal FHP, defined as having a craniovertebral angle >55°. Sensorimotor processing and integration variables were: (1) amplitudes of the spinal N13, (2) brainstem P14, (3) parietal N20 and P27, and (4) frontal N30 potentials. The skill-related physical fitness variables selected for the study were (1) T-test agility, (2) leg power, (3) stork static balance test, and (4) Y-balance test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the FHP group and control group for the sensorimotor integration variable: frontal N30 potentials (P < .05). Additionally, between-group differences were found for the sensorimotor processing variables: amplitudes of spinal N13, brainstem P14, and parietal N20, and P27 (P < .05). Statistically significant differences between groups for the skill-related physical fitness variables were also identified: T-test agility, leg power, stork static balance test, and Y-balance test (P < .05). The magnitude of the craniovertebral angle showed a correlation with all measured variables (P < .05). Conclusion: College athletes with FHP exhibited altered sensorimotor processing and integration measurements and less efficient skill-related physical fitness compared with athletes with normal sagittal head posture alignment.