Prevalence of Forward Head Posture Amongst Physiotherapy Students - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) described as excessive anterior positioning of the head in relation to a vertical reference line, involving increased cervical spine lordosis (upper cervical spine extended, lower cervical spine flexed) and rounded shoulders with thoracic kyphosis in later stages. Prevalence of forward head posture is high amongst children and adolescents due to excessive use of mobile phones and laptops. But very less studies have been done in India amongst physiotherapy students though their work routine is in prolonged standing position with neck flexed. So, aim of the study is to study the prevalence of FHP amongst population and further progression of this postural abnormality can be prevented. Materials and methodology: 60 participants were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Craniovertebral angle were evaluated through photogrammetry method, through Surgimap. Results: In this study 60 students were evaluated, consisting of 40 females and 20 males. From 20 males, 12 males were identified as having FHP (60%), and the 40 females evaluated from that 30 females were identified as having forward FHP (75%). In this study the prevalence of total physiotherapy students identified having FHP is 42 out of 60, that is 70%. Conclusion: Present study shows that prevalence of FHP amongst physiotherapy population is 70%. Key words: forward head posture, Craniovertebral angle, Surgimap, physiotherapy.