Running Ground Reaction Force Characteristics in Children with Forward Head Posture Compared to Healthy Control Ones

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Allame Tabatabaii, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aims: Forward head posture is one of the most prevalent disorders in the cervical area. The objective of the present study was to investigate ground reaction force components during running in an able-bodied control group and in children with forward head posture.
Materials and Methods: A total of 28 male children including 16 healthy controls and 16 children with forward head posture participated in the current study. Two Kistler force platforms were used to record the ground reaction forces during barefoot running. Peak ground reaction force components, their time to peak, impulses in all axes, and peak positive and negative free moments were assessed. Independent sample t-test was used for between-group comparisons. The significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results: The findings indicated that running speed in children with forward head was smaller than that in control group (P<0.001). Time to peak for vertical (by 11.2%; medium effect size; P=0.035) and lateral (by 76.3%; large effect size; P=0.009) ground reaction force components in forward head group were greater than those in healthy group. Peak ground reaction force components and peak positive and negative free moment amplitudes were not found to be statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Running speed in children with forward head posture was lower than that in healthy control group, while the peak ground reaction force components were similar to those in control group. This altered running speed and ground reaction forces are suggestive of a lower mechanical efficiency of running in children with forward head posture. Children with forward head posture need interventions such as sport exercises to reduce peak ground reaction force components and free moment values during running.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 7, Issue 4
January and February 2019
Pages 217-226

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 December 2017
  • Revise Date: 04 March 2018
  • Accept Date: 28 March 2018
  • First Publish Date: 22 December 2018

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