Comparison of Thoracic Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Forward Head Posture

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 MSc Student in Physical Therapy, Department of Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Faculty, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Faculty, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and purpose: Anatomy and biomechanics of the spine have been changed because of modern life style and working in unhealthy environments; therefore, diagnosis of postural deviations and their kinematic relationship has particular importance in detection, prevention, and treatment of these disorders. One of the most common postural abnormalities is forward head posture which could be created independently or after other postural disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate spine curves in patients with forward head posture and to compare it with healthy individuals.
Materials and methods: In the current study, 51 patients and 50 healthy participants, matched height, weight, and age, were recruited. To evaluate and diagnose the forward head posture, photography method and calculation of craniovertabral angle were used and to measure the spinal curvatures, flexi curve, as a noninvasive and valid method, was used. All measurements were performed in both standing and sitting positions.
Results:Statistical results showed that by reducing the craniovertabral angle, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis increased and also there is a significant difference in craniovertabral angle, head tilt angle, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis between the two groups and also between sitting and standing position (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Our results indicated that the increase of forward head posture in standing position is associated with the increase of thoracic kyphosis and also lumbar lordosis and in sitting position it is associated with the increase of thoracic kyphosis.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 7, Issue 1
March and April 2018
Pages 216-224

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 August 2016
  • Revise Date: 07 January 2017
  • Accept Date: 02 August 2017
  • First Publish Date: 21 March 2018

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