EFFECTS OF FORWARD HEAD POSTURE ON POSTURAL BALANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS

Forward head Posture is nowadays one of the most common postural problems. Forward head posture can lead to upper cross syndrome, shortening of muscular fibers around articulation atlanto occipitals and overstretching of muscles around these joints. This can cause shift of line of gravity more anteriorly causing balance disturbances. Therefore this study aims to find the effect of forward head posture on postural balance in young adults. Methodology: This study was conducted on 60 subjects which was divided into 2 groups i.e. control group individuals with the normal head posture & individuals with the forward head posture. Assessment of forward head posture was done by taking the lateral view images of students and markings of the craniovertebral angle were done with the help of Kinovea software. Balance was assessed using Limits of stability component on Neurocom Balance master. Result: In Limits of stability test for motor control ability assessment, the forward head group showed reduced motor control ability with significantly lower scores in all the five parameters. Forward head posture resulted in increase in reaction time, movement velocity, End point Excursion, Maximum excursion and Directional Control mainly in the Forward direction (left Forward, Right forward); Backward direction (Right back); left and Right directions respectively as per paired t test. (P<0.05) Conclusion: From the above study we conclude that Individuals with forward head posture showed decreased balancing ability as compared with normal head posture group.