Individuals with psychotic disorders often lead sedentary lives, heightening the risk of developing forward head posture. Forward head posture affects upper cervical vertebrae, raising the likelihood of daily discomforts like skeletal misalignment, neck pain, and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness in psychotic disorders is relevant, given its proven benefits in enhancing physical and mental health. This study investigates forward head posture by measuring craniovertebral angles in psychotic disorders and the relationship with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. To determine whether forward head posture is specific to psychotic disorders, we also included individuals with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls. Among 85 participants (32 psychotic disorders, 26 autism spectrum disorder, 27 healthy controls), photogrammetric quantification revealed a significantly lower mean craniocervical angle in psychotic disorders compared to autism spectrum disorder (p =  < 0.02) and the healthy control group (p =  < 0.01). Reduced craniovertebral angle is related to diminished cardiorespiratory fitness in psychosis (R2 = 0.45, p =  < 0.01) but not in other control groups. This study found reduced craniovertebral angles, indicating forward head posture in psychotic disorders. Moreover, this relates to diminished cardiorespiratory fitness. Further research is needed to examine the underlying causes and to investigate whether this can be reversed through physical therapy.

UNASSIGNED: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises have been widely advocated for the management of patients with different musculoskeletal conditions. However, its effect on the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in patients with forward head posture (FHP) has not been fully investigated.
UNASSIGNED: To investigate the effect of PNF stretching exercises on the treatment of TMD in patients with FHP.
UNASSIGNED: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial. Twenty-four patients with TMD and FHP aged from 18-40 years were randomly assigned to PNF or control group. The PNF group composed of 12 patients received PNF stretching exercises of masticatory muscles in addition to routine physical therapy treatment (FHP correction exercises and ultrasound for the temporomandibular joint); the control group composed of 12 patients received routine physical therapy treatment only. Interventions were conducted twice a week for six weeks. Craniovertebral angle, pain threshold, pain intensity, temporomandibular joint ROM, and temporomandibular joint function were assessed for all participants before and after the intervention. The outcomes were analyzed using Two-way mixed MANOVA. For further multiple comparisons, post-hoc tests with the Bonferroni correction were performed.
UNASSIGNED: There was no significant difference between both groups pre-treatment (p> 0.05). Comparison between groups post-treatment revealed statistically significant differences in all outcome measures (p< 0.05) in favor of the PNF group.
UNASSIGNED: Adding PNF stretching exercises of masticatory muscles to routine physical therapy programs is an effective method for management of TMD in patients with FHP more than routine physical therapy programs alone.

BACKGROUND: Computer professionals often develop a forward head posture due to prolonged hours of computer use, leading to neck pain. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), an advanced technique for treating myofascial trigger points, has become increasingly popular for addressing these musculoskeletal issues.
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of IASTM mobilization on SBAL (superficial back arm line) and SM(specific muscles-upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid) in managing chronic neck pain among computer professionals.
METHODS: The study involved 62 computer professionals, randomly divided into two groups. Group A received IASTM on SBAL and group B received IASTM on SM for neck pain each receiving three sessions weekly for four weeks. Outcome variables like Neck Disability Index (NDI), NPRS(Neck Pain Rating Scale), Craniovertebral angle (CVA), and range of motion (ROM) for flexion, and side flexion (right & left side) were evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks.
RESULTS: Significant improvement in NPRS were observed in both the SBAL and SM groups after 2 weeks of IASTM, wth the SBAL group demonstrating greater improvement. At 4 weeks, IASTM on SBAL showed significantly higher improvements in NPRS, CVA, NDI, and flexion compared to the SM group. The repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of both time and group, along with a significant interaction between time and group for all outcome variables, except for CVA.
CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that IASTM on SBAL may offer a more effective treatment for chronic neck pain in computer professionals compared to targeting specific muscles.

UNASSIGNED: Prolonged sitting during driving is linked to neck pain, uncomfortable body positions, and repetitive motions. Recognizing these challenges, this study aimed to investigate Cervical Health Parameters in Car Drivers.
UNASSIGNED: The sample consisted of 160 car drivers between 25 and 45 years. This subject was then divided into two groups based on neck pain. Participants met the required criteria, such as being between 25-45 years of age, maintaining a BMI of 18-24, and driving for at least 2 hours each day for at least 3-5 years. To evaluate the results, we employed a clinometer and compass app on a smartphone to measure the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM). We used Surgimap software to estimate the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), and a (Cervical range of motion) CROM device was used for proprioception assessment.
UNASSIGNED: The result shows the participants in neck pain group displayed lower Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) values than without neck Pain Group. Similarly, the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) was smaller in the neck Pain Group (mean difference of -6.3°), indicating a more forward head posture. Neck pain resulted in a mean difference of -4.5° in proprioception accuracy. This indicates that neck pain affects CROM, CVA, and proprioception in car drivers.
UNASSIGNED: Car driving significantly impacts cervical parameters in individuals with neck pain, reducing cervical range of motion, altered craniovertebral angle, and diminished proprioceptive accuracy. These findings emphasize the need for ergonomic interventions and proprioceptive training tailored for drivers. Future research should broaden demographic parameters and consider potential confounders to provide a holistic understanding of the relationship between car driving and neck health.

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordotic curvatures are common spine displacements often associated with neck pain and disability. Two primary categories for determining FHP exist: radiographic and postural measurements. Methods: This study investigated the correlation between the craniovertebral angle (CVA), the radiographically measured C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and cervical lordosis (absolute rotation angle: ARA C2-C7) in a sample of participants with chronic myofascial pain (CMP). In 120 participants, we performed both a postural measurement of the CVA and a lateral cervical radiograph, where the C2-C7 SVA and ARA C2-C7 were measured. A linear-regression R2 value to assess the correlation between the CVA, C2-C7 SVA, and ARA C2-C7 was sought. Results: A statistically significant weak linear fit was identified (Spearman\'s r = 0.549; R2 = 0.30, p < 0.001) between the CVA and C2-C7 SVA, having considerable variation between the two measures. A statistically significant linear fit (very weak) was identified for the lordosis ARA C2-C7 and the CVA: Spearman\'s r = 0.524; R2 = 0.275; p < 0.001. A value of 50° for the CVA corresponded to a value of 20 mm for the C2-C7 SVA on an X-ray. Conclusion: While the CVA and radiographic C2-C7 SVA are weakly correlated in an individual, they seem to represent different aspects of sagittal cervical balance. The CVA cannot replace radiographically measured cervical lordosis. We recommend that more emphasis be given to radiographic measures of sagittal cervical alignment than the CVA when considering patient interventions.

UNASSIGNED: Head posture deviation is seen in 52.5 % of children aged 6-15 years. Studies have shown that poor posture habits can impair muscle function during craniofacial growth and development. A muscle imbalance causes abnormal positioning of dental and skeletal structures, a condition that exerts negative impacts, such as changes in facial morphology.
UNASSIGNED: To determine through photometric analysis the relationship between craniovertebral angle as a function of head posture and glabella-subnasale-pogonion (G-Sn-Pg) angle as a function of facial profile in 10-12-year-old children, and the results will help to avoid facial development issues.
UNASSIGNED: Thirty-three subjects met the inclusion criteria. Their craniovertebral angles and facial profiles were measured using lateral photometry and ImageJ. The craniovertebral angle was determined by connecting the tragus and C7 with a horizontal line, whereas the facial profile angle was determined by connecting the glabella, subnasale, and pogonion. The relationship between the craniovertebral and G-Sn-Pg angle values was analyzed using the Pearson correlation test.
UNASSIGNED: A significant relationship was observed between the craniovertebral angle and the G-Sn- Pg angle (p < 0.05), although such a relationship was weak (r = 0.373).
UNASSIGNED: A more forward head posture is associated with a more convex facial profile, and this relationship is useful for the early prevention and treatment.

UNASSIGNED: Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue among bike drivers, often resulting from extended static postures, repetitive head movements, and exposure to vibrations. This study aims to assess the connection between cervical ROM, neck proprioception, CVA, and QOL in bike drivers with neck pain compared to those without neck pain so that the targeted interventions can be developed to enhance their well-being.
UNASSIGNED: A cross-sectional study involving 100 bike drivers aged 20-50 years was conducted, split into two groups: those with neck pain (n=50) and those without neck pain (n=50). Cervical ROM was measured using a smartphone, neck proprioception was assessed through a head repositioning test, and CVA was determined using lateral-view photographs with a plumb line. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was employed to evaluate QOL. Data analysis was conducted using independent t-tests and Pearson\'s correlation coefficient.
UNASSIGNED: Bike drivers with neck pain exhibited significantly reduced cervical ROM (p-value=<0.001), impaired neck proprioception (p-value=<0.001), and decreased CVA (p-value=<0.001) compared to their counterparts without neck pain. A strong negative correlation was found between neck pain and QOL, with lower scores in all eight domains of the SF-36. Cervical ROM, neck proprioception, and CVA showed moderate correlations with various QOL domains (p-value=<0.05).
UNASSIGNED: Neck pain in bike drivers is linked to decrease cervical ROM, compromised neck proprioception, and reduced CVA. These factors correlate with a lower quality of life, both physical and mental domains. Interventions addressing these aspects may enhance the quality of life for bike drivers experiencing neck pain.

UNASSIGNED: Craniovertebral angle (CVA) alteration is a causative factor for the neck, shoulder, and temporomandibular joints disorders. Therefore, as an outcome measure for therapeutic intervention, measuring the craniovertebral angle with the Surgimap smartphone app is a cost-effective, easily accessible, and reliable tool. This study\'s objective was to assess the clinimetric properties of the Surgimap smartphone application with Surgimap system software to measure the Craniovertebral Angle in different age groups and positions.
UNASSIGNED: Ninety subjects with neck pain were randomly allocated to aged between 18 and 30 years (Group A; n = 45) and 45-60 years (Group B; n = 45). Using the Surgimap smartphone application and Surgimap system software, the craniovertebral angle was measured objectively in the sagittal plane. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to determine validity and reliability. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curves (AUC) were determined to distinguish participants with and without forward head posture.
UNASSIGNED: The result of this study shows that Smartphone Surgimap Application and Surgimap System Software correlate 0.95 and have p-values of 0.01 for diverse positions and ages. CVA measurement in the sitting position was significantly lower than in the standing position, regardless of methodology or age. Both positions demonstrated high intra-rater reliability, as evidenced by Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) between 0.972 and 0.991. The minimum detectable change (MDC) values ranged from 1.3 to 1.733, indicating high measurement accuracy. The smartphone application demonstrated outstanding diagnostic sensitivity (100.00% for Group A standing) and specificity (93.55% for Group B standing).
UNASSIGNED: The Surgimap smartphone application is a reliable and accurate method for craniovertebral angle measurement and is useful for measuring outcomes. Also standing posture was found to be better than sitting posture while measuring the CVA.

The deep neck flexors are important for maintaining neck posture by stabilizing and supporting it through low-intensity contraction, ensuring static endurance. The subjects performed computer tasks after having their deep neck flexor endurance measured using a pressure biofeedback unit. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and the muscle activities were measured while participants were completing computer tasks for 10 min. The deep neck flexor endurance was significantly negatively correlated with CVA changes at 0-2 min. The deep neck flexor endurance was significantly negatively correlated with sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius activity at 0-2 min. The deep neck flexor endurance negatively predicted CVA changes at 0-2 min and explained 28.8% of the variance in the CVA changes. The lower the deep neck flexor endurance, the earlier the simultaneous changes occurred in the CVA and the neck and shoulder muscle activities during computer tasks.

The static posture associated with continuous tablet use can lead to musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremities as well as respiratory function disorders. We hypothesized that 0-degree tablet placement (flat on a table) would affect ergonomic risks and respiratory function. Eighteen undergraduate students were divided into two groups (n = 9 per group). In the first group, the tablet was placed at a 0-degree angle, whereas in the second group, it was placed at a 40- to 55-degree angle on a student learning chair. The tablet was used continuously for 2 h for writing and internet use. Rapid upper-limb assessment (RULA), craniovertebral angle, and respiratory function were assessed. There was no significant difference in respiratory function, including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC, between the groups (p = 0.09) or within groups. However, there was a statistically significant between-group difference in RULA (p = 0.001), with the 0-degree group having a greater ergonomic risk. There were also significant within-group differences between pre- and posttest. The CV angle differed significantly between groups (p = 0.03), whereby the 0-degree group had poor posture, as well as within the 0-degree group (p = 0.039), though not within the 40- to 55-degree group (p = 0.067). Undergraduate students who place their tablets at a 0-degree angle face increased ergonomic risks and higher potential for developing musculoskeletal disorders and poor posture. Thus, elevating the tablet and instituting rest intervals may prevent or decrease the ergonomic risks among tablet users.