Effects of lumbar lordosis assistive support on craniovertebral angle and mechanical properties of the upper trapezius muscle in subjects with forward head posture

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 457 - 460
• Main Authors: Moon, Jong-Hoon, Hahm, Suk-Chan, Oh, Hwan-Kyung, Cho, Hwi-Young, Jung, Jin-Hwa, Jung, Kyoung-Sim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2018; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Craniovertebral angle; Forward head posture; Lumbar lordosis assistive support; Mechanical properties; Original; Posture; Shoulder; Viscoelasticity; Craniovertebral angle; Lumbar lordosis assistive support; Forward head posture
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.30.457

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar lordosis assistive support (LLAS) on craniovertebral angle (CVA) and mechanical properties of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle in subjects with forward head posture (FHP). [Subjects and Methods] This study recruited 20 subjects with FHP. CVA and muscle tone, viscoelasticity, and stiffness of the UT were measured using Myoton in all subjects in a sitting position with LLAS and in a neutral sitting position. The order of measurements was randomized and the mean values were calculated twice. [Results] The sitting position with LLAS showed a significantly greater improvement than the neutral sitting position with regard to CVA and muscle tone, viscoelasticity, and stiffness of the UT. [Conclusion] We suggest that the sitting position using LLAS induces the maintenance of normal neck posture and a reduction in the muscle tone of the UT in the subjects with FHP.