Prevalence and associated risk factors of forward head posture among university students

• Main Authors: Ramalingam, Vinodhkumar, Subramaniam, Ambusam
• Format: Article
• Published: Diva Enterprises Pvt Ltd 2019
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QP Physiology
• Online Access: http://eprints.intimal.edu.my/1388/; https://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:ijphrd&volume=10&issue=7&article=146
• Institution: INTI International University

Background There is an increase of forward head posture among university students due to faulty posture in their daily activities. Age, gender, usage of computer and smart phones are one of the contributing factors of forward head posture. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of forward head posture and to investigate the associated risk factors that contribute to the development of forward head posture. 188 participants were recruited in the current study with pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were screened with demographic questionnaire, followed by the cervical angle measurement using photography method. Then, the angle measurement was analyzed using web plot digitizer (WPD) software. Results 67% of participants were identified with forward head posture while 58.5% were not aware of forward head posture. Only computer and smart phones showed significant association with forward head posture. Conclusion There is a need of intervention and education on awareness of good posture especially with increased usage of computer and smart phones in recent days.