The Effect of Head and Neck Stabilization Exercises on Dynamic Balance in the Elderly With Forward Head Posture

Shahram Irani; Maryam  Abbaszadeh-Amirdehi; Seyed Reza Hosseini; Shima Sum; Hossein Matlabi; Setareh Mirasi

doi:10.18502/jmr.v16i1.8556

Shahram Irani Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Maryam Abbaszadeh-Amirdehi Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Seyed Reza Hosseini Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Shima Sum Department of Public Health and Gerontology, Faculty of Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Hossein Matlabi Department of Geriatric Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Setareh Mirasi Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v16i1.8556

Keywords: Elderly, Forward head posture, Balance, Craniovertebral angle, Stabilization exercises

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of head and neck stabilization exercises on improving balance in older adults with forward head posture.

Materials and Methods: Thirty elderly participants with forward head posture and Mean±SD age of 65.7±5.2 years were examined. The forward head posture was measured by plumb line and craniovertebral angle. Elderly balance was evaluated before and after 8 weeks of head and neck stabilization exercises with Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Functional Reach (FR) tests. The paired t-test was used to examine the changes that occurred after the intervention.

Results: The results showed that head and neck stabilization exercises in the elderly significantly changed TUG test (8.3 s before the intervention, 7.8 s after the intervention; P=0.03) and FR test (23.4 cm before the intervention, 24.7 cm after the intervention; P=0.01) omitted. No significant statistical changes were observed in the amount of the craniovertebral angle after the intervention.

Conclusion: Based on the study results, performing the head and neck stabilization exercises did not cause significant changes in the craniovertebral angle but improved the dynamic balance of the elderly.