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Assessment of total head excursion and resting head posture
W P Hanten1, R M Lucio, J L Russell
1Texas Woman's University, School of Physical Therapy, Houston 77030.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Men and women exhibit distinct resting head postures (RHP) and total head excursions (THE). These findings highlight gender-specific differences in head and neck alignment, suggesting separate clinical assessment standards.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Anatomy
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Clinicians assess head posture and cervical range of motion, but quantitative data on resting head posture (RHP) and total head excursion (THE) are limited.
- Understanding RHP within THE is crucial for accurate clinical evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish simple, quantitative methods for measuring THE and RHP in sitting and standing positions.
- To gather preliminary data on these measurements across different genders and age groups.
- To investigate the influence of gender and age on head posture and excursion.
Main Methods:
- 218 able-bodied adults participated in the study.
- Quantitative measurements of THE and RHP (sitting and standing) were recorded.
- Statistical analyses, including two-way ANOVA, were employed to assess gender and age effects.
Main Results:
- Gender was a significant factor (p < .05) for all measured variables.
- Men demonstrated greater retraction-protraction excursion distance than women.
- Women exhibited a more forward RHP within THE compared to men; men's standing RHP was farther from vertical.
Conclusions:
- Normal head and neck posture varies between men and women, necessitating gender-specific clinical standards.
- The study provides objective, quantitative measurements for THE and RHP, offering clinical advantages.
- The developed methods are quick, require minimal equipment, and yield reliable data for RHP and THE.