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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Scapular Upward Rotator Morphologic Characteristics in Individuals With and Without Forward Head Posture: A
Fariba Khosravi1, Anneli Peolsson2, Noureddin Karimi1
1Department of Physiotherapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Forward head posture may lead to atrophy of the serratus anterior muscle, potentially causing shoulder issues. This study found reduced resting thickness in this muscle for individuals with forward head posture.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal health
- Postural analysis
Background:
- Forward head posture is linked to altered scapular kinematics and muscle activity, potentially causing shoulder problems.
- The effect of forward head posture on scapular muscle thickness remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the thickness of the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles (upper and lower) at rest and during isometric contraction.
- To investigate the relationship between forward head posture and scapular muscle atrophy.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 20 individuals with forward head posture and 20 with normal head posture.
- Ultrasound imaging was used to measure muscle thickness at rest and during loaded isometric contractions.
Main Results:
- All measured scapular muscles showed a significant increase in thickness from rest to contraction (P < .001).
- The serratus anterior muscle exhibited significantly greater thickness at rest in the normal head posture group compared to the forward head posture group (P = .01).
Conclusions:
- Forward head posture is associated with potential atrophy of the serratus anterior muscle.
- This atrophy may be a contributing factor to the development of shoulder problems.
- Further research is needed to understand the link between head posture, shoulder muscle imbalance, and upper quadrant pain.
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