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The relationship between forward head posture, postural control and gait: A systematic review.
Guohao Lin1, Xiong Zhao2, Weijie Wang3
1Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
Gait & Posture
|October 24, 2022
Summary
Forward head posture (FHP) is linked to poorer balance and neck awareness. While some aspects of postural control are consistently affected, others remain unclear, necessitating targeted clinical assessments for effective interventions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics and Postural Health
- Clinical Kinesiology
Background:
- Forward head posture (FHP) is a prevalent postural deviation.
- Existing research suggests a link between FHP and impaired postural control and gait, but evidence is conflicting.
- A comprehensive systematic review on this topic was previously unavailable.
Approach:
- A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Databases searched included Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL Plus, supplemented by manual reference list searches.
- Nineteen observational studies investigating the relationship between FHP, postural control, and/or gait were critically appraised.
Key Points:
- Consistent evidence indicates FHP is associated with altered limits of stability, performance-based balance, and cervical proprioception.
- Conflicting evidence exists regarding FHP's relationship with static balance and postural stability control.
- Limited evidence supports an association between FHP and altered gait or vestibular function.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence supports an association between FHP and detrimental changes in specific postural control aspects.
- Clinical evaluations for FHP should focus on specific postural control deficits rather than general balance impairment.
- Clarifying these specific deficits can guide targeted interventions to prevent dysfunction and disability.
