Related Experiment Videos
Reliability of measuring forward head posture in a clinical setting
T R Garrett1, J W Youdas, T J Madson
1Physical Therapy Program, Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences, Rochester, MN.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Objective measurement of forward head posture using the cervical range of motion (CROM) instrument is reliable. Physical therapists can use the CROM tool for consistent patient assessments and treatment evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Physical Therapy
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Forward head posture is a common postural deviation.
- Objective measurement methods are needed for clinical assessment.
- The cervical range of motion (CROM) instrument may offer a solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the reliability of the CROM instrument for measuring forward head posture.
- To assess both within-tester and between-tester reliability.
- To establish the clinical utility of the CROM for objective postural evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the CROM instrument to measure static, sitting forward head posture.
- Employed a standardized protocol with 40 patients.
- Calculated intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC[1,1]) for reliability analysis.
Main Results:
- High within-tester reliability (ICC = 0.93) was observed.
- Good between-tester reliability (ICC = 0.83) was demonstrated.
- The CROM instrument proved reliable for measuring forward head posture.
Conclusions:
- The CROM instrument provides reliable measurements of forward head posture.
- Physical therapists trained in CROM use can achieve consistent assessments.
- This reliability supports objective evaluation and treatment monitoring for forward head posture.