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Published on: December 11, 2013
The relationship between ortho head posture and head posture measured during walking
C B Preston1, W G Evans, J I Todres
1Department of Orthodontics, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Summary
Researchers found significant differences in head posture between natural standing and walking. In most individuals, walking caused a backward head tilt compared to their natural head ortho posture.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Posture Analysis
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Head posture is dynamic and influenced by activity.
- Previous research lacked continuous measurement capabilities for head posture.
- New instrumentation allows for dynamic and continuous head posture recording.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the statistical significance of differences between natural head ortho posture and dynamic walking posture.
- To quantify head posture changes during a 5-minute walking activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized newly developed instrumentation for continuous head posture measurement.
- Measured mean natural head ortho posture in a controlled setting.
- Measured mean dynamic head posture during 5 minutes of walking in 30 male participants.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference (p < or = 0.05) was found between mean ortho and mean walking head postures.
- In 23 out of 30 participants, the mean walking head posture was observed to be tipped backward relative to the natural ortho position.
Conclusions:
- Walking significantly alters head posture compared to the natural ortho position.
- A backward head tilt during walking is a common postural adaptation.
- The developed instrumentation effectively captures dynamic head posture changes.
