Feasibility of Diagnosing Forward Head Posture : The Role of Cervical Range of Motion and Muscle Strength

This study was conducted to investigate whether forward head posture can be diagnosed through measurements of cervical range of motion and muscle strength without measuring craniovertebral angle. The participants consisted of adult males, who were categorized into two groups: a forward head posture group comprising 10 individuals with a craniovertebral angle of 49 degrees or less, and a healthy group consisting of 10 individuals with a craniovertebral angle of 50 degrees or more. Cervical range of motion and muscle strength were measured in each group using a goniometer and hand-held dynamometers. As a result, a significant difference was observed in the range of motion for left and right rotation of the neck (p<.05), while no significant differences were found in the remaining variables (p>.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences in any of the variables related to neck muscle strength (p>.05). This study indicates that forward head posture may be effectively diagnosed by assessing asymmetries in left and right cervical rotation. However, diagnosing FHP based on total cervical range of motion and muscle strength presents challenges. Further research is needed to fully clarify these relationships and enhance diagnostic accuracy.