OBJECTIVE To evaluate sensorimotor integration and skill-related physical fitness components for participants with forward head posture (FHP) compared with strictly matched controls with normal head alignment. MATERIAL AND METHODS We… Click to show full abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate sensorimotor integration and skill-related physical fitness components for participants with forward head posture (FHP) compared with strictly matched controls with normal head alignment. MATERIAL AND METHODS We measured FHP, sensorimotor processing, and skill-related physical fitness variables in 50 participants with FHP and in 50 participants matched for age, gender, and body mass index with normal FHP, defined as having a craniovertebral angle >55°. Sensorimotor processing and integration variables were: (1) amplitudes of the spinal N13, (2) brainstem P14, (3) parietal N20 and P27, and (4) frontal N30 potentials. The skill-related physical fitness variables selected for the study were (1) T-test agility, (2) leg power, (3) stork static balance test, and (4) Y-balance test. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference between the FHP group and control group for the sensorimotor integration variable: frontal N30 potentials (P < .05). Additionally, between-group differences were found for the sensorimotor processing variables: amplitudes of spinal N13, brainstem P14, and parietal N20, and P27 (P < .05). Statistically significant differences between groups for the skill-related physical fitness variables were also identified: T-test agility, leg power, stork static balance test, and Y-balance test (P < .05). The magnitude of the craniovertebral angle showed a correlation with all measured variables (P < .05). CONCLUSION College athletes with FHP exhibited altered sensorimotor processing and integration measurements and less efficient skill-related physical fitness compared with athletes with normal sagittal head posture alignment.
               
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