Forward head posture in sports-involved children

Authors

  • Boris Karasek University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Novi Sad, Serbia
  • Miloš Kojić University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Novi Sad, Serbia
  • Mladen Mikić University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Novi Sad, Serbia
  • Evelin Varga University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Novi Sad, Serbia
  • Tijana Šćepanović University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Novi Sad, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8751-3316

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35469/ak.2024.423

Keywords:

forward head posture, craniovertebral angle, children, physical activity, sport, ages 11-14

Abstract

Purpose: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common cervical postural fault in the sagittal plane that can cause various issues and conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of FHP among sports-involved children and to examine the differences in craniovertebral angle (CVA) with regard to gender, age, neck pain, and the sports in which they participate.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 sports-involved children (76 males and 78 females), aged 11–14, participating in various sports (basketball, football, volleyball, and athletics). After obtaining signed consent, photography of the sagittal view was performed in a standing position, which was then used to measure the CVA using the Web Plot Digitizer software. A questionnaire was used to gather data about gender, age, sports in which a participant is involved, presence of neck pain, and pain scale.

Results: Among the 154 children, 37 (24.03%) exhibited FHP (15 males, 22 females). The mean CVA for the entire sample was 51.30° ± 6.20°. Female participants had a significantly lower CVA (p = .021) compared to male participants. No significant differences were found with regard to age, presence of neck pain, or engagement in a specific sport.

Conclusion: FHP is present in sports-involved children, with a higher prevalence among females.

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Published

15-10-2024

How to Cite

Karasek, B., Kojić, M., Mikić, M., Varga, E., & Šćepanović, T. (2024). Forward head posture in sports-involved children. Annales Kinesiologiae, 15(1), 47–60. https://doi.org/10.35469/ak.2024.423

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2024): Annales Kinesiologiae

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Copyright (c) 2024 Boris Karasek, Miloš Kojić, Mladen Mikić, Evelin Varga, Tijana Šćepanović

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