Forward head posture is commonly observed among university students and may influence cervical sensorimotor function and physiological responses during functional activities. The purpose of this observational cross-sectional study is to examine the association between forward head posture and cervical proprioception, deep cervical muscle endurance, and cardiopulmonary responses during a cognitive-motor task in university students.
This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted among healthy university students aged 18 to 26 years. The study aims to investigate the relationship between forward head posture and cervical joint position sense, deep cervical muscle endurance, and cardiopulmonary responses during a combined cognitive-motor task. No therapeutic intervention or treatment is applied.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
80
No intervention
Faculty of physical therapy
Aqaba, Jordan
Cervical joint position error measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer
Cervical proprioception will be assessed by measuring joint position error (JPE) during cervical flexion, extension, and rotation using a smartphone-based inclinometer. Participants will attempt to reposition their head to a neutral target position with eyes closed. The absolute repositioning error (in degrees) will be calculated, and the mean JPE will be used for analysis.
Time frame: At baseline
Deep cervical flexor endurance measured by the craniocervical flexion endurance test
Deep cervical flexor endurance will be assessed using the craniocervical flexion endurance test. Participants will perform a chin-tuck head lift in the supine position and hold the position as long as possible. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds.
Time frame: At baseline
Cervical extensor endurance measured by a cervical extensor endurance test
Cervical extensor muscle endurance will be assessed using a cervical extensor endurance test in the prone position. Participants will maintain the head in a neutral horizontal position for as long as possible. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds.
Time frame: At baseline
Heart rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task using a chest-strap heart rate monitor
Heart rate will be recorded during a combined stepping and cognitive subtraction task using a validated chest-strap heart rate monitor. The mean heart rate during the task will be used for analysis.
Time frame: During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session
Respiratory rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task
Respiratory rate will be measured during the same cognitive-motor dual-task by counting breaths per minute. The mean respiratory rate during the task will be used for analysis
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Time frame: During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session