The correlation between pain and flexor and extensor muscles endurance and size with craniovertebral angle changes during prolong sitting task.

INTRODUCTION

Forward head posture is one of the most common postural disorders affecting the head and neck region, and it is typically assessed based on the craniovertebral angle. Various factors may be associated with the magnitude of this angle. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between pain and flexor and extensor muscles endurance and size with craniovertebral angle changes during prolong sitting task.

METHODS

This study included 110 participants. The variables of pain, muscles endurance, muscles size, and the magnitude of the craniovertebral angle were measured using the visual analog scale, muscle endurance tests, ultrasonography, and Image J software, respectively. Additionally, a 30-min seated observation of a video content was employed as the postural task.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated a significant correlation between craniovertebral angle changes with the intensity of neck pain (p = 0.001) as well as the size of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants who exhibited increased forward head posture following the postural task also demonstrated greater neck pain intensity and increased thickness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.