A period of backwards walking affects the craniovertebral angle, proprioception, balance, and foot pressure on forward head posture of female students.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether walking backward could improve craniovertebral angle, proprioception, balance, and plantar pressure in individuals with forward head posture.
Results Summary
The study found that walking backward significantly improved craniovertebral angle, neck proprioception, balance, and plantar pressure distribution in participants with forward head posture. The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared to the control group.
Population
46 female students (aged 22.89 ± 2.31 years) with forward head posture.
Effective Dosage
Three exercise sessions per week.
Duration
Four weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
walking backward training program | increase | craniovertebral angle | female students with forward head posture | P = 0.001 | had a significant effect on | #1 |
walking backward training program | increase | neck proprioception | female students with forward head posture | P = 0.001 | had a significant effect on | #2 |
walking backward training program | increase | balance | female students with forward head posture | P = 0.001 | had a significant effect on | #3 |
walking backward training program | neutral | sole pressure | female students with forward head posture | P = 0.001 | had a significant effect on | #4 |
walking backward | increase | craniovertebral angle | individuals with forward head posture | - | enhanced | #5 |
walking backward | increase | proprioception | individuals with forward head posture | - | enhanced | #6 |
walking backward | increase | balance | individuals with forward head posture | - | enhanced | #7 |
walking backward | neutral | alterations in the plantar center of pressure | individuals with forward head posture | - | enhanced | #8 |
PURPOSE: The presence of spinal arches is crucial for maintaining good body posture, reducing pressure on joints, and preventing deformities caused by misalignment. Engaging in exercises that focus on correcting body alignment, such as walking backward, can enhance posture and various related factors. METHOD: A group of 46 female students suffering from forward head posture was selected (age: 22.89 ± 2.31 years, height: 1.63 ± 0.05 m, weight: 60.01 ± 5.41 kg, body mass index: 22.38 ± 1.28 kg/m2) and randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group participated in three exercise sessions per week for four weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention during the study. Changes in the craniovertebral angle, proprioception, resistance, and foot pressure were measured using photogrammetry, head-neck angle examination with a laser pointer, a balance measuring device, and a foot scanner. FINDINGS: The results of this study showed that the training program had a significant effect on the craniovertebral angle (P = 0.001), neck proprioception (P = 0.001), balance (P = 0.001), and sole pressure (P = 0.001). Likewise, the results of the group comparison revealed significant differences in various variables, such as the craniovertebral angle (P = 0.001), neck proprioception (P = 0.001), balance (P = 0.001), and plantar pressure (P ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that walking backward enhanced the craniovertebral angle, proprioception, balance, and alterations in the plantar center of pressure. Therefore, this exercise is recommended as a complementary therapeutic approach for individuals with forward head posture.