Changes in neck and upper trunk muscle activities according to the angle of movement of the neck in subjects with forward head posture.
SongHee Cheon, SoHyun Park
PMID 28265137WHAT IT FOUND
In 20 college students with forward head posture, full neck flexion increased sternocleidomastoid activity, while neck extension decreased middle trapezius activity.
No treatment, pain, or function outcome was tested.
Key findings
01Sternocleidomastoid muscle activity was significantly higher at full neck flexion than at neutral or 30° flexion.
02Middle trapezius activity was significantly lower at 30° and full ROM neck extension than at neutral.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 20 college students with forward head posture were tested. The study measured muscle activity only; it did not measure neck or scapular motion. There was no treatment, pain, or function outcome.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these muscle activity changes as proof that forward head posture causes neck pain or that a specific exercise will correct it. The study measured activation in 20 college students and did not test symptoms, function, or treatment.