earticle

영어

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cervical stabilization exercise with a pressure biofeedback unit would improve cervical alignment, the mechanical properties of cervical muscles, and neck disability in patients with forward head posture. Thirty such patients were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: cervical stabilization exercise with a pressure biofeedback unit (n=15, group Ⅰ) and the controls (n=15, group Ⅱ). After receiving conventional physical therapy, each group underwent cervical stabilization exercise with visual feedback exercise and passive stretching for 30 min, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Their craniovertebral angle (CVA; °), muscle tone (Hz), stiffness (Hz), and neck disability index were analyzed before the intervention. After 4 weeks of intervention, the aforementioned items were remeasured, and an intergroup analysis was performed. Results: CVA, muscle tone, stiffness, and neck disability increased in group Ⅰ, with a statistically significant difference (p<.001; p<.05). Conclusion: Cervical stabilization exercise with a pressure biofeedback unit may be suggested as an effective intervention method for the functional recovery of patients with forward head posture.