Earticle

초록

영어

Forward head posture (FHP) among students has been increasingly associated with neck pain, functional impairments, and altered head–neck alignment. Physical therapy (PT) is frequently prescribed for this condition; however, the extent and consistency of its benefits across pain reduction, functional improvement, and postural correction remain variably reported. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PT interventions on pain intensity, physical function, and posture in students or young adults with FHP. 14 randomized controlled trials conducted between 1990 and 2025 were included. Eligible studies enrolled student or student-like populations with FHP and compared PT interventions (including exercise-centered protocols, method-specific programs, or adjunctive treatments) against minimal care or active comparators. Primary outcomes assessed were pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), function assessed via the neck disability index (NDI), and posture evaluated using the craniovertebral angle (CVA). The risk of bias was assessed utilizing the RoB 2 tool. Across the included trials, PT consistently demonstrated favorable effects on all three outcome domains. Exercise-centered programs that combined deep cervical flexor retraining with scapular stabilization and thoracic mobility yielded the most consistent improvements. Pooled analyses revealed significant enhancements in NDI and CVA, with pain outcomes showing directionally positive trends. Adjunctive interventions, such as posture-corrective orthoses, taping, and high-intensity laser therapy, provided domain-specific or short-term benefits when used in conjunction with exercise. Observed heterogeneity among studies reflected variations in intervention protocols, adherence reporting, and outcome measurement methods; several studies exhibited some risk-of-bias concerns, including issues related to allocation concealment and assessor blinding. Overall, PT (particularly multi-component, exercise-based programs) appears to improve disability and head–neck alignment and likely reduces pain in students with FHP. To enhance the certainty of these findings and guide implementation in educational settings, future research should employ standardized outcome measures, preregistered protocols, extended follow-up periods, and explicit strategies to monitor and promote adherence.

목차

Abstract
Ⅰ. Introduction
Ⅱ. Methods
1. Protocol and reporting
2. Eligibility criteria
3. Information sources and search strategy
4. Study selection and data extraction
5. Risk of bias assessment
Ⅲ. Results
1. Study selection and characteristics
2. Pain outcomes
3. Physical function
4. Psychological outcomes
5. Postural and sensorimotor outcomes
Ⅳ. Discussion
Ⅴ. Conclusion

키워드

저자

• Jae-Hun Shim [ Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Baekseok Univers ] Corresponding Author

참고문헌

발행기관

간행물

표지보기 관심저널 등록

• 간행물명

  한국신경근육재활학회지 [Korean Journal of Neuromuscular Rehabilitation]

• 간기

  계간

• pISSN

  2508-6456

• 수록기간

  2011~2026

• 등재여부

  KCI 등재

• 십진분류

  KDC 514 DDC 617