Abstract

Background. A fault posture of head can disturb the body balance. Forward head posture (FHP) is one of common faulty postures seen among university students. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a quick method of neuromuscular training used to increase muscle strength, improve dynamic balance control and eventually correct posture.

Purpose. A randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effect of WBV training on craniovertebral angle and dynamic balance control in subjects with forward head posture.

Methods. Forty-five participants (11 males and 34 females, 18-23 years old) were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups: group (A) received traditional treatment (stretching and strengthening exercises) + postural advices, group (B) received whole body vibration training + postural advices, group (C) received traditional treatment + whole body vibration training + postural advices, 3 sessions /week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included craniovertebral angle (CVA), overall stability index (OSI), anteroposterior stability index (APSI) and mediolateral stability index (MLSI) that were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.

Results.  Comparing all groups post training revealed that there were statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) in all measured variables (CVA, OSI, APSI and MLSI) in favour of group (C), while there were statistically non-significant differences between group A & B (p > 0.05).

Conclusion. The conjugation of WBV training with traditional treatment of FHP improved craniovertebral angle and dynamic balance control in subjects with forward head posture.

Key words:

whole body vibration, forward head posture, craniovertebral angle, balance