Research Paper: The Effect of Head and Neck Stabilization Exercises on Dynamic Balance in the Elderly With Forward Head Posture

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of head and neck stabilization exercises on improving balance in older adults with forward head posture. Materials and Methods: Thirty elderly participants with forward head posture and Mean±SD age of 65.7±5.2 years were examined. The forward head posture was measured by plumb line and craniovertebral angle. Elderly balance was evaluated before and after 8 weeks of head and neck stabilization exercises with Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Functional Reach (FR) tests. The paired t-test was used to examine the changes that occurred after the intervention. Results: The results showed that head and neck stabilization exercises in the elderly significantly changed TUG test (8.3 s before the intervention, 7.8 s after the intervention; P=0.03) and FR test (23.4 cm before the intervention, 24.7 cm after the intervention; P=0.01) omitted. No significant statistical changes were observed in the amount of the craniovertebral angle after the intervention. Conclusion: Based on the study results, performing the head and neck stabilization exercises did not cause significant changes in the craniovertebral angle but improved the dynamic balance of the elderly.