Quantitative assessment of head posture of young adults based on lateral view photographs

Abstract

[Purposes] the aims of the present study were to quantitatively characterize upright static sagittal head posture and to determine differences among children according to their age and sex. [Subjects and Methods] This cross-sectional study was conducted on 186 Arabic school children of both sexes aged between 7 to 9 years. They were photographed with a digital camera while maintaining a natural static upright position. The value of craniovertebral angle was calculated using Able Image Analyzer software. [Results] The results revealed a non-significant effect of age and a highly significant effect of sex on head posture. Moreover, a significant effect of age × sex interaction was also shown. [Conclusion] Head posture varies considerably with the sex of children aged 7 to 9 years old. This study may serve as a guideline for physiotherapists and clinicians when conducting head posture assessments and in clinical decision making regarding possible interventions.