CORRELATION BETWEEN FORWARD HEAD POSTURE AND CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY IN SMART PHONE USERS | ||
| International Journal of Physical Therapy - AlSalam University | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 September 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ijtau.2025.402567.1026 | ||
| Author | ||
| Aya Ahmed Tahoun* | ||
| basic science department , faculty of physical therapy Badya university , Cairo, Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition, particularly among smartphone users due to prolonged neck flexion. This posture disrupts cervical spine biomechanics, increasing stress on spinal structures and potentially leading to nerve root compression. Objective: To investigate the correlation between FHP and cervical radiculopathy in smartphone users aged 18–35 years. Methods: A total of 120 participants (58 females, 62 males) aged 18–35 years with FHP (CVA < 49°) and daily smartphone use ≥4 hours were included. CVA was measured using photogrammetric analysis via smartphone imaging software. Cervical range of motion (ROM) was assessed using a clinometer application, and cervical radiculopathy was evaluated through somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). Results: Participants had a mean age of 22.83 ± 4.09 years and a mean CVA of 44.03 ± 1.8°. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between CVA and N20 latency at C6 (r = 0.189, p = 0.038) and C7 (r = 0.242, p = 0.008). CVA was significantly correlated with cervical flexion (r = 0.387), extension (r = 0.542), and side bending (right: r = 0.315; left: r = 0.290), all p = 0.001. Cervical extension and side bending also showed weak positive correlations with N20 latency at C6. Most other correlations between cervical ROM and SSEP were not significant. Conclusion: FHP correlates with cervical radiculopathy and significantly affects cervical mobility, with limited influence on nerve root function in healthy young adults. Keywords: Forward head posture, Cervical radiculopathy, Smartphone users. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Forward head posture; Cervical radiculopathy; Smartphone users | ||
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