Relationship Between Cervical Proprioception and Endurance With Hand-eye Coordination and Postural Control

Investigation of the Relationship Between Cervical Proprioception and Cervical Muscle Endurance With Hand-eye Coordination and Postural Control in Individuals With Forward Head Posture

The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between cervical proprioception and cervical muscle endurance with hand-eye coordination and postural control in individuals with forward head posture (FHP) and to compare them with a control group with normal head posture. After the demographic information and physical characteristics of the individuals are recorded, their craniovertebral angles (CVA) will be measured and they will be assigned to Group 1 (forward head posture) or Group 2 (normal head posture). Then, the individuals' cervical proprioception, hand-eye coordination, postural control and cervical muscle endurance values will be measured respectively. Cervical muscle endurance will be evaluated last, taking into account possible muscle fatigue, in order not to affect other measurement results. The recorded values will be compared between groups and the relationship of cervical proprioception and muscle endurance with hand-eye coordination and postural control will be examined. All evaluations will be made by the same researcher.

Forward head posture is a malalignment defined as anterior translation of the head. This malalignment causes changes in cervical proprioception, decrease in the strength and endurance of the cervical muscles. A decrease in muscle endurance may cause a decrease in cervical proprioception. The cervical region is very important in terms of proprioceptive sensory input and has reflex connections to the (Central Nervous System) CNS. Therefore, abnormal proprioceptive sensory inputs received from cervical mechanoreceptors affect the CNS, which regulates postural control. It has been stated that FHP is associated with a decrease in static and dynamic balance. Head posture has an important role in the sensory information organization of the upper extremity. Hand-eye coordination allows the eyes to coordinate with hand movements.

Identifying the factors that may affect an individual with FHP is very important in planning the rehabilitation program.

The purpose of this study, investigate the relationship between cervical proprioception and cervical muscle endurance with hand-eye coordination and postural control in individuals with FHP and to compare them with a control group with normal head posture.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 18-24 years
• Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of trauma or surgery involving the cervical or upper extremity
• Congenital anomaly of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar vertebra
• Abnormalities such as scoliosis
• Systemic arthritis or central nervous system disorders