The Relationship Between Allergic Rhinitis, Forward Head Posture, and Anxiety Levels in Iranian Children

The Investigation of Relationship Between Allergic Rhinitis with Forward Head Posture and Anxiety in Children

Forward head posture is a common postural issue across all age groups, often linked to the overuse of electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, leading to poor posture in children. Allergic rhinitis is also prevalent in children, but its effects on musculoskeletal and psychological health are not well understood.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between allergic rhinitis, forward head posture, and anxiety levels in Iranian children aged 7-12 years.

Materials and Methods: Fifty children aged 7-12 were recruited from the Allergy-Infection Clinic at Bandar Abbas Children's Hospital. The participants were divided into two groups: 25 healthy children and 25 children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Spence Anxiety Scale, while forward head posture was measured by analyzing photographs of the children's body profiles using AutoCAD software.

The inclusion criteria :

1. children to be between 7 to 12 years old,
2. with and without Allergic Rhinitis,
3. body mass index below 95%
4. without asthma, cardiac diseases, neuromuscular diseases, tonsillectomy, congenital anomalies,
5. using smart devices less than 3 hours.

The exclusion criteria :

1-no consent