Physical Therapy Korea (한국전문물리치료학회지)

Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy (한국전문물리치료학회)
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Relationship Between Craniovertebral Angle and Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness and Tone in Office Workers

  • Yoon-ji Lee (Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University) ;
  • Sung-hoon Jung (Department of Physical Therapy, Division of Health Science, Baekseok University) ;
  • Jun-hee Kim (Department of Physical Therapy, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Laboratory of Kinetic Ergocise Based on Movement Analysis, Yonsei University) ;
  • Oh-yun Kwon (Department of Physical Therapy, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Laboratory of Kinetic Ergocise Based on Movement Analysis, Yonsei University)
  • Received : 2025.01.23
  • Accepted : 2025.02.28
  • Published : 2025.04.20
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Abstract

Background: With the increase of seated work, interest in forward head posture (FHP) has grown. Prolonged computer tasks with FHP have been considered a factor that increases the stiffness and tone of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle. Traditionally, many studies have measured the craniovertebral angle (CVA) in standing positions to assess FHP, making it difficult to determine whether the CVA measured in a habitual working posture correlates with the stiffness and tone of the UT muscle in office workers. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the relationship among CVA, UT muscle stiffness, and tone in both habitual working and standing postures among asymptomatic office workers. Methods: Forty asymptomatic office workers participated in the study. CVA was measured in both habitual working and standing postures. Stiffness and tone of the UT muscle were assessed after a 10-minute computer task. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between CVA and stiffness and tone of the UT muscle. Results: No significant correlations were found between CVA in standing posture and the stiffness and tone of the UT muscle. However, moderate negative correlations were observed between CVA measured in the habitual working posture and both the stiffness (dominant: r = -0.490, non-dominant r = -0.465) and tone (dominant: r = -0.501, non-dominant r = -0.446) of the UT muscle. Conclusion: This study highlights that decreased CVA in habitual working posture is associated with increased stiffness and tone of the UT muscle in asymptomatic office workers. Therefore, measuring CVA in the habitual working posture should be considered when evaluating stiffness and tone of the UT muscle.

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References

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