Research Article

Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study

Volume: 10 Number: 3 September 30, 2025
TR EN

Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural problem. However, its influence on gait kinematics remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of head posture on gait spatiotemporal parameters and asymmetry in young adults. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on young adults categorized into two groups: FHP and normal posture, based on the cut-off value of the craniovertebral angle (CVA). The CVA, cranial rotation angle, and cranial horizontal angle were calculated using lateral photographs and analyzed using MB-Ruler software. Demographic information, including gender, age, height, and weight, was recorded, and gait spatio-temporal parameters—initial contact, support, swing, step phases, dynamic pressure, and gait symmetry scores—were measured using the FreeMED force platform (Sensor Medica, Italy). Gait symmetry was calculated using the symmetry index. Results: A total of 66 participants (41 females and 25 males) were included in the study, with an average age of 23 (22–23 IQR). There was a moderate positive correlation between left step cycle length and cranial rotation angle (r=0.316, p=0.024). However, no significant differences were determined in other gait kinematic parameters between groups (p>0.05). Additionally, no significant correlation was found between CVA and gait spatiotemporal parameters or gait symmetry (p>0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that FHP does not significantly alter kinematic spatiotemporal gait parameters and gait symmetry in young adults. Research is required to investigate three-dimensional posture and gait analysis methods that can provide more accurate measurements. Keywords: Craniovertebral angle, forward head posture, gait, symmetry.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Biomechanics in Sports Science

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 30, 2025

Submission Date

May 12, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 6, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 10 Number: 3

APA
Uluğ, N., Begen, S., Can Karahan, Z., & Yılmaz, S. (2025). Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 10(3), 464-469. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1696526
AMA
1.Uluğ N, Begen S, Can Karahan Z, Yılmaz S. Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study. İKÇÜSBFD. 2025;10(3):464-469. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1696526
Chicago
Uluğ, Naime, Sena Begen, Zehra Can Karahan, and Seval Yılmaz. 2025. “Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults With Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 10 (3): 464-69. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1696526.
EndNote
Uluğ N, Begen S, Can Karahan Z, Yılmaz S (September 1, 2025) Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 10 3 464–469.
IEEE
[1]N. Uluğ, S. Begen, Z. Can Karahan, and S. Yılmaz, “Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study”, İKÇÜSBFD, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 464–469, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.61399/ikcusbfd.1696526.
ISNAD
Uluğ, Naime - Begen, Sena - Can Karahan, Zehra - Yılmaz, Seval. “Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults With Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 10/3 (September 1, 2025): 464-469. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1696526.
JAMA
1.Uluğ N, Begen S, Can Karahan Z, Yılmaz S. Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study. İKÇÜSBFD. 2025;10:464–469.
MLA
Uluğ, Naime, et al. “Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults With Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 10, no. 3, Sept. 2025, pp. 464-9, doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1696526.
Vancouver
1.Naime Uluğ, Sena Begen, Zehra Can Karahan, Seval Yılmaz. Does Head Posture Alter Gait Parameters and Symmetry in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture? A Cross-Sectional Study. İKÇÜSBFD. 2025 Sep. 1;10(3):464-9. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1696526



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