The study of correlation between forward head posture and shoulder pain: A STROBE-compliant cross-sectional study

Objective: The forward head posture (FHP) is strongly related to the rounded shoulder posture (RSP), which is associated with shoulder pain. Design: Observational cross sectional study designMethods: A total of 37 were enrolled in the study, 22 individuals with FHP(experimental group) and 15 healthy adults(control group). Correlation with differences between groups was analysed through craniovertebral angle (CVA) representing FHP for both groups, neck disability index (NDI) indicating neck pain, disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) indicating shoulder pain. Results: There was a significant difference in the results of CVA, NDI, and DASH in FHP and healthy adults (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between DASH and CVA in FHP participants (r = -0.656, p = 0.001). Also, in the regression analysis results of DASH and CVA, the regression model was found to be suitable and the variation in DASH could be explained by 43% (F = 15.118, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Shoulder pain and neck discomfort are potentially related, and an increase in shoulder pain can increase FHP.