Gait performance changes after ten cervical retractions

Ewa Latour; Emilia E. Latour; Jakub Nowaszczuk; Jarosław Arlet; Lidiya Zavatska

doi:10.15561/20755279.2024.0505

Authors

Ewa Latour Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski Branch https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1675-5961
Emilia E. Latour Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski Branch https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9934-1897
Jakub Nowaszczuk Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski Branch https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3002-4930
Jarosław Arlet Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski Branch https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8024-0036
Lidiya Zavatska Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5550-8248

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15561/20755279.2024.0505

Keywords:

students, gait, neck, proprioception, motor control

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Students are prone to spine overloading, as they often spend prolonged periods in unfavorable postures. They tend to struggle with balancing study time and leisure physical activity. The head and neck regions are particularly rich in proprioceptors. Prolonged forward head posture (protraction) can lead to balance disturbances. This, in turn, affects gait and overall body posture. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a series of corrective active head exercises on gait, a fundamental form of movement, in a group of healthy university students. Material and Methods. Gait patterns were assessed in 10 healthy male full-time students with an average age of 22.8 years (SD = 1.1). The assessment was based on the regional distribution of plantar pressure across two measurement sessions. One session was conducted before, and one after performing 10 active head retractions. Gait changes were analyzed in ten foot regions for 200 steps of each participant. Results. After 10 cervical retractions, a decrease in pressure, ground reaction force, contact time, and area values was observed in the 1st metatarsal head (1MTH). Conversely, an increase in these quantities was found in the toes. Additionally, there was a tendency toward a decrease in the contact area of the heel and 3rd metatarsal head (3MTH), along with increased contact time in the midfoot. Performing 10 neck retractions altered gait by inducing heel supination. It also increased hallux involvement in propulsion and widened the base of toe support. Conclusions. Even a few movements that correct head protraction have an immediate effect on whole-body movement. This effect suggests potential benefits of incorporating neck retractions into physical education programs for students. Even when time-consuming forms of regular exercise are not feasible, performing just a few neck-correcting movements can positively impact overall body movement.

Author Biographies

Ewa Latour, Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski Branch

PhD; latouremilia@gmail.com; Physiotherapy Department; Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland.

Emilia E. Latour, Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski Branch

ewalatour@o2.pl; Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland.

Jakub Nowaszczuk, Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski Branch

kubanowaszczuk0015@gmail.com; Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland.

Jarosław Arlet, Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski Branch

tlrj@o2.pl; Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland.

Lidiya Zavatska, Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities

Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor; liz6050@ukr.net; Department of Theory and Methods of Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education; Faculty of Health, Physical Education and Sports; Rivne, Ukraine.

References

Zhou Y, Reddy C, Zhang X. The deflection of fatigued neck. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2024;121(34): e2401874121. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2401874121

Li C, Zhao Y, Yu Z, Han X, Lin X, Wen L. Sagittal imbalance of the spine is associated with poor sitting posture among primary and secondary school students in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2022;23(1): 98. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05021-5

Habyarimana JDD, Tugirumukiza E, Zhou K. Physical Education and Sports: A Backbone of the Entire Community in the Twenty-First Century. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022;19(12): 7296. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127296

Ha SY, Sung YH. A temporary forward head posture decreases function of cervical proprioception. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 2020;16(2): 168–174. https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.2040106.053

Kljajević V, Stanković M, Đorđević D, Trkulja-Petković D, Jovanović R, Plazibat K, et al. Physical Activity and Physical Fitness among University Students—A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021;19(1): 158. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010158

Ferreira Silva RM, Mendonça CR, Azevedo VD, Raoof Memon A, Noll PRES, Noll M. Barriers to high school and university students’ physical activity: A systematic review. Huertas-Delgado FJ (ed.) PLOS ONE, 2022;17(4): e0265913. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265913

Csepregi É, Gyurcsik Z, Veres-Balajti I, Nagy AC, Szekanecz Z, Szántó S. Effects of Classical Breathing Exercises on Posture, Spinal and Chest Mobility among Female University Students Compared to Currently Popular Training Programs. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022;19(6): 3728. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063728

Gong W. The effects of cervical joint manipulation, based on passive motion analysis, on cervical lordosis, forward head posture, and cervical ROM in university students with abnormal posture of the cervical spine. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2015;27(5): 1609–1611. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.1609

Kim D, Cho M, Park Y, Yang Y. Effect of an exercise program for posture correction on musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2015;27(6): 1791–1794. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.1791

Cho J, Lee E, Lee S. Upper thoracic spine mobilization and mobility exercise versus upper cervical spine mobilization and stabilization exercise in individuals with forward head posture: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2017;18(1): 525. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1889-2

Heydari Z, Sheikhhoseini R, Shahrbanian S, Piri H. Establishing minimal clinically important difference for effectiveness of corrective exercises on craniovertebral and shoulder angles among students with forward head posture: a clinical trial study. BMC Pediatrics, 2022;22(1): 230. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-022-03300-7

Kalichman L, Bulanov N, Friedman A. Effect of exams period on prevalence of Myofascial Trigger points and head posture in undergraduate students: Repeated measurements study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2017;21(1): 11–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.04.003

Lim J, Lee D, Kim S, Lee S, Ryu JS. Analysis of abnormal muscle activities in patients with loss of cervical lordosis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2023;24(1): 666. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-023-06782-3

Pacheco J, Raimundo J, Santos F, Ferreira M, Lopes T, Ramos L, et al. Forward head posture is associated with pressure pain threshold and neck pain duration in university students with subclinical neck pain. Somatosensory & Motor Research, 2018;35(2): 103–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/08990220.2018.1475352

Tsang SMH, Cheing GLY, Chan JWK. Severity of slouched posture during smartphone use is associated with the musculoskeletal discomfort, daily usage, and school year among adolescents. Ergonomics, 2023;66(9): 1340–1353. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2022.2146208

Delen V, İlter S. Headache Characteristics in Chronic Neck Pain Patients with Loss of Cervical Lordosis: A Cross-Sectional Study Considering Cervicogenic Headache. Medical Science Monitor, 2023;29. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.939427

Zhang Y, Lin W, Yi M, Song J, Ding L. Effect of long-term cervical extensor exercise program on functional disability, pain intensity, range of motion, cervical muscle mass, and cervical curvature in young adult population with chronic non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2024;19(1): 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-023-04487-w

Alpayci M, İlter S. Isometric Exercise for the Cervical Extensors Can Help Restore Physiological Lordosis and Reduce Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2017;96(9): 621–626. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000000698

Kang HS, Kwon HW, Kim D gud, Park KR, Hahm SC, Park JH. Effects of the Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique on the Range of Motion of the Ankle Joint and Balance According to Its Application Duration: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare, 2021;9(6): 646. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9060646

Diab RH, Hamed RH, Mustafa IM. Efficacy of mckenzie protocol on non-specific neck pain. International Journal of Physiotherapy and Research, 2016;4(5): 1631–1638. https://doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2016.140

Wu SK, Chen HY, You JY, Bau JG, Lin YC, Kuo LC. Outcomes of active cervical therapeutic exercise on dynamic intervertebral foramen changes in neck pain patients with disc herniation. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2022;23(1): 728. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05670-6

Lam OT, Strenger DM, Chan-Fee M, Pham PT, Preuss RA, Robbins SM. Effectiveness of the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for Treating Low Back Pain: Literature Review With Meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2018;48(6): 476–490. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2018.7562

Treleaven J. Sensorimotor disturbances in neck disorders affecting postural stability, head and eye movement control. Manual Therapy, 2008;13(1): 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2007.06.003

Ahmadipoor A, Khademi-Kalantari K, Rezasoltani A, Naimi SS, Akbarzadeh-Baghban A. Effect of Forward Head Posture on Dynamic Balance Based on the Biodex Balance System. Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering, 2022;12(5). https://doi.org/10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.1912-1036

McCarthy J, Castro P, Cottier R, Buttell J, Arshad Q, Kheradmand A, et al. Multisensory contribution in visuospatial orientation: an interaction between neck and trunk proprioception. Experimental Brain Research, 2021;239(8): 2501–2508. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-021-06146-0

Lin G, Zhao X, Wang W, Wilkinson T. The relationship between forward head posture, postural control and gait: A systematic review. Gait & Posture, 2022;98: 316–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.10.008

Menz HB, Lord SR, Fitzpatrick RC. Acceleration patterns of the head and pelvis when walking on level and irregular surfaces. Gait & Posture, 2003;18(1): 35–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0966-6362(02)00159-5

Saad N, Moustafa IM, Ahbouch A, Alsaafin NM, Oakley PA, Harrison DE. Are Rotations and Translations of Head Posture Related to Gait and Jump Parameters? Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023;12(19): 6211. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12196211

Lee MY, Jeon H, Choi JS, Park Y, Ryu JS. Efficacy of Modified Cervical and Shoulder Retraction Exercise in Patients With Loss of Cervical Lordosis and Neck Pain. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2020;44(3): 210–217. https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.19117

McClymont J, Savage R, Pataky TC, Crompton R, Charles J, Bates KT. Intra-subject sample size effects in plantar pressure analyses. PeerJ, 2021;9: e11660. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11660

Latour E, Latour EE, Arlet J. Regional differences in the biological variability of plantar pressure as a basis for refining diagnostic gait analysis. Scientific Reports, 2024;14(1): 5911. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53787-6

R Core Team. The R Project for Statistical Computing [document on the Internet]. R Foundation for Statistical Computing; 2018 [cited 2024 Sep 7] Available from: https://www.R-project.org/

Cliff N. Dominance statistics: Ordinal analyses to answer ordinal questions. Psychological Bulletin, 1993;114(3): 494–509. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.114.3.494

Rogmann J. J. Orddom-package: Ordinal Dominance Statistics [document on the Internet]. R Package Documentation; 2013 February 7 [cited 2024 Sep 7]. Available from: https://rdrr.io/cran/orddom/man/orddom-package.html

Meyers-Rice B, Sugars L, McPoil T, Cornwall M. Comparison of three methods for obtaining plantar pressures in nonpathologic subjects. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 1994;84(10): 499–504. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-84-10-499

McBride S, Dixon P, Mokha M, Samuel Cheng M. The relationship between supination resistance and the kinetics and kinematics of the foot and ankle during gait. Gait & Posture, 2019;73: 239–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.07.305

Kondo M, Iwamoto Y, Kito N. Relationship between forward propulsion and foot motion during gait in healthy young adults. Journal of Biomechanics, 2021;121: 110431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110431