Forward head posture is associated with increased craniofacial pain and mandibular dysfunction in young adults: a cross-sectional study
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, cilt.48, ss.39-45, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 48
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.05.027
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.39-45
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Craniofacial pain, Craniovertebral angle, Forward head posture, Perceived stress, Temporomandibular disorders
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background Forward head posture (FHP) is common in young adults and may affect the craniocervical and temporomandibular regions. However, its relationship with craniofacial pain-related disability, mandibular dysfunction, neck disability, and perceived stress remains unclear. This study primarily compared craniofacial pain-related disability and mandibular dysfunction between young adults with and without FHP, and secondarily examined differences in neck disability and perceived stress and the associations between craniovertebral alignment and clinical outcomes. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 90 university students aged 18–30 years were classified into an FHP group (n = 37) or a non-FHP group (n = 53) based on a craniovertebral angle (CVA) cut-off of 45.5°. Craniofacial pain-related disability was assessed using the Craniofacial Pain and Disability Inventory (CF-PDI), mandibular dysfunction using the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), neck-related disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14). Results Participants with FHP exhibited significantly higher CF-PDI and MFIQ scores than those without FHP (p < .01). Lower CVA values were moderately correlated with greater craniofacial pain-related disability and mandibular dysfunction severity. No significant group differences or correlations were observed for NDI or PSS-14. Conclusion FHP was associated with increased craniofacial pain-related disability and mandibular dysfunction in young adults, whereas no significant associations were found with neck-related disability or perceived stress. These findings support the potential clinical relevance of postural assessment in individuals presenting with craniofacial pain-related disability and mandibular dysfunction; however, causal inferences cannot be drawn due to the cross-sectional design.