Effect of Forward Head Posture on Vocal Fatigue

Himanshu Mathur, Sohrab Ahmad Khan

Abstract: Introduction Forward head posture is a common problem among regular computer users. With the increased rate of development various health hazards have been associated alongwith. Vocal fatigue on the other hand is self-perceived increased phonatory effort resulting from references to vocal loading or prolonged voice use resulting in disturbance of function. Method A correlational study was performed on 50 individuals having a history of regular computer usage atleast from last 3 years and more than 5 hours a day. UTHSCSA image tool software version 3.0 was used to measure craniovertebral angle. Scale method was used to evaluate vocal effort. Subjects were allowed to speak a vowel i. e /a/ at a sustained pitch and loudness for 10 seconds. The experience of the subject was recorded using a self rating 100mm visual analogue scale. Results Pearsons correlation revealed a significant positive correlation (p<0.005) between forward head posture and self perceived phonatory effort. Conclusion Based on the findings, it can be concluded that forward head posture has a deteriorative effect on phonatory effort.

Keywords: Forward head posture, vocal fatigue, craniovertebral angle