Research code: مقاله مستخرج از رساله دکتری است
Ethics code: IR.SSRC.REC.1402.009
Clinical trials code: مقاله مستخرج از رساله دکتری است
Ansari Hadi M, Sheikh M, Khajavi D. Investigating the Effect of Dual Task Performance on Brain Wave Activity and Balance Control in Girls with Forward Head Posture. RJMS 2024; 31 (1) :1-12
URL:
http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8019-en.html
Associate Professor, Department of Motor Behavior, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran , prosheikh@yahoo.com
Abstract: (182 Views)
Background & Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dual tasks on the control of dynamic balance (DB) in girls with forward head posture (FHP). The significance of this research lies in understanding how cognitive tasks can impact physical performance, specifically in individuals with postural deviations. Dual tasks, which involve performing two tasks simultaneously, are common in everyday life and can challenge the balance and stability of individuals, especially those with postural issues like FHP.
Methods: This semi-experimental study involved 72 female students, with 36 participants having FHP (craniovertebral angle less than 45 degrees) and 36 healthy participants (craniovertebral angle greater than 55 degrees). The participants were purposefully selected to ensure a clear distinction between the two groups. The study's design included familiarizing the participants with the testing conditions to minimize any learning effects that could skew the results. The dynamic balance test was performed under two conditions: without a cognitive task and with a cognitive task. Each participant performed the tests three times, with a 30-second rest period between each attempt to avoid fatigue. The cognitive task involved during the dynamic balance testing was designed to mimic real-life scenarios where individuals need to maintain balance while engaging in mental activities.
Results: The collected data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the effects of FHP and dual tasks on dynamic balance. The results indicated a significant difference in DB between the FHP group and the healthy group. Participants with FHP exhibited statistically weaker DB compared to their healthy counterparts (P<0.05). This finding highlights the impact of postural deviations on balance control, emphasizing the importance of addressing such issues in clinical and therapeutic settings. Additionally, the study found that the dual (cognitive) task significantly affected the DB of both FHP and healthy participants. The dual task weakened the DB of FHP participants more than the healthy participants, indicating that individuals with FHP are more susceptible to balance disruptions when engaged in cognitive tasks (P<0.05).
Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that FHP reduces postural stability, making individuals more prone to balance disturbances. This reduction in stability is further exacerbated when individuals are required to perform cognitive tasks simultaneously, as demonstrated by the dual-task condition in this study. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving postural alignment and balance control should consider the impact of cognitive tasks on individuals with FHP. Physical therapists and clinicians may need to incorporate cognitive elements into their rehabilitation programs to better prepare patients for real-life challenges. Moreover, this study underscores the need for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying the observed effects and to develop targeted strategies for improving dynamic balance in individuals with FHP. Future studies could investigate the long-term effects of such interventions and the potential benefits of combining cognitive and physical training to enhance overall postural stability.
In summary, this research provides valuable insights into the interplay between cognitive tasks and dynamic balance in individuals with forward head posture. The significant differences observed between the FHP and healthy groups underscore the importance of addressing postural deviations to improve balance control and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. The findings also highlight the need for comprehensive rehabilitation approaches that consider both physical and cognitive aspects of balance training. By integrating cognitive challenges into physical therapy, clinicians can better equip patients with the skills needed to navigate complex environments and maintain stability in their daily lives. This holistic approach to balance training can ultimately contribute to improved quality of life and reduced injury risk for individuals with forward head posture.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Physiology