Evaluation of Forward Head Posture in School-Going Students and its Association with Shoulder Pain

Objective: To determine the frequency of forward head posture (FHP) and its association with shoulder pain in school-going students. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: University of Lahore with fieldwork in government and private schools in Sialkot, Pakistan from Jan to Jun 2024. Methodology: The sample of one hundred and eleven participants was selected by convenient sampling and consent was taken before the study. The students of 10 to 14 years of age, both genders, 5th to 8th class, were included in the study. Those with recent injuries in the neck or shoulder region or having any congenital abnormality were excluded. Forward head posture was evaluated using a meter scale by measuring the distance from the tragus of the ear to a point 25cm away from the plumb line. Shoulder pain was assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Pearson’s chi-square test was used to find the association between forward head posture and shoulder pain. Results: The mean age of participants was 12.42±1.44 years. About 64(57.65%) had a forward head posture, and 42(37.8%) had a moderate level of FHP. Around 39(35.1%) had mild shoulder pain and disability. Forward head posture was found to be significantly associated with shoulder pain (p