Forward head posture associated with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness in psychotic disorders compared to autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls

Ilona van de Meent*, Lisanne Koomen, Renske de Boer, Lonneke Le Clercq, Dieuwertje Janssen, Mikel Boute, Arija Maat, Edwin van Dellen, Wiepke Cahn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Individuals with psychotic disorders often lead sedentary lives, heightening the risk of developing forward head posture. Forward head posture affects upper cervical vertebrae, raising the likelihood of daily discomforts like skeletal misalignment, neck pain, and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness in psychotic disorders is relevant, given its proven benefits in enhancing physical and mental health. This study investigates forward head posture by measuring craniovertebral angles in psychotic disorders and the relationship with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. To determine whether forward head posture is specific to psychotic disorders, we also included individuals with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls. Among 85 participants (32 psychotic disorders, 26 autism spectrum disorder, 27 healthy controls), photogrammetric quantification revealed a significantly lower mean craniocervical angle in psychotic disorders compared to autism spectrum disorder (p = < 0.02) and the healthy control group (p = < 0.01). Reduced craniovertebral angle is related to diminished cardiorespiratory fitness in psychosis (R2 = 0.45, p = < 0.01) but not in other control groups. This study found reduced craniovertebral angles, indicating forward head posture in psychotic disorders. Moreover, this relates to diminished cardiorespiratory fitness. Further research is needed to examine the underlying causes and to investigate whether this can be reversed through physical therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number17143
JournalScientific Reports
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Jul 2024

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Cardiorespiratory fitness
  • Craniovertebral angle
  • Forward head posture
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Åstrand bike test

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