Correlation between Forward Head Posture, Reaction Time and Eye-hand Coordination among College-going Students: A Cross-sectional Study
Published: June 1, 2026 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2026/87830.23608
Mritunjay Kumar, Subhasish Chatterjee, Mousumi Saha, Muskan, Isha, Shanvi, Shivi Bajpai, Anushka
1. Postgraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, Haryana, India.
2. Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
3. Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
4. Postgraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
5. Postgraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, Haryana, India.
6. Postgraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
7. Postgraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
8. Postgraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Mahari
Correspondence
Dr. Subhasish Chatterjee,
Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala-133207, Haryana, India.
E-mail: subhasishphysio@gmail.com
Introduction: Forward Head Posture (FHP) is prevalent among college students, potentially im-pairing sensorimotor function via disrupted proprioceptive feedback, though evidence in asymptomatic populations remains limited.
Aim: To investigate correlations between Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), eye-hand coordination Al-ternate Hand Wall Toss Test (AHWTT) and reaction time {Ruler Drop Test (RDT)} in asymptomatic students with FHP.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 college students (aged 18-26 years, CVA <53°) was conducted between December 2024 to February 2026 at the Department of Physiotherapy, Mahari-shi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India. CVA was measured using photogrammetry with Kinovea software, AHWTT was recorded as the number of successful catches in 30 seconds. Reaction time was calculated by RDT. Normality was confirmed (Shapiro-Wilk); Pearson’s correlation was used to assess correlation between the variables.
Results: Mean CVA was 38.16±5.26°. A moderate positive correlation was found between CVA and AHWTT performance (r=0.518, p<0.001). Small negative correlations existed between CVA and left-hand re-action time measures (r=-0.268, p=0.007; r=-0.265, p=0.008), while no significant correlation was ob-served with right-hand reaction time (r=-0.142, p=0.158).
Conclusion: Less severe FHP correlates with better eye-hand coordination and faster hand reac-tion time in asymptomatic students, supporting postural screening for early sensorimotor optimisation.
[
FULL TEXT ] | [ PDF]