Forward Head Posture and Cognitive Fatigue: A Hidden Academic Risk Among Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/8jab4d97Keywords:
Forward head posture, cognitive fatigue, craniovertebral angle, students, ergonomics, screen time, posture, mental fatigue, academic performance, musculoskeletal healthAbstract
In the digital era, university students are increasingly exposed to prolonged screen time, often adopting poor postural habits such as forward head posture (FHP). While the musculoskeletal consequences of FHP, including neck pain and discomfort, have been widely documented, its potential cognitive and psychological implications remain insufficiently explored. This study investigates the relationship between forward head posture and cognitive fatigue among undergraduate students aged 18–25 years. A cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing craniovertebral angle (CVA) measurements obtained through photographic analysis to assess posture. Cognitive fatigue was evaluated using validated instruments, including the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ) and the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS).
The findings revealed a significant association between reduced CVA (indicating more pronounced FHP) and increased levels of cognitive fatigue, diminished concentration, and heightened academic stress. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen time, poor sleep quality, and reduced physical activity were found to exacerbate both postural deviations and fatigue levels. These results suggest that posture may influence not only physical health but also cognitive functioning and mental wellbeing.
The study highlights the importance of integrating ergonomic awareness and posture correction strategies into student health programs. Addressing postural habits may serve as a simple, cost-effective intervention to enhance cognitive performance, reduce fatigue, and improve overall academic outcomes.
Downloads
References
1. Straker L, Mathiassen SE. Increased physical workloads in modern work – a necessity for better health and performance? Ergonomics. 2009;52(10):1215–25.
2. Szeto GPY, Lee R. An ergonomic evaluation comparing desktop, notebook, and subnotebook computers. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2002;83(4):527–32.
3. Rosenfield M. Computer vision syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2011;31(5):502–15.
4. Loh KK, Kanai R. Higher media multitasking activity is associated with smaller gray-matter density. PLoS One. 2014;9(9):e106698.
5. Boksem MAS, Tops M. Mental fatigue: costs and benefits. Brain Res Rev. 2008;59(1):125–39.
6. Wirth B, Knecht C, Humphreys K. Spine day 2012: spinal pain in Swiss school children—epidemiology and risk factors. BMC Pediatr. 2013;13:159.
7. Quek J, Pua YH, Clark RA, Bryant AL. Effects of thoracic kyphosis and forward head posture on cervical range of motion. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2013;36(3):160–7.
8. Lee H, Nicholson LL, Adams RD. Cervical range of motion associations with subclinical neck pain. Spine. 2004;29(1):33–40.
9. Broadbent DE, Cooper PF, FitzGerald P, Parkes KR. The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). Br J Clin Psychol. 1982;21(1):1–16.
10. Michielsen HJ, De Vries J, Van Heck GL. Psychometric qualities of a brief self-rated fatigue measure. J Psychosom Res. 2003;54(4):345–52.
11. Thorp AA, Owen N, Neuhaus M, Dunstan DW. Sedentary behaviors and subsequent health outcomes. Am J Prev Med. 2011;41(2):207–15.
12. Kim MS. Influence of neck pain on cervical movement in the sagittal plane during smartphone use. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(1):15–7.
13. Harman K, Hubley-Kozey CL, Butler H. Effectiveness of an exercise program to improve forward head posture in normal adults. J Man Manip Ther. 2005.
14. Ruivo RM, Pezarat-Correia P, Carita AI. Effects of a resistance and stretching training program on forward head posture. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2017.
15. Kang JH, Park RY, Lee SJ, et al. The effect of smartphone use on cervical spine posture. J Phys Ther Sci. 2012.
16. Szeto GP, Straker LM, O’Sullivan PB. A comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic office workers performing computer tasks. Spine. 2005.
17. Villanueva MBG, Jonai H, Sotoyama M, et al. Sitting posture and neck/shoulder pain. Ind Health. 1997.
18. O’Sullivan K, O’Dea P, Dankaerts W, et al. Neutral lumbar spine sitting posture. Man Ther. 2012.
19. Mehta RK, Parasuraman R. Neuroergonomics: a review of applications. Theor Issues Ergon Sci. 2013.
20. Lim J, Dinges DF. Sleep deprivation and vigilant attention. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008.
