Research Article - Current Pediatric Research (2022) Volume 26, Issue 2

Efficacy of muscle energy technique on forward head posture and cervical mobility in visually impaired children: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Children with visual impairment don’t have sufficient visual acuity to participate easily in everyday activities and then, maladaptive postural alignment is exist including sway back posture, kyphosis, forward head and rounded shoulder. Aim: This research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of muscle energy technique on forward head posture as well as cervical mobility in visually impaired children. Methods: Fourty children with visual impairment of both sexes aged 8-14 years have been enrolled in this research. They have been assigned into two equal groups at random; the study group receives sub occipital muscle energy technique and both groups receive deep cervical flexor training for 6 weeks. AutoCAD software was used to analyze cervical angles including Craniovertevral (CVA), Craniorotational (CRA), Craniohorizontal (CHA) and, cervical ROM device has been employed to evaluate cervical mobility in all directions for both groups; before and after treatment. Results: After treatment findings revealed a significant increase in Craniovertebralangle (CVA), cervical ROM in all directions while, a significant decrease in Craniorotational (CRA) and Craniohorizontal (CHA) angles (P<0.001) in both groups. In all variables, the study group enhanced significantly more than the control group after treatment. Conclusion: Both techniques of muscle energy and deep cervical flexors training were effective in reducing forward head posture and promoting cervical mobility among visually impaired children. However, a sub occipital muscle energy technique was useful than deep cervical flexors training.

Author(s): Eman Wagdy*, Noha Elserty, Hebatallah Mohamed Said Zaghloul, Marian Mamdouh Fayez

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