Publications
Correlation Analysis of Craniovertebral Angle and Scapular Index with Muscle Tone, Pulmonary Function, Balance Control, and Proprioception
Authors: Sang-Hun Jang 1, Sun-Wook Park 2, Seong-Gil Kim 1
Affiliations:
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Life Science, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong-gun 27909, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Kangwon National University, Samcheok-si 25949, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
Journal: Life - September 2025, Volume 15, Issue 10, Article no. 1526 (DOI: 10.3390/life15101526)
-
Field & Applications:
- Medical
- Occupational Healthcare
- Balance / Postural control
- Musculoskeletal health
Forward head posture and altered scapular alignment are associated with musculoskeletal dysfunctions and impaired physical performance. However, the relationship between postural alignment indices and physiological function in young adults remains unexplored.
A total of 54 healthy participants (mean age: 21.88 ± 2.06 years) were evaluated. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) and scapular index were measured as indicators of postural alignment. Upper trapezius muscle tone was assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Pulmonary function parameters, including the forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FVC, were measured using spirometry. Balance control was evaluated using the Tetrax system, and cervical proprioception was assessed using joint position error (JPE) tests.
CVA showed statistically significant but weak correlations with the muscle tone (r = −0.191), weight distribution index in the eyes-open condition (r = −0.199), and cervical flexion JPE (r = −0.198) and a positive correlation with FVC (r = 0.251) (p < 0.05). Scapular index showed a positive correlation with FEV1/FVC (r = 0.241) and a negative correlation with balance control (r = −0.213) (p < 0.05).
Improved postural alignment, as reflected by a higher CVA and scapular index, was associated with reduced muscle tone, enhanced pulmonary function, better balance control, and more accurate cervical proprioception.
Keywords: posture, pulmonary function tests, muscle tonus, proprioception, postural balance
This study investigated the relationship between postural alignment, specifically the CVA and scapular index, and various physiological functions. The findings demonstrated that better postural alignment is associated with lower muscle tone, enhanced pulmonary function, improved balance control, and more accurate proprioceptive acuity. These results suggest that the CVA and scapular index are not merely structural indicators but are meaningfully linked to broader aspects of physical function. These parameters may serve as exploratory indicators of posture-related physiological functions in young adults; however, longitudinal and interventional studies are required before firm clinical applications can be recommended.
Future studies should explore intergroup comparisons based on age and physical characteristics, apply diverse interventions, and conduct causal pathway analyses to elucidate the relationship between postural alignment and functional performance.