Prevalence, risk factors of forward head posture and its health consequences on physical outcomes among the adult population in Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Hisham M. Hussein Department of Basic Sciences for Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt / Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2184-6147
  • Salha Mohammed Almeshyakhi Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5481-4187
  • Wajdi Abdulrahim Alghamdi Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9070-8833
  • Mousa Alsuwat Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9795-1687
  • Ghazi Hakami Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4028-4480
  • Salihah Alshehri Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9089-5570
  • Munirah Abdullah Alaqil Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6617-5362
  • Remas Abdualrahman Alrahili Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia.
  • Shatha Saleh Alshubrami Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2918-5938
  • Ahmed Abdelmoniem Ibrahim Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2103-1995
  • Ebtehal Fahad Alsulaimani Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8700-4685

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.667611

Keywords:

Cervical Spine, Craniovertebral Angle, Risk Factors, Side Effects, Upper Crossed Syndrome

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and health consequences associated with forward head posture (FHP) among Saudi Arabia's adult population. The authors screened 533 adult males using a photographic technique to calculate the craniovertebral angle (CVA), and used direct questions to determine the average screen time per day, the existence of neck pain, and the average number of pain attacks. Body composition was indicated by body mass index (BMI). The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) assessed the average neck pain intensity. Of the 533 participants, 211 (39%) demonstrated a CVA of 48° or less, indicating FHP. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between screen time exposure and the value of CVA (r=-.651; p<.001). Similarly, a statistically significant positive correlation existed between BMI and FHP (r= -.470; p<.001). The existence of pain, its intensity, and the average number of attacks were statistically significantly correlated with the CVA (Rpb= -.692; p<.001). (r=-.621; p<.001). (r=-.801; p<.001), respectively. In conclusion, FHP is a common neck problem among adult males in Saudi Arabia. Reducing exposure to smart screens and optimizing body composition could reduce the incidence of FHP and subsequent neck pain.

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References

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Published

21-05-2026

How to Cite

M. Hussein, H., Mohammed Almeshyakhi , S., Abdulrahim Alghamdi, W., Alsuwat, M., Hakami, G., Alshehri, S., … Fahad Alsulaimani , E. (2026). Prevalence, risk factors of forward head posture and its health consequences on physical outcomes among the adult population in Saudi Arabia. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 15, 39. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.667611

Issue

Vol. 15 (2026)

Section

Articles

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