Comparison of Prefrontal Hemodynamic Responses and Balance Control Differences Based on Head Posture and Task Difficulty in Cognitive-Balance Tasks

* Recent studies have shown that individuals with forward head posture (FHP) experience not only impaired balance control but also cognitive deficits. * Using a balance-cognitive dual-task paradigm, this study aims to explore the relationship between balance ability and Prefrontal cortex(PFC) oxygenation levels(△HbO2) in individuals with FHP compared to those with normal head posture(NHP). * By analyzing differences in frontal lobe activation based on task difficulty, this study is expected to provide practical data for designing balance training and cognitive-motor intervention programs tailored to individuals with FHP.

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Key information

Conditions

Forward Head Posture Normal Head Posture

Age range

20 year–39 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Sahmyook university

Seoul, 노원구, 01759, South Korea

About this study

This study is a cross-sectional study aiming to investigate the differences in balance ability between individuals with forward head posture (FHP) and those with normal head posture (NHP), as well as the differences in frontal lobe oxygenation levels during a balance-cognitive dual task.

Study participants will be assigned to receive two groups: (a) Forward head posture (b) Normal head posture. Each group will perform three balance tasks while simultaneously completing three cognitive tasks. To determine the differences, the primary outcome will assess prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamic response, and the secondary outcome will assess balance ability.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Healthy adults aged 20 to 39 years
Classified as having Forward Head Posture (FHP) or Normal Head Posture (NHP) based on Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) measurement

Exclusion criteria

Individuals with a history of spinal or musculoskeletal trauma or surgery
Individuals who have reported recent neck or shoulder pain

Treatment and study plan

Cognitive-Balance dual task

Behavioral

The cognitive-balance dual task consists of three levels of difficulty and is performed simultaneously.

The cognitive tasks include the N-back test, while the balance tasks consist of static balance tasks.

Primary outcomes

The degree of hemodynamic response in the prefrontal cortex (PFC)

Time frame: From enrollment to 2 days

Hemodynamic response changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) will be assessed by measuring variations in oxyhemoglobin (HbO) concentration using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The study will compare HbO concentration changes between the control and experimental groups during cognitive-balance task performance.

Secondary outcomes

Balance performance

Time frame: From enrollment to 2 days

Static and dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the Good Balance system (Metitur, Finland). The assessment will be conducted on a triangular platform by measuring changes in the center of pressure (COP), regardless of foot position. The results will be reported as variations in COP displacement and velocity.

Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the Four Square Step Test (FSST). Participants will step in four quadrants formed by rods or tape arranged in a cross pattern. The time taken to complete the FSST will be recorded in seconds.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sahmyook University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Feb 27, 2025
Registry last updated: Jan 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed