Effect ofthe Exam Period on the Pressure Pain Thresholds and Perceived Stress Levels of Students with Forward Head Posture

PURPOSE: Forward head posture (FHP) is associated with neck pain and is influenced by physical and psychological factors.Pressure pain threshold (PPT) has been reported to be inversely related to psychological stress such as anxiety.This study aimed to determine the effect of the exam period on PPT and perceived stress in students with FHP.METHODS: There were 32 college students in this study.Based on a cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) of 50, the students were divided into the FHP group (CVA < 50; n = 16; mean age, 21.06 1.57 years) and the normal alignment group (CVA 50; n = 16; mean age, 21.25 1.57 years).The visual analog scale (VAS) scores, the Korean version of the perceived stress scale (K-PSS) scores, and PPT of the bilateral trapezius muscles were assessed during the semester and exam period.