Comparison of Static and Dynamic Alignment of the Head and Cervical Vertebrae ‎Between Male and Female Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Assessing the alignment or posture of the spine is one of the important stages of the examination in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, such as head and cervical spine pain. The aim of this study was to determine the difference in the alignment or posture of the head and cervical vertebrae in male and female students.

The research was a cross-sectional study in which 175 male and female students studying at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were investigated using a convenience sampling method. Analysis of the alignment of the head and cervical vertebrae was performed in static and dynamic positions in the sagittal plane, in a sitting position. The photographic method was used to evaluate the alignment. An independent sample t-test was applied to statistical analysis.

In this study, 100 female and 75 male students were examined. The age range of the participants was 18 to 27 years. In the static sitting position, the difference in the lower cervical angle and cervical deviation in the neutral position of the head and neck between the male and females was significant (p<0.05). During movement, significant changes were observed in some angles (p<0.05).

Based on the results of this study, the static and dynamic alignment of the head and cervical vertebrae in male and female students were different in the sagittal plane. It is recommended to carry out more kinesiology studies to quantitatively analyze the movements of different parts of the spine in both sexes.