Is the forward head posture a health problem affecting children and adolescents?

Introduction: Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most common types of poor head posture in the sagittal plane. The widespread use of computers, smartphones, and tablets can be one of the causes of poor posture in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to assess the position of the head in children and adolescents. Material and Methods: Sixty-two children from a primary school in Krakow were divided into two age groups. Group 1 consisted of 35 children aged 9-11 years, whereas Group 2 included 27 adolescents aged 12-15 years. The photogrammetry method was used to measure head position. The study participants were asked to assess their head and neck position as correct or incorrect. Results: Among all respondents, 16 people (25.81%) had a craniovertebral angle (CVA) in the standing position of fewer than 48 degrees, which indicates a problem with the forward head position. There were statistically significant differences in forward head shift (FHS) and CVA determined in sitting and standing positions between age groups. Group 2 had statistically significantly lower CVA and higher FHS values than Group 1. Fifty-eight (93.5%) study participants considered the positioning of their head and neck to be correct. Conclusions: FHP can occur in children and adolescents.