Effects of intervention using biofeedback equipment and a neck correction exercise program on balance control ability, proprioception and craniovertebral angle in young adults: a pilot study

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of biofeedback equipment with a tilt sensor and a neck correction exercise program on balance control ability, proprioception, and craniovertebral angle (CVA) in young adults. Ten students (M/F, 7/3) aged 20–30 years attending Sunmoon University in Asan-si, South Korea, participated in this study. All subjects participated in three sessions. These sessions consisted of a biofeedback session with a tilt sensor, followed by an exercise session, and a combined session involving biofeedback equipment with a tilt sensor and exercise. Each session takes 30[Formula: see text]min. The sessions were conducted with a one-day interval between each one. Before the start of the experiment, physical characteristics were measured, and proprioception, balance control ability, and CVA were evaluated. The exercise program significantly improved the stability index (SI) in the eyes-closed state. The biofeedback program resulted in improvement in left rotation, and the CVA was significantly improved after all exercise sessions. In conclusion, a neck correction exercise program that actively moves muscles may have a potential positive impact on balance control ability. Biofeedback equipment might aid in enhancing proprioception by preventing forward head posture (FHP).