Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Cervicothoracic Postural Adaptations and Their Association with Gait Kinetic Profiles in Esports Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Analysis

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Shirin Aali 1
Parinaz Fahimi 2
Marjan Zareyan 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
2 MSc Student, Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran
3 PhD in Information Science and Epistemology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i853.253
Abstract
Background: Cervicothoracic postural adaptations, especially forward head posture, are among the most common musculoskeletal disorders in e-sports athletes. This study aimed to compare the components of ground reaction forces during gait in adolescent e-sports athletes with and without cervicothoracic adaptations and to investigate the relationship of these adaptations with gait kinetics.

Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, 30 adolescent gamers (15 with injury and 15 healthy) participated. In each group, 8 females and 7 males were studied. Craniovertebral angle was measured to detect forward head tilt. Peak force components, time to peak, and impulse were recorded in three directions, vertical, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral, while walking on the force plate. Data were analyzed with independent t-test and Cohen’s d.

Findings: In the forward group, the peak internal-external force decreased at heel strike (p=0.002) and increased at mid-stance (p=0.016). The peak vertical force was lower at heel strike (p=0.038). The time to peak at heel strike decreased for the internal-external force and increased for the vertical. At mid-stance, the time to peak internal-external increased (p=0.006). In the push phase, the time to peak all three components increased significantly. Free torque showed a minimum decrease and a maximum increase. Other variables did not differ significantly.

Conclusion: In adolescent gamers, forward head posture is associated with significant changes in the ground reaction force pattern, which may indicate impaired shock absorption, reduce dynamic stability, and delay propulsive force application. Screening and design of corrective programs for this group are considered essential.

Highlights

Shirin Aali: Google Scholar ,PubMed

Farhad Rezazadeh: Google Scholar ,PubMed

Parinaz Fahimi: Google Scholar

Keywords
Forward Head Posture
Ground Reaction Forces
Gait
Craniovertebral Angle
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 853
1st Week, May
May and June 2026
Pages 253-261

  • Receive Date 24 April 2026
  • Accept Date 03 June 2026