What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to assess the influence of exam periods on pressure pain thresholds and perceived stress in students with forward head posture.

April 3, 2026Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine0 citationsOpen Access

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

HSHo Jeong Shin HSHo-Hee Son

Key Points

The study aims to assess the influence of exam periods on pressure pain thresholds and perceived stress in students with forward head posture.
Involved 32 college students categorized into forward head posture and normal alignment groups based on cranio-vertebral angle.
Measured pressure pain threshold, visual analog scale scores, and perceived stress using the Korean version of the perceived stress scale.
Conducted assessments during regular semester and exam periods.
Students with forward head posture showed a decrease in pressure pain threshold during exam periods.
Perceived stress levels were significantly higher in the forward head posture group during exams compared to regular periods.
Normal alignment group did not show the same level of change in pain thresholds or stress.

Abstract

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.

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