Use of the Occivator for the Correction of Forward Head Posture, and the Implications for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Pilot Study

• Published in: Cranio Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 136 - 143
• Main Authors: Augustine, Catherine, Makofsky, Howard W., Britt, Christina, Adomsky, Barbara, Martire Deshler, Jennifer, Ramirez, Paula, Douris, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01-04-2008; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Care and treatment; Dentistry; Diagnosis; Equipment Design; Female; Head - pathology; Humans; Male; Medical equipment; Muscle Stretching Exercises - instrumentation; Neck Muscles - physiopathology; Physical Therapy Modalities - instrumentation; Physiological apparatus; Physiological aspects; Pilot Projects; Posture; Posture - physiology; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Risk factors; Temporomandibular joint disorders; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - therapy; New York
• ISSN: 0886-9634; 2151-0903
• DOI: 10.1179/crn.2008.018

Numerous studies suggest that temporomandibular disorders may be associated with forward head posture. The current study presents a need for an intervention that will effectively facilitate an ideal postural alignment of the head. The Occivator (Posteocentric Systems, Mastic Beach, NY) is an intervention speculated to improve forward head posture (FHP). However there has not been a randomized study to correlate use of the Occivator with improvement of FHP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Occivator as a therapeutic intervention for the correction of FHP. Using a plumb line, twenty-nine (29) subjects were selected on the basis of having FHP. The CROM (cervical range of motion) device was used to determine measurement of forward head position for each group, pre and post an eight week period. The experimental group followed a specific protocol of 20 minutes of stretches and exercises on the Occivator, two times a week for eight weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. The experimental group as compared to the control group, demonstrated significant improvement for forward head posture (p=.02). Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Occivator.