The Severity of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Neck Posture in Children

¹ Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia
² School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by attention deficits, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, often accompanied by sensorimotor disorders that affect body posture. This study aims to analyse the relationship between the severity of ADHD symptoms and neck posture, particularly forward head posture, in children aged 6–12 years. The study employed a cross-sectional design involving 200 primary school children as participants. ADHD severity was measured using the Copeland Symptom Checklist, while neck posture was assessed via Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) using the Quick Angle Physio application. Statistical analysis utilized Spearman's correlation test and linear regression with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results showed a significant negative correlation between ADHD scores and CVA (r = -0.537; p = 0.000), indicating that higher ADHD scores are associated with a greater tendency for children to exhibit forward head posture. Attention deficits, hyperactivity, unintegrated primitive reflexes, and gadget usage duration are suspected to contribute to this postural disorder. These findings underscore the importance of physiotherapy interventions, including postural exercises, reflex integration, ergonomic education, and monitoring of gadget use, as early preventive measures to improve postural control and quality of life in children with ADHD.