Background: The craniovertebral angle (CVA) quantifies craniocervical alignment and is widely used to characterize forward head posture. However, its association with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function remains unclear. Objectives: To examine correlations between CVA and TMJ range of motion (ROM) and isometric muscle strength in healthy adults. Design: This study is cross-sectional comparative study. Methods: Forty-six adults were divided into a normal posture group (n=23; CVA: 54.03±4.86°) and a forward head posture group (n=23; CVA: 33.88±6.38°). TMJ ROM (opening, protraction, left/right deviation) was measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system, and isometric muscle strength (opening, closing, protraction, left/right deviation) was assessed with a digital dynamometer. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted (P<.05). Results: CVA showed significant positive correlations with most TMJ variables (P<.01). ROM increased with CVA, including opening (r=.446), protraction (r=.464), and right deviation (r=.407), while left deviation was not significant (r=.243). Muscle strength showed stronger correlations: opening (r=.574), closing (r=.612), protraction (r=.572), left deviation (r=.481), and right deviation (r=.677). Conclusion: Greater CVA was associated with higher TMJ ROM and strength, with stronger effects on strength, indicating the importance of craniocervical alignment in TMJ function.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
    Subjects
    Outcome Measures
    Experimental Procedures
    Data and Statistical Analysis
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
FUNDING
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
REFERENCES

• Juhun Lee(Department of Physical Therapy, Kaya University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea)
• Sunghak Cho(Department of Physical Therapy, Kaya University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author
• Chihwan Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Kaya University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea)