A Cross-Sectional Study to Determine the Relationship Between Level of Ponytail and Head Posture in Medical Undergraduate Students

Forward Head Posture (FHP) represents a pervasive musculoskeletal deviation among medical undergraduate students, attributed to the physiological and psychological rigors of their curriculum. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between the vertical level of ponytail tying and objective postural indices—specifically the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) and the Craniohorizontal Angle (CHA). A cohort of 100 female medical undergraduate students (aged 18–25) was recruited based on standardized inclusion criteria involving hair length and hairstyle consistency. Postural measurements were obtained using Modified and Universal goniometers to assess sagittal plane alignment. Results indicated a demographic distribution of ponytail levels at High (n=22), Mid (n=42), and Low (n=36). Descriptive analysis revealed a 73% prevalence of FHP (CVA < 50⁰) across the entire sample. Statistical analysis via One-Way ANOVA demonstrated no significant relationship between ponytail level and CVA (p=0.539) or CHA (p=0.500). While the null hypothesis was accepted, the findings underscore a profound postural crisis in medical academia, potentially driven by occupational ergonomics rather than accessory hairstyle mechanics. The high tension exerted by small rubber bands and their posterior force vectors warrants further longitudinal investigation into fascial tension and cervicogenic symptoms.