Forward Head PostureNCT05619094
Effects of Exercise on Alignment and Muscle Parameters in Forward Head Posture
A study testing Corrective exercise program in people with Forward Head Posture, run by Cukurova University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
It is aimed to investigate the effect of corrective exercise program on alignment, muscle activation and biomechanical properties of muscles in medical students with forward head posture. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Forward Head Posture
- What is being tested?
- Corrective exercise program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2022to 1 Oct 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 30 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Medical students with a Craniovertebral angle ˂ 50°
Who cannot join
- History of chronic pain in cervical region
- Presence of spinal deformity and malalignment
- Disease, fracture or surgery affecting the spine-shoulder-pelvic region
- Presence of malignancy
- BMI outside the normal range
- Presence of medical condition that prevents participation in physical exercise program
- Presence of neuromuscular disease
- Involvement in regular and professional sports activities
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effectiveness of Corrective Exercise Program on Alignment, Muscle Activation and Biomechanical Properties in Medical Students With Forward Head Posture
It is aimed to investigate the effect of corrective exercise program on alignment, muscle activation and biomechanical properties of muscles in medical students with forward head posture.
Read the detailed description
Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural abnormality that can be seen in all age groups. It is characterized by the head position being forward relative to the neck in the sagittal plane. The anterior displacement of the head is mainly assessed through examination of the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and a CVA of ˂50° is described as a FHP. Therapeutic exercises have shown to be effective in FHP and related symptoms in many studies. One of the exercise programs applied is the corrective exercise program. Within the scope of this program, deep cervical flexor muscles and shoulder retractors are strengthened, cervical extensors and pectoral muscles are stretched. This exercise protocol has been reported to provide relief in neck pain, improvement in CVA and shoulder angle. However, the number of studies examining the effect of corrective exercise program for the affected muscle groups in FHP on muscle activation parameters is limited, and there is no study examining the effect on the biomechanical properties of the muscles.
In this study, it is aimed to investigate the effect of corrective exercise program on alignment, muscle activation and biomechanical properties of muscles in medical students with forward head posture.
- Conditions
- Forward Head Posture
- Being tested
- Corrective exercise program
- Keywords
- Exercise, Craniovertebral angle, Muscle activation, Biomechanical properties, Surface electromyography
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Corrective exercise programOther
Strengthening exercises for deep cervical flexor muscles and shoulder retractors.
Stretching exercises for cervical extensors and pectoral muscles.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Corrective Exercise | Experimental | Selective corrective exercise program, 8 weeks Receives: Other: Corrective exercise program |
| Control | No intervention | Training for proper posture |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Craniovertebral angle
The angle between the line connecting the seventh cervical vertebra and the tragus of right ear, and the horizontal line.
running in the sagittal place through the C7 process
Measured: Day 0
Craniovertebral angle
The angle between the line connecting the seventh cervical vertebra and the tragus of right ear, and the horizontal line.
running in the sagittal place through the C7 process
Measured: Week 8
Secondary outcomes (8)
Surface electromyography (EMG) amplitude (RMS)
The activity levels of trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscles will be measured with a wireless EMG system (Delsys, Inc, Boston, MA). The electrodes will be positioned on the belly of the muscle. The signals will be amplified and band-pass filtered (20-450 Hz) before being record digitally at 2000 samples per second, and then the root mean square (RMS) will be calculated. To normalize individual muscle contraction levels, we will use maneuvers of voluntary contractions.
Measured: Day 0
Surface electromyography (EMG) amplitude (RMS)
The activity levels of trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscles will be measured with a wireless EMG system (Delsys, Inc, Boston, MA). The electrodes will be positioned on the belly of the muscle. The signals will be amplified and band-pass filtered (20-450 Hz) before being record digitally at 2000 samples per second, and then the root mean square (RMS) will be calculated. To normalize individual muscle contraction levels, we will use maneuvers of voluntary contractions.
Measured: Week 8
Myotonometer measures (Muscle tone)
The state of tension and biomechanical properties will be measured with a hand-held device (MyotonPro®, Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). MyotonPro® displays the muscle mechanical properties by analyzing the oscillations of the myofascial tissue in response to the 10 short (15 ms) impulses, at 0.56 Newton (N) force and frequency of 1Hertz (Hz) applied by the probe of the device.
The superficial muscles (trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscle) will be evaluated.
The device measures (computes simultaneously) the following parameters: Oscillation frequency (Hz), dynamic stiffness (N/m) and logarithmic decrement.
Oscillation Frequency [Hz]: Characterizes the tone (intrinsic tension) of a muscle in its passive or resting state.
Measured: Day 0
Myotonometer measures (Muscle stiffness)
The state of tension and biomechanical properties will be measured with a hand-held device (MyotonPro®, Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). MyotonPro® displays the muscle mechanical properties by analyzing the oscillations of the myofascial tissue in response to the 10 short (15 ms) impulses, at 0.56 N force and frequency of 1Hz applied by the probe of the device.
The superficial muscles (trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscle) will be evaluated.
The device measures (computes simultaneously) the following parameters: Oscillation frequency (Hz), dynamic stiffness (N/m) and logarithmic decrement.
Dynamic Stiffness [N/m]: Characterises the resistance to a contraction or to an external force that deforms its initial shape.
Measured: Day 0
Myotonometer measures (Muscle elasticity)
The state of tension and biomechanical properties will be measured with a hand-held device (MyotonPro®, Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). MyotonPro® displays the muscle mechanical properties by analyzing the oscillations of the myofascial tissue in response to the 10 short (15 ms) impulses, at 0.56 N force and frequency of 1Hz applied by the probe of the device.
The superficial muscles (trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscle) will be evaluated.
The device measures (computes simultaneously) the following parameters: Oscillation frequency (Hz), dynamic stiffness (N/m) and logarithmic decrement.
Logarithmic Decrement: Characterises elasticity.
Measured: Day 0
Myotonometer measures (Muscle tone)
The state of tension and biomechanical properties will be measured with a hand-held device (MyotonPro®, Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). MyotonPro® displays the muscle mechanical properties by analyzing the oscillations of the myofascial tissue in response to the 10 short (15 ms) impulses, at 0.56 N force and frequency of 1Hz applied by the probe of the device.
The superficial muscles (trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscle) will be evaluated.
The device measures (computes simultaneously) the following parameters: Oscillation frequency (Hz), dynamic stiffness (N/m) and logarithmic decrement.
Ossilation Frequency [Hz]: Characterises the tone (intrinsic tension) of a muscle in its passive or resting state.
Measured: Week 8
Myotonometer measures (Muscle stiffness)
The state of tension and biomechanical properties will be measured with a hand-held device (MyotonPro®, Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). MyotonPro® displays the muscle mechanical properties by analyzing the oscillations of the myofascial tissue in response to the 10 short (15 ms) impulses, at 0.56 N force and frequency of 1Hz applied by the probe of the device.
The superficial muscles (trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscle) will be evaluated.
The device measures (computes simultaneously) the following parameters: Oscillation frequency (Hz), dynamic stiffness (N/m) and logarithmic decrement.
Dynamic Stiffness [N/m]: Characterises the resistance to a contraction or to an external force that deforms its initial shape.
Measured: Week 8
Myotonometer measures (Muscle elasticity)
The state of tension and biomechanical properties will be measured with a hand-held device (MyotonPro®, Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). MyotonPro® displays the muscle mechanical properties by analyzing the oscillations of the myofascial tissue in response to the 10 short (15 ms) impulses, at 0.56 N and frequency of 1Hz applied by the probe of the device.
The superficial muscles (trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis muscle) will be evaluated.
The device measures (computes simultaneously) the following parameters: Oscillation frequency (Hz), dynamic stiffness (N/m) and logarithmic decrement.
Logarithmic Decrement: Characterises elasticity.
Measured: Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Nov 2022
- Study start1 Oct 2022
- Primary completion30 Jun 2023
- Study completion1 Oct 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Forward Head PostureStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cukurova UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cukurova University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sibel Basaran, Cukurova University
- Investigators
- Aylin Sariyildiz, MD, Principal investigator, Cukurova University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05619094
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Cukurova125
- Status last verified
- Nov 2023
- First submitted
- 27 Oct 2022
- Last updated
- 28 Nov 2023
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Nov 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effectiveness of Corrective Exercise Program on Alignment, Muscle Activation and Biomechanical Properties in Medical Students With Forward Head Posture
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05619094
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Cukurova125
- Conditions
- Forward Head Posture
- Keywords
- Exercise, Craniovertebral angle, Muscle activation, Biomechanical properties, Surface electromyography
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Cukurova UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Oct 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Nov 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
It is aimed to investigate the effect of corrective exercise program on alignment, muscle activation and biomechanical properties of muscles in medical students with forward head posture.
Detailed description
Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural abnormality that can be seen in all age groups. It is characterized by the head position being forward relative to the neck in the sagittal plane. The anterior displacement of the head is mainly assessed through examination of the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and a CVA of ˂50° is described as a FHP. Therapeutic exercises have shown to be effective in FHP and related symptoms in many studies. One of the exercise programs applied is the corrective exercise program. Within the scope of this program, deep cervical flexor muscles and shoulder retractors are strengthened, cervical extensors and pectoral muscles are stretched. This exercise protocol has been reported to provide relief in neck pain, improvement in CVA and shoulder angle. However, the number of studies examining the effect of corrective exercise program for the affected muscle groups in FHP on muscle activation parameters is limited, and there is no study examining the effect on the biomechanical properties of the muscles.
In this study, it is aimed to investigate the effect of corrective exercise program on alignment, muscle activation and biomechanical properties of muscles in medical students with forward head posture.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Corrective Exercise | Experimental | Other: Corrective exercise programSelective corrective exercise program, 8 weeks |
| Control | No intervention | –Training for proper posture |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Medical students with a Craniovertebral angle ˂ 50°
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- History of chronic pain in cervical region
- Presence of spinal deformity and malalignment
- Disease, fracture or surgery affecting the spine-shoulder-pelvic region
- Presence of malignancy
- BMI outside the normal range
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Corrective exercise programStrengthening exercises for deep cervical flexor muscles and shoulder retractors. Stretching exercises for cervical extensors and pectoral muscles. | Other | Corrective Exercise |
Primary outcome
Craniovertebral angle
Time frame: Day 0
The angle between the line connecting the seventh cervical vertebra and the tragus of right ear, and the horizontal line. running in the sagittal place through the C7 process
Craniovertebral angle
Time frame: Week 8
The angle between the line connecting the seventh cervical vertebra and the tragus of right ear, and the horizontal line. running in the sagittal place through the C7 process
8 secondary outcomes
Surface electromyography (EMG) amplitude (RMS)
Time frame: Day 0
Surface electromyography (EMG) amplitude (RMS)
Time frame: Week 8
Myotonometer measures (Muscle tone)
Time frame: Day 0
Myotonometer measures (Muscle stiffness)
Time frame: Day 0
Myotonometer measures (Muscle elasticity)
Time frame: Day 0
Myotonometer measures (Muscle tone)
Time frame: Week 8
Myotonometer measures (Muscle stiffness)
Time frame: Week 8
Myotonometer measures (Muscle elasticity)
Time frame: Week 8
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Nov 2023.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Forward Head Posture
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Correlation Between Forward Head Posture and Executive Functions in Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Radiculopathy, Forward Head Posture
Not yet recruiting
Digital Use, 24-Hour Movement Behaviors, and Myofascial Release in University Students With Neck Pain
Forward Head Posture, Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effect of Excercises on Pain , Disability and Craniovertebral Angle in Patients With Forward Head Posture.
Farward Head Posture
RecruitingObservational study
The Association Between Smartphone Overuse and Mechanical Neck Pain Among Galala University Students
Mechanical Neck Pain, Forward Head Posture (FHP)
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Progressive Neck Motor Control Exercises With and Without Conventional Therapy in Text Neck Syndrome.(PNMCE-TNS)
Text Neck Syndrome
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Aylin Sariyildiz, MD principal investigator
Cukurova University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Corrective exercise program in people with Forward Head Posture, run by Cukurova University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Nov 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Craniovertebral angle (time frame: Day 0). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Nov 2023.