Visual AcuityNCT06019806
Effects of Forward Head Posture Correction on Visual Acuity in Low Level Visually Impaired University Students
A study testing POSTURAL CORRECTION four exercises and postural Correction education with a manuscript in people with Visual Acuity, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The aim of this research is to find the effect of forward head posture correction on visual acuity and fatigue in low level visually impaired university students. Randomized controlled trials at Cecos University of IT and Emerging Sciences would be done. The sample size would be 48. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 15 to 28 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Visual Acuity
- What is being tested?
- POSTURAL CORRECTION four exercises and postural Correction education with a manuscript
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 6 Sep 2023to 15 Feb 2024
- 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 15 to 28 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both male and female
- Mild visual impairment, visual acuity of 20/30 to 20/70 and with symptoms of visual fatigue
- Forward head posture (FHP)
- Craniovertebral Angle less than 48-50
- Able to understand and provide informed consent
- Able to participate in the intervention and attend all the required
Who cannot join
- Visual impairment other than mild visual impairment (e.g., legal blindness)
- Pre-existing medical conditions or injuries that may affect the posture or visual function
- Any previous neck and Eye surgery.
- Previous history of treatment for FHP or visual impairment in the past six months(23)
- Any physical, neurological or cognitive disability that may affect the ability to participate in the intervention or the assessments
- Use of medication or treatments that may affect the posture or visual function
- Psychological conditions
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Forward Head Posture Correction on Visual Acuity and Fatigue in Low Level Visually Impaired University Students
The aim of this research is to find the effect of forward head posture correction on visual acuity and fatigue in low level visually impaired university students. Randomized controlled trials at Cecos University of IT and Emerging Sciences would be done. The sample size would be 48. The subjects would be divided in two groups, 24 subjects Intervention group and 24 in control group. Study duration would be 6 months. Sampling technique applied would be a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Only 18-25 years low level visually impaired university students with forward head posture would be included. Tools used in the study would be asthenopia questionnaire, Snellen chart and CVA angle photogrammetry
Read the detailed description
In recent years, the increasing use of modern technology has raised concerns about its potential impact on our visual health. However, research suggests that in addition to these factors environmental factors such as near work, visual stress, educational stress and acquired false head posture may have a greater impact on visual health of young adult population. Prolonged use of digital devices can cause digital eye strain, leading to symptoms such as headaches and blurred vision. However, poor posture can also cause strain on the eyes, leading to decreased visual acuity and compromised performance. It is essential to consider factors such as posture when assessing visual performance in university students, in addition to the impact of modern technology. The forward head posture (FHP) is the head movement that occurs from poor postural awareness and frequently leads to muscle imbalance and discomfort.
University students frequently experience a forward head position, especially those who spend a lot of time studying or using computers. Both forward head posture and visual impairment are more prevalent among university students. It has been found that 63.96% of university students, including both genders, exhibit a prevalence of forward head posture. . A 2019 study in America found that 67.8% of university students experience visual fatigue, with blurred vision being the most commonly reported symptom (27%). This suggests many students may have mild visual impairments, impacting their academic performance and quality of life. The existing research has mainly concentrated on studying visual impairment by defining specific levels of impairment such as 'moderate' and 'severe.' However, it is plausible that even a minor reduction in visual acuity, also known as 'mild' visual impairment (ranging from 20/30 to 20/70), could have a subtle but significant impact on an individual's ability to cope with activities of daily life. The position and movement of the head play a crucial role in visual perception, as the somatosensory system of the neck is intricately connected to the visual system. Spending most of the time using computers, mobile phones and reading can cause biomechanical alterations that make it difficult to keep a neutral head position and compromise the structural integrity .The Centre of Gravity (COG) of the head moves in anterosuperior direction as a result of this structural integrity compromise, increasing the stress on the neck. Each inch that the head is moved forward or anteriorly from its neutral position adds approximately 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of extra weight to the cervical spine.
- Conditions
- Visual Acuity
- Being tested
- POSTURAL CORRECTION four exercises, postural Correction education with a manuscript
- Keywords
- forward head posture, visual fatigue, craniovertebral angle, postural correction exercises
- Medical subject headings
- Asthenopia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
POSTURAL CORRECTION four exercisesOther
The program will involve four exercises, including two strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises.
- Chin tuck (deep cervical flexor)
- Strengthening shoulder retractors
- Sternocleidomastoid muscle stretch
- Pectoralis stretch Participants will be instructed to perform three sets of 12 repetitions for the strengthening exercises, with a 30-second rest period allotted between each set. For the stretching exercises, participants will be instructed to hold each stretch for 30 seconds, with a 30-second rest period allotted between each exercise The experimental group will also receive postural Correction education
postural Correction education with a manuscriptOther
The control group would receive postural Correction education and they would be provided with a manuscript. They would be then guided to follow these guidelines as a home plan for four weeks. At the end of the Fourth week, they would be assessed.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| postural correction group A | Experimental | 1. Chin tuck (deep cervical flexor)
2. Strengthening shoulder retractors
3. Sternocleidomastoid muscle stretch
4. Pectoralis stretch Receives: Other: POSTURAL CORRECTION four exercises |
| Control group B | Active comparator | postural Correction education Receives: Other: postural Correction education with a manuscript |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Snellen Chart
Universally used for measuring visual acuity.
Measured: 4 weeks
Asthenopia Questionnaire
Used for measuring Visual fatigue.
Measured: 4 weeks
Craniovertebral Angle
Craniovertebral angle is measured by taking 2 lateral photographs of the subject in a relaxed seated position without a back support. Spinous process of C7 and the tragus of ear are marked with a body marker. A horizontal line is drawn passing through C7 making a right angle with the vertical.
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted31 Aug 2023
- Study start6 Sep 2023
- Primary completion30 Jan 2024
- Study completion15 Feb 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Visual AcuityStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Aisha Razzaq, MSPT-OMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06019806
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RiphahIU Shabi ul Hassan
- Status last verified
- May 2024
- First submitted
- 26 Aug 2023
- Last updated
- 21 May 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- 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 21 May 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Forward Head Posture Correction on Visual Acuity and Fatigue in Low Level Visually Impaired University Students
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06019806
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RiphahIU Shabi ul Hassan
- Conditions
- Visual Acuity
- Keywords
- forward head posture, visual fatigue, craniovertebral angle, postural correction exercises
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 Sep 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Feb 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 31 Aug 2023 (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.
The aim of this research is to find the effect of forward head posture correction on visual acuity and fatigue in low level visually impaired university students. Randomized controlled trials at Cecos University of IT and Emerging Sciences would be done. The sample size would be 48. The subjects would be divided in two groups, 24 subjects Intervention group and 24 in control group. Study duration would be 6 months. Sampling technique applied would be a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Only 18-25 years low level visually impaired university students with forward head posture would be included. Tools used in the study would be asthenopia questionnaire, Snellen chart and CVA angle photogrammetry
Detailed description
In recent years, the increasing use of modern technology has raised concerns about its potential impact on our visual health. However, research suggests that in addition to these factors environmental factors such as near work, visual stress, educational stress and acquired false head posture may have a greater impact on visual health of young adult population. Prolonged use of digital devices can cause digital eye strain, leading to symptoms such as headaches and blurred vision. However, poor posture can also cause strain on the eyes, leading to decreased visual acuity and compromised performance. It is essential to consider factors such as posture when assessing visual performance in university students, in addition to the impact of modern technology. The forward head posture (FHP) is the head movement that occurs from poor postural awareness and frequently leads to muscle imbalance and discomfort.
University students frequently experience a forward head position, especially those who spend a lot of time studying or using computers. Both forward head posture and visual impairment are more prevalent among university students. It has been found that 63.96% of university students, including both genders, exhibit a prevalence of forward head posture. . A 2019 study in America found that 67.8% of university students experience visual fatigue, with blurred vision being the most commonly reported symptom (27%). This suggests many students may have mild visual impairments, impacting their academic performance and quality of life. The existing research has mainly concentrated on studying visual impairment by defining specific levels of impairment such as 'moderate' and 'severe.' However, it is plausible that even a minor reduction in visual acuity, also known as 'mild' visual impairment (ranging from 20/30 to 20/70), could have a subtle but significant impact on an individual's ability to cope with activities of daily life. The position and movement of the head play a crucial role in visual perception, as the somatosensory system of the neck is intricately connected to the visual system. Spending most of the time using computers, mobile phones and reading can cause biomechanical alterations that make it difficult to keep a neutral head position and compromise the structural integrity .The Centre of Gravity (COG) of the head moves in anterosuperior direction as a result of this structural integrity compromise, increasing the stress on the neck. Each inch that the head is moved forward or anteriorly from its neutral position adds approximately 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of extra weight to the cervical spine.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| postural correction group A | Experimental | Other: POSTURAL CORRECTION four exercises1. Chin tuck (deep cervical flexor) 2. Strengthening shoulder retractors 3. Sternocleidomastoid muscle stretch 4. Pectoralis stretch |
| Control group B | Active comparator | Other: postural Correction education with a manuscriptpostural Correction education |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 15 to 28 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Both male and female
- Mild visual impairment, visual acuity of 20/30 to 20/70 and with symptoms of visual fatigue
- Forward head posture (FHP)
- Craniovertebral Angle less than 48-50
- Able to understand and provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Visual impairment other than mild visual impairment (e.g., legal blindness)
- Pre-existing medical conditions or injuries that may affect the posture or visual function
- Any previous neck and Eye surgery.
- Previous history of treatment for FHP or visual impairment in the past six months(23)
- Any physical, neurological or cognitive disability that may affect the ability to participate in the intervention or the assessments
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 |
|---|---|---|
| POSTURAL CORRECTION four exercisesThe program will involve four exercises, including two strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises. 1. Chin tuck (deep cervical flexor) 2. Strengthening shoulder retractors 3. Sternocleidomastoid muscle stretch 4. Pectoralis stretch Participants will be instructed to perform three sets of 12 repetitions for the strengthening exercises, with a 30-second rest period allotted between each set. For the stretching exercises, participants will be instructed to hold each stretch for 30 seconds, with a 30-second rest period allotted between each exercise The experimental group will also receive postural Correction education | Other | postural correction group A |
| postural Correction education with a manuscriptThe control group would receive postural Correction education and they would be provided with a manuscript. They would be then guided to follow these guidelines as a home plan for four weeks. At the end of the Fourth week, they would be assessed. | Other | Control group B |
Primary outcome
Snellen Chart
Time frame: 4 weeks
Universally used for measuring visual acuity.
Asthenopia Questionnaire
Time frame: 4 weeks
Used for measuring Visual fatigue.
Craniovertebral Angle
Time frame: 4 weeks
Craniovertebral angle is measured by taking 2 lateral photographs of the subject in a relaxed seated position without a back support. Spinous process of C7 and the tragus of ear are marked with a body marker. A horizontal line is drawn passing through C7 making a right angle with the vertical.
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 21 May 2024.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Aisha Razzaq, MSPT-OMPT principal investigator
Riphah International 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 POSTURAL CORRECTION four exercises and postural Correction education with a manuscript in people with Visual Acuity, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 6 inclusion and 7 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 21 May 2024. 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 Pakistan. 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?
Snellen Chart (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 3 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 21 May 2024.