Forward Head PostureNCT07633678
Relationship Between Forward Head Posture and Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment Among Smartphone Users
An observational study of Forward Head Posture and Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment, run by Deraya University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
Forward head posture is a common postural abnormality characterized by anterior positioning of the head in the sagittal plane. This posture may increase biomechanical stress on the cervical spine and may be associated with compensatory changes in spinal and lumbopelvic alignment. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Forward Head Posture, Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment, Postural Alignment
- What is being tested?
- Craniovertebral Angle Assessment Using APECS Mobile Application and Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment Assessment Using Spine3D LiDAR
- How many people
- 85 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 5 Jun 2025to 5 May 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- 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 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Study population: Male smartphone users aged 18 to 35 years with forward head posture, recruited from outpatient clinics and students of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Sphinx University. Eligible participants use smartphones for at least 4 hours per day for at least 6 months and have craniovertebral angle equal to or less than 50 degrees. Participants are medically stable and free from diagnosed musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.
Who may be able to join
- Male participants aged 18 to 35 years.
- Craniovertebral angle equal to or less than 50 degrees, measured photographically using the APECS mobile application.
- Body mass index from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m².
- Smartphone use of at least 4 hours per day for at least 6 months.
- Asymptomatic participants without diagnosed musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.
- Medically stable participants.
- Participants willing to provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- History of trauma.
- Major psychological problems.
- Previous surgery involving the spine, abdomen, or shoulders.
- Spinal deformity.
- Lower limb deformity.
- Low back pain.
Show all 13Show fewer
- Current or chronic pain in the neck, back, or pelvis.
- Obesity.
- Concomitant systemic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anemia, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or cancer.
- Pregnancy.
- Degenerative or radicular cervical spine disorders, including cervical spondylosis, cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical radiculopathy, or cervical spinal stenosis.
- Degenerative or radicular lumbar spine disorders, including herniated disc or lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Participation in regular postural correction therapy or specific spine-focused exercise programs within the previous 6 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Egypt1 site
Deraya university, faculty of physical therapy
Minya, Menia Governorate
About this study
Forward head posture is a common postural abnormality characterized by anterior positioning of the head in the sagittal plane. This posture may increase biomechanical stress on the cervical spine and may be associated with compensatory changes in spinal and lumbopelvic alignment.
This observational study will investigate the relationship between forward head posture and sagittal lumbopelvic alignment among male smartphone users aged 18 to 35 years. Craniovertebral angle will be measured using the APECS mobile application, and sagittal lumbopelvic alignment parameters will be measured using the Spine3D LiDAR system.
Read the detailed description
Forward head posture is considered one of the commonly occurring musculoskeletal postural abnormalities. It is characterized by an anterior position of the head relative to the body's line of gravity in the sagittal plane. This altered posture may increase mechanical load on cervical joints, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues.
Sagittal spinal and lumbopelvic alignment are important components of global postural balance. Changes in one spinal region may influence adjacent regions through compensatory mechanisms that help maintain horizontal gaze and keep the body's center of gravity within the base of support.
Smartphone use is commonly associated with prolonged neck flexion and altered head posture. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between craniovertebral angle, as an indicator of forward head posture, and sagittal lumbopelvic alignment parameters among smartphone users.
A total of 85 male participants with forward head posture will be recruited from outpatient clinics and students of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Sphinx University. Forward head posture will be assessed using craniovertebral angle measured by the APECS mobile application. Sagittal lumbopelvic alignment will be assessed using the Spine3D LiDAR system by Sensor Medica, including lordotic angle, lumbar arrow, and trunk inclination.
- Being tested
- Craniovertebral Angle Assessment Using APECS Mobile Application, Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment Assessment Using Spine3D LiDAR
- Keywords
- Smartphone users, Craniovertebral angle, Forward head posture, Sagittal alignment
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Craniovertebral Angle Assessment Using APECS Mobile ApplicationDiagnostic test
The craniovertebral angle will be measured using the APECS mobile application to assess forward head posture. Participants with a craniovertebral angle equal to or less than 50 degrees will be considered to have forward head posture.
Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment Assessment Using Spine3D LiDARDiagnostic test
Sagittal lumbopelvic alignment will be assessed using the Spine3D LiDAR system by Sensor Medica. The measured parameters will include lordotic angle, lumbar arrow, and trunk inclination.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Male Smartphone Users With Forward Head Posture | Male participants aged 18 to 35 years who use smartphones for at least 4 hours per day for at least 6 months and have forward head posture, defined by craniovertebral angle equal to or less than 50 degrees. Participants will be assessed for craniovertebral angle and sagittal lumbopelvic alignment parameters during a single assessment session. Receives: Diagnostic Test: Craniovertebral Angle Assessment Using APECS Mobile Application; Diagnostic Test: Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment Assessment Using Spine3D LiDAR |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Correlation Coefficient Between Craniovertebral Angle Measured by APECS Mobile Application and Lordotic Angle Measured by Spine3D LiDAR
The Pearson correlation coefficient will be calculated between craniovertebral angle and lordotic angle. Craniovertebral angle will be measured in degrees using the APECS mobile application. Lordotic angle will be measured in degrees using the Spine3D LiDAR system by Sensor Medica. The correlation coefficient is unitless.
Measured: single assessment session at enrollment
Secondary outcomes (2)
Correlation Coefficient Between Craniovertebral Angle Measured by APECS Mobile Application and Lumbar Arrow Measured by Spine3D LiDAR
The Pearson correlation coefficient will be calculated between craniovertebral angle and lumbar arrow. Craniovertebral angle will be measured in degrees using the APECS mobile application. Lumbar arrow will be measured in millimeters using the Spine3D LiDAR system by Sensor Medica. The correlation coefficient is unitless.
Measured: single assessment session at enrollment
Correlation Coefficient Between Craniovertebral Angle Measured by APECS Mobile Application and Trunk Inclination Measured by Spine3D LiDAR
The Pearson correlation coefficient will be calculated between craniovertebral angle and trunk inclination. Craniovertebral angle will be measured in degrees using the APECS mobile application. Trunk inclination will be measured in degrees using the Spine3D LiDAR system by Sensor Medica. The correlation coefficient is unitless.
Measured: single assessment session at enrollment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Jun 2026
- Study start5 Jun 2025
- Primary completion5 May 2026
- Study completion5 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Forward Head PostureStudies 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 85 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Deraya University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07633678
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FHP-LPA-Smartphone-2025
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 8 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Ahmed SM, et al. Relationship between forward head posture and sacral slope angle. Current Science International. 2019. doi:10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.22
Kim EK, Kim SG. Forward head posture (FHP) angle and plantar pressure resulting from oscillatory stimulation training of the shoulder joint: A randomized controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2019;32(1):37-42. doi: 10.3233/BMR-160748.
PubMed 30056409Berthonnaud E, Dimnet J, Roussouly P, Labelle H. Analysis of the sagittal balance of the spine and pelvis using shape and orientation parameters. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2005 Feb;18(1):40-7. doi: 10.1097/01.bsd.0000117542.88865.77.
PubMed 15687851Elabd AM, Elabd OM. Relationships between forward head posture and lumbopelvic sagittal alignment in older adults with chronic low back pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Oct;28:150-156. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.07.036. Epub 2021 Aug 8.
PubMed 34776134Richards KV, Beales DJ, Smith AJ, O'Sullivan PB, Straker LM. Neck Posture Clusters and Their Association With Biopsychosocial Factors and Neck Pain in Australian Adolescents. Phys Ther. 2016 Oct;96(10):1576-1587. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20150660. Epub 2016 May 12.
PubMed 27174256Asadzadeh A, Salahzadeh Z, Samad-Soltani T, Rezaei-Hachesu P. An affordable and immersive virtual reality-based exercise therapy in forward head posture. PLoS One. 2024 Mar 6;19(3):e0297863. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297863. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 38446782Kuss DJ, Kanjo E, Crook-Rumsey M, Kibowski F, Wang GY, Sumich A. Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Addiction Across Generations: the Roles of Psychopathological Symptoms and Smartphone Use. J Technol Behav Sci. 2018;3(3):141-149. doi: 10.1007/s41347-017-0041-3. Epub 2018 Jan 8.
PubMed 30238057Lee S, Kang H, Shin G. Head flexion angle while using a smartphone. Ergonomics. 2015;58(2):220-6. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2014.967311. Epub 2014 Oct 17.
PubMed 25323467
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Relationship Between Forward Head Posture and Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment Among Smartphone Users
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07633678
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FHP-LPA-Smartphone-2025
- Keywords
- Smartphone users, Craniovertebral angle, Forward head posture, Sagittal alignment
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 85 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Deraya UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 5 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Jun 2026 (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.
Forward head posture is a common postural abnormality characterized by anterior positioning of the head in the sagittal plane. This posture may increase biomechanical stress on the cervical spine and may be associated with compensatory changes in spinal and lumbopelvic alignment.
This observational study will investigate the relationship between forward head posture and sagittal lumbopelvic alignment among male smartphone users aged 18 to 35 years. Craniovertebral angle will be measured using the APECS mobile application, and sagittal lumbopelvic alignment parameters will be measured using the Spine3D LiDAR system.
Detailed description
Forward head posture is considered one of the commonly occurring musculoskeletal postural abnormalities. It is characterized by an anterior position of the head relative to the body's line of gravity in the sagittal plane. This altered posture may increase mechanical load on cervical joints, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues.
Sagittal spinal and lumbopelvic alignment are important components of global postural balance. Changes in one spinal region may influence adjacent regions through compensatory mechanisms that help maintain horizontal gaze and keep the body's center of gravity within the base of support.
Smartphone use is commonly associated with prolonged neck flexion and altered head posture. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between craniovertebral angle, as an indicator of forward head posture, and sagittal lumbopelvic alignment parameters among smartphone users.
A total of 85 male participants with forward head posture will be recruited from outpatient clinics and students of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Sphinx University. Forward head posture will be assessed using craniovertebral angle measured by the APECS mobile application. Sagittal lumbopelvic alignment will be assessed using the Spine3D LiDAR system by Sensor Medica, including lordotic angle, lumbar arrow, and trunk inclination.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Male Smartphone Users With Forward Head Posture | – | Diagnostic Test: Craniovertebral Angle Assessment Using APECS Mobile Application, Diagnostic Test: Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment Assessment Using Spine3D LiDARMale participants aged 18 to 35 years who use smartphones for at least 4 hours per day for at least 6 months and have forward head posture, defined by craniovertebral angle equal to or less than 50 degrees. Participants will be assessed for craniovertebral angle and sagittal lumbopelvic alignment parameters during a single assessment session. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Male smartphone users aged 18 to 35 years with forward head posture, recruited from outpatient clinics and students of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Sphinx University. Eligible participants use smartphones for at least 4 hours per day for at least 6 months and have craniovertebral angle equal to or less than 50 degrees. Participants are medically stable and free from diagnosed musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Male participants aged 18 to 35 years.
- Craniovertebral angle equal to or less than 50 degrees, measured photographically using the APECS mobile application.
- Body mass index from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m².
- Smartphone use of at least 4 hours per day for at least 6 months.
- Asymptomatic participants without diagnosed musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.
Key exclusion criteria (13 listed)
- History of trauma.
- Major psychological problems.
- Previous surgery involving the spine, abdomen, or shoulders.
- Spinal deformity.
- Lower limb deformity.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Craniovertebral Angle Assessment Using APECS Mobile ApplicationThe craniovertebral angle will be measured using the APECS mobile application to assess forward head posture. Participants with a craniovertebral angle equal to or less than 50 degrees will be considered to have forward head posture. | Diagnostic test | Male Smartphone Users With Forward Head Posture |
| Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment Assessment Using Spine3D LiDARSagittal lumbopelvic alignment will be assessed using the Spine3D LiDAR system by Sensor Medica. The measured parameters will include lordotic angle, lumbar arrow, and trunk inclination. | Diagnostic test | Male Smartphone Users With Forward Head Posture |
Primary outcome
Correlation Coefficient Between Craniovertebral Angle Measured by APECS Mobile Application and Lordotic Angle Measured by Spine3D LiDAR
Time frame: single assessment session at enrollment
The Pearson correlation coefficient will be calculated between craniovertebral angle and lordotic angle. Craniovertebral angle will be measured in degrees using the APECS mobile application. Lordotic angle will be measured in degrees using the Spine3D LiDAR system by Sensor Medica. The correlation coefficient is unitless.
2 secondary outcomes
Correlation Coefficient Between Craniovertebral Angle Measured by APECS Mobile Application and Lumbar Arrow Measured by Spine3D LiDAR
Time frame: single assessment session at enrollment
Correlation Coefficient Between Craniovertebral Angle Measured by APECS Mobile Application and Trunk Inclination Measured by Spine3D LiDAR
Time frame: single assessment session at enrollment
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 8 Jun 2026.
- BackgroundAhmed SM, et al. Relationship between forward head posture and sacral slope angle. Current Science International. 2019. doi:10.36632/csi/2019.8.4.22
- Background: PubMed 30056409Kim EK, Kim SG. Forward head posture (FHP) angle and plantar pressure resulting from oscillatory stimulation training of the shoulder joint: A randomized controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2019;32(1):37-42. doi: 10.3233/BMR-160748.
- Background: PubMed 15687851Berthonnaud E, Dimnet J, Roussouly P, Labelle H. Analysis of the sagittal balance of the spine and pelvis using shape and orientation parameters. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2005 Feb;18(1):40-7. doi: 10.1097/01.bsd.0000117542.88865.77.
- Background: PubMed 34776134Elabd AM, Elabd OM. Relationships between forward head posture and lumbopelvic sagittal alignment in older adults with chronic low back pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Oct;28:150-156. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.07.036. Epub 2021 Aug 8.
- Background: PubMed 27174256Richards KV, Beales DJ, Smith AJ, O'Sullivan PB, Straker LM. Neck Posture Clusters and Their Association With Biopsychosocial Factors and Neck Pain in Australian Adolescents. Phys Ther. 2016 Oct;96(10):1576-1587. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20150660. Epub 2016 May 12.
- Background: PubMed 38446782Asadzadeh A, Salahzadeh Z, Samad-Soltani T, Rezaei-Hachesu P. An affordable and immersive virtual reality-based exercise therapy in forward head posture. PLoS One. 2024 Mar 6;19(3):e0297863. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297863. eCollection 2024.
- Background: PubMed 30238057Kuss DJ, Kanjo E, Crook-Rumsey M, Kibowski F, Wang GY, Sumich A. Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Addiction Across Generations: the Roles of Psychopathological Symptoms and Smartphone Use. J Technol Behav Sci. 2018;3(3):141-149. doi: 10.1007/s41347-017-0041-3. Epub 2018 Jan 8.
- Results publication: PubMed 25323467Lee S, Kang H, Shin G. Head flexion angle while using a smartphone. Ergonomics. 2015;58(2):220-6. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2014.967311. Epub 2014 Oct 17.
- 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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Forward Head Posture and Sagittal Lumbopelvic Alignment, run by Deraya University at 1 site in Egypt.
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 7 inclusion and 13 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 8 Jun 2026. 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 Egypt. 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?
Correlation Coefficient Between Craniovertebral Angle Measured by APECS Mobile Application and Lordotic Angle Measured by Spine3D LiDAR (time frame: single assessment session at enrollment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07633678, which also lists 8 linked publications.
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 8 Jun 2026.