The Effect of Focus Approaches on Neck Region Muscle Activation

NCT06778980 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: BYDTEZ-2024/1Gazi University
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Forward Head Posture (FHP) causes muscle imbalances in the neck and shoulder regions. Various exercises are suggested to correct FHP. During these exercises, internal and external focus techniques are used to enhance motor learning and improve muscle balance. However, there are no studies examining how these approaches affect neck muscle activation in individuals with FHP. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of external and internal focus techniques, aimed at improving cervical alignment during postural correction exercises, on cervical muscle activation in individuals with FHP.

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Keywords

muscle activation; external focus; internal focus; scapular retraction

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Electromyography (EMG) Measurement on neck muscles

  The activation of the Upper Trapezius (UT), Middle Trapezius (MT), Lower Trapezius (LT), Serratus Anterior (SA), and Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles will be measured using the non-invasive surface 8-channel EMG Noraxon MiniDTS system (Noraxon, USA, Inc, Scottsdale, AZ).

  through study completion, an average of 3 months

• Craniovertebral Angle Measurement

  The craniovertebral angle (CVA) will be measured using the reliable and valid lateral digital photogrammetric method and Kinovea Video Analysis Software. Participants will be filmed laterally from their dominant side (left for left-dominant, right for right-dominant). A phone on a tripod will be placed 1.5 meters away from the participant at shoulder height. Markers will be placed on the tragus and C7 spinous process for accurate measurement, with participants wearing tight shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. They will be instructed to stand with feet shoulder-width apart and face forward. Before photographing, participants will walk in place five times to capture their natural head-body position. Photos will be taken within the first 5 seconds, and the CVA will be measured using Kinovea Video Analysis Software.

  through study completion, an average of 3 months

Study Arms (6)

unguided scapular retraction

NO INTERVENTION

Participants will be asked to perform the scapular retraction exercise without any corrective cues for the cervical region.

unguided prone T exercise

NO INTERVENTION

Participants will be asked to perform the prone T exercise without any corrective cues for the cervical region.

scapular retraction exercise with External focus

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

For external focus, participants will wear a headband with a laser light positioned on their forehead. The laser will be aligned to shine above and between the eyebrows. A flat wall will be placed in front of them, where the laser light is clearly visible. Participants will be instructed: "Bring your head into a chin tuck position and focus on the point where the laser hits the wall while performing the exercise."

Other: The chin tuck posture

scapular retraction exercise with internal focus

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will be instructed: "Bring your head into a chin tuck position and focus on keeping your neck in a neutral position while performing the exercise."

Other: The chin tuck posture

prone T exercise with external focus

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

For external focus, participants will wear a headband with a laser light positioned on their forehead. The laser will be aligned to shine above and between the eyebrows. A flat wall will be placed in front of them, where the laser light is clearly visible. Participants will be instructed: "Bring your head into a chin tuck position and focus on the point where the laser hits the wall while performing the exercise."

Other: The chin tuck posture

prone T exercise with internal focus

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will be instructed: "Bring your head into a chin tuck position and focus on keeping your neck in a neutral position while performing the exercise."

Other: The chin tuck posture

Interventions

The chin tuck posture OTHER

A chin tuck is a posture correction technique where the individual gently tucks their chin towards their chest while keeping the rest of the body straight. This movement helps align the head and neck, reducing forward head posture and improving spinal alignment. After performing the unguided exercises, the patients will be taught the chin tuck position. From this point onward, they will be instructed to maintain the chin tuck position while performing the exercises using both external and internal focus strategies.

prone T exercise with external focus; prone T exercise with internal focus; scapular retraction exercise with External focus; scapular retraction exercise with internal focus

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18-35 years,
• Craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 50 degrees,
• Willing to not participate in any treatment/evaluation during the study,
• Voluntary participation.

You may not qualify if:

• Experiencing pain in the neck, spine, upper or lower extremities for the past 3 months,
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m²,
• History of neck injuries or surgeries such as intervertebral disc herniation, spondylosis, radiculopathy, chronic headaches, or whiplash,
• Any visual, auditory, or sensory impairments,
• Temporomandibular joint issues,
• Neurological (e.g., epilepsy), rheumatological, or orthopedic symptoms,
• Any conditions affecting balance and muscle control,
• Cardiopulmonary or systemic diseases that prevent exercise.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gazi University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gazi University

Ankara, Turkey, 06490, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Central Study Contacts

Beyza Yazgan Dagli

CONTACT

05535134631; beyzayazgan@gazi.edu.tr

Gamze Çobanoğlu Demirkan, Phd

CONTACT

fztgamze7@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 20, 2024
• First Posted: January 16, 2025
• Study Start: February 2, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 5, 2025
• Study Completion: April 15, 2025
• Last Updated: January 16, 2025

Record last verified: 2024-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)