Posture Correction Exercises for Forward Head Posture in Chronic Smartphone and Laptop Users

NCT06864780 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC/01008-Hafsa Rahim
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 56
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare different posture correction exercises to see which is most effective in improving forward head posture (FHP) in people who frequently use smartphones and laptops. FHP occurs when the head leans forward, putting extra strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort and pain. With the increasing use of digital devices, many individuals experience posture-related issues without realizing their long-term effects. This study will assess the impact of specific exercises, such as chin tucks and neck isometric holds, in realigning the head and relieving discomfort. The research will involve 56 participants aged 18-40 who use their devices for at least 2-3 hours daily. Participants will perform targeted exercises over four weeks, and improvements in posture and pain levels will be measured using a standardized scale. The study aims to determine whether structured posture correction exercises can help alleviate FHP and improve overall well-being in frequent digital device users.

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Keywords

Forward Head Posture (FHP)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Improvement in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)

  Cervical Posture Improvement: Measured using craniovertebral angle (CVA) via digital photogrammetry to assess forward head posture correction. An increased CVA indicates an improvement in head and neck alignment.

  6 Months

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Neck Pain Intensity

  6months

Other Outcomes (1)

• Muscle Activation & Endurance

  6 months

Study Arms (2)

Group A

EXPERIMENTAL

Posture Correction Exercises Usage of modalities like hot pack \& TENS along with the following exercises: 1. Chin Tucks (Seated or standing, retracting the chin while keeping eyes level) 2. Cervical Retraction with Resistance Band (Pull band backward while maintaining retracted chin position) 3. Shoulder Blade Squeeze (Seated or standing, squeeze shoulder blades together) 4. Wall Posture Alignment (Standing against the wall, maintaining a neutral spine and retracting the head)

Other: Posture Correction Exercises; Other: Strengthening and Stretching Exercises

Group B

EXPERIMENTAL

Strengthening and Stretching Exercises Usage of modalities like hot pack \& TENS along with the following exercises: Upper Trapezius Stretch (Lateral neck stretch to release tightness) Levator Scapulae Stretch (Tilting head diagonally downward while applying gentle pressure) Deep Neck Flexor Strengthening (Supine, lifting head slightly while maintaining retraction) Scapular Retraction with Resistance Band (Seated or standing, pulling band while squeezing shoulder blades)

Other: Posture Correction Exercises; Other: Strengthening and Stretching Exercises

Interventions

Posture Correction Exercises OTHER

This intervention focuses on improving forward head posture (FHP) through a series of corrective exercises aimed at enhancing cervical alignment, reducing muscle strain, and reinforcing proper posture habits. The exercises include chin tucks, cervical retraction with resistance bands, shoulder blade squeeze, and wall posture alignment. Participants will receive hot pack therapy (15-20 mins) for cervical muscle relaxation and TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before and after exercises. These exercises target deep cervical flexors and postural stabilizers to help retrain the neck and upper back muscles, promoting long-term postural correction. The intervention will be performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks under supervision, with a focus on maintaining correct postural alignment during daily activities.

Also known as: Hot Pack (15-20 min) & TENS (10 min) for relaxation and pain relief, followed by corrective exercises to improve cervical alignment and posture

Group A; Group B

Strengthening and Stretching Exercises OTHER

This intervention aims to address muscle imbalances associated with forward head posture (FHP) by incorporating stretching of tight muscles (upper trapezius, levator scapulae) and strengthening of weak postural muscles (deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers). The exercises include upper trapezius stretch, levator scapulae stretch, deep neck flexor strengthening, and scapular retraction with resistance bands. Participants will undergo hot pack therapy (15-20 mins) for cervical muscle relaxation and TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before and after exercises. The stretching exercises will help release tension in overactive muscles, while strengthening exercises will restore muscular balance, improving posture and reducing neck discomfort. The intervention will be conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks with supervised sessions to ensure proper technique and progressive improvement in flexibility and strength.

Also known as: Hot Pack (15-20 min) & TENS (10 min) for relaxation and pain relief, followed by stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak postural muscles.

Group A; Group B

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Participants falling in this category would be recruited into the study.
• Demographic criteria; age from 18-40 years both male \& female.
• Smartphone usage for minimum of 2-3 hours daily from last one year
• Willingness to participate.
• No previous treatment for forward head posture.

You may not qualify if:

• Participants who fall in this category would be excluded of the study.
• Spinal deformities
• Spinal injuries
• Existing neurological conditions
• Pregnancy due to possible posture changes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Riphah international University Malakand Campus

Malakand, Kpk, 23060, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Analgesia; Posture

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Electric Stimulation Therapy; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation; Anesthesia and Analgesia; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS

CONTACT

03451915105; n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: This study follows an analytical research model designed to compare the effectiveness of different posture correction exercises in treating Forward Head Posture (FHP) among frequent smartphone and laptop users. The model includes key components such as participant selection, intervention methods, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: RCT

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 4, 2025
• First Posted: March 7, 2025
• Study Start: February 17, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 17, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 17, 2026
• Last Updated: September 3, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)