Effect of Scapular Retraction Exercises Versus McKenzie Method on CVA

NCT07317999 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: Forward Head Posture 0686
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 116
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this quasi-experimental study is to compare the effectiveness of scapular retraction exercises versus the McKenzie method in improving craniovertebral angle (CVA), reducing neck pain, and minimizing neck disability among university students exhibiting forward head posture. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer \[is/are\]:

• Which of both exercises (scapular retraction or McKenzie method exercises) will be more effective in improvement craniovertebral alignment, alleviated pain, and decreased neck disability? Group A performed scapular retraction exercises, while Group B practiced McKenzie method exercises. Both interventions were administered for 20 minutes, three times weekly over eight weeks.

Conditions

Craniovertebral Angle; Neck Disability; Forward Head Posture

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)

  The angle is formed at the intersection of a horizontal line passing through the C7 spinous process and a line joining the midpoint of the tragus of the ear to the skin overlying the C7 spinous process.

  8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

1

EXPERIMENTAL

scapular retraction exercises

Procedure: Scapular Retraction Exercises (SRE)

2

EXPERIMENTAL

McKenzie method exercises

Procedure: McKenzie Method Exercises

Interventions

Scapular Retraction Exercises (SRE) PROCEDURE

Strengthen upper back muscles (scapular muscles, particularly the middle and lower trapezius and rhomboids) and improve posture.

1

McKenzie Method Exercises PROCEDURE

* Aim: Focus on self-treatment for neck pain and posture. * Duration: 20 minutes, 3 times a week

2

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 17 Years - 23 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• University students with FHP
• Able to participate in exercise programs
• Free from severe musculoskeletal disorders or recent injuries

You may not qualify if:

• Students with contraindication to exercise,
• Individuals with neurological conditions affecting posture

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mansoura University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Faculty of Nursing

Al Mansurah, Egypt

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 19, 2025
• First Posted: January 5, 2026
• Study Start: October 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: December 12, 2024
• Study Completion: February 7, 2025
• Last Updated: January 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)