NCT07337824

Brief Summary

The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to compare the effects of deep neck flexor strengthening and motor learning-based neuroplasticity training on craniovertebral angle, deep neck flexor strength, proprioception, and symptom recurrence in individuals with forward head posture (FHP). The study will be conducted at Riphah International University, Gulberg Green Campus. A total of 74 participants with forward head posture will be recruited using non-probability convenience sampling and randomly allocated into two groups (37 participants per group). Group A will receive deep neck flexor strengthening exercises, while Group B will receive motor learning-based neuroplasticity training. Both groups will undergo three sessions per week for four weeks. Assessments will be performed at baseline, post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up to assess symptom recurrence. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Trial Health

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Monitor

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
74

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
9mo left

Started Jan 2026

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
not yet recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Progress33%
Jan 2026Jan 2027

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

January 1, 2026

Completed
1 day until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

January 2, 2026

Completed
11 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

January 13, 2026

Completed
12 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

December 30, 2026

Expected
21 days until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

January 20, 2027

Last Updated

January 13, 2026

Status Verified

January 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

12 months

First QC Date

January 1, 2026

Last Update Submit

January 1, 2026

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Keywords

Craniovertebral angleDeep neck flexor strengthProprioceptionNeuroplasticity trainingMotor learning

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)

    Measured using digital photogrammetry and analyzed with software (e.g., Kinovea) to quantify forward head posture severity.

    Baseline to 4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (3)

  • Deep Neck Flexor Strength

    Baseline to 4 weeks

  • Cervical Proprioception

    Baseline to 4 weeks

  • Deep Neck Extensor Strength

    Baseline to 4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Experimental interventional group A (Deep neck flexor strengthening)

EXPERIMENTAL

* Chin tuck exercises * Isometric cervical flexion using gentle resistance * Prone head lift exercises

Other: Deep neck flexor strengthening

Experimental :interventional group B ( Motor learning based neuroplasticity training)

EXPERIMENTAL

Task specific postural training using proprioceptive feedback, progressive balance and coordination and static and dynamic postural control tasks under different environmental conditions.

Other: Motor learning based neuroplasticity training

Interventions

Deep neck flexor strengtheningOTHER

Chin tuck exercises, Isometric cervical flexion using gentle resistance, Prone head lift exercises. Frequency: 3 sessions per week, Duration: 4 weeks (12 sessions total).

Experimental interventional group A (Deep neck flexor strengthening)
Motor learning based neuroplasticity trainingOTHER

Task-specific postural training using visual (laser), auditory (metronome), and proprioceptive feedback. Progressive balance and coordination exercises under varying environmental conditions. Static and dynamic postural control tasks with intertrial variability. Frequency: 3 sessions per week, Duration: 4 weeks (12 sessions total)

Experimental :interventional group B ( Motor learning based neuroplasticity training)

Eligibility Criteria

Age19 Years - 25 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • University students aged 19-25 years
  • Both genders
  • Forward head posture with craniovertebral angle \< 50°

You may not qualify if:

  • History of cervical spine injury or surgery
  • Chronic neck pain or recent therapy within six months.
  • Diagnosed with neurological, musculoskeletal, or visual disorders affecting posture.

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Riphah Postgraduate Lab, Riphah INternational University

Islamabad, Capital, 44120, Pakistan

Location

Study Officials

  • Aisha Razzaq, PHD*

    Riphah International University

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Aisha Razzaq, PHD*

CONTACT

03015030784aisha.razzaq@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

January 1, 2026

First Posted

January 13, 2026

Study Start

January 2, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 30, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 20, 2027

Last Updated

January 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations

PA(1)