Effects of Forward Head Posture on Cervical Proprioception, Muscle Endurance, and Cardiopulmonary Function During Cognitive-Motor Tasks Among University Students

NCT07403422 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: [NO.P.T/REC/230010/4/12/2023]]
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Forward head posture is commonly observed among university students and may influence cervical sensorimotor function and physiological responses during functional activities. The purpose of this observational cross-sectional study is to examine the association between forward head posture and cervical proprioception, deep cervical muscle endurance, and cardiopulmonary responses during a cognitive-motor task in university students.

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Cervical joint position error measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer

  Cervical proprioception will be assessed by measuring joint position error (JPE) during cervical flexion, extension, and rotation using a smartphone-based inclinometer. Participants will attempt to reposition their head to a neutral target position with eyes closed. The absolute repositioning error (in degrees) will be calculated, and the mean JPE will be used for analysis.

  At baseline

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Deep cervical flexor endurance measured by the craniocervical flexion endurance test

  At baseline

• Cervical extensor endurance measured by a cervical extensor endurance test

  At baseline

• Heart rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task using a chest-strap heart rate monitor

  During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session

• Respiratory rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task

  During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session

Study Arms (2)

Group / Cohort 1 Group Name: Forward Head Posture Group

This cohort includes participants diagnosed with forward head posture based on standardized postural assessment criteria.

Other: No intervention

Group / Cohort 2 Group Name: Normal Head Posture (Control) Group

This cohort includes participants with normal head and neck posture and no musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.

Other: No intervention

Interventions

No intervention OTHER

No intervention

Group / Cohort 1 Group Name: Forward Head Posture Group; Group / Cohort 2 Group Name: Normal Head Posture (Control) Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 26 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of healthy male and female university students aged 18 to 26 years, recruited from the university campus. Participants represent a young adult population without known neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiopulmonary conditions that could influence cervical posture or sensorimotor performance.

You may qualify if:

• University students aged 18 to 26 years
• Both male and female participants
• Apparently healthy individuals
• Ability to understand and follow study instructions
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Age below 18 years or above 26 years
• History of cervical spine surgery or cervical fracture
• Presence of neurological disorders affecting the cervical spine or balance
• Chronic cardiopulmonary diseases
• Current or recent neck or shoulder pain within the past 6 months
• Any musculoskeletal condition that may affect cervical posture or movement

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Abeer Abdrabo: lead

Study Sites (1)

Faculty of physical therapy

Aqaba, Jordan

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecture, Department of Neuromuscular Disorder, Faculty for Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 18, 2026
• First Posted: February 11, 2026
• Study Start: November 14, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 7, 2026
• Study Completion: January 10, 2026
• Last Updated: February 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

JO (1)