Kinesiotaping Versus Corrective Postural Exercises in Treating Forward Head Posture

NCT07523568 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: DU-FPT-FHP-2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Forward head posture (FHP) is a common condition in which the head is positioned forward relative to the body, leading to muscle imbalance, neck pain, and reduced functional performance. It is frequently associated with prolonged poor posture and can negatively affect daily activities and quality of life. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and corrective postural exercises in improving forward head posture. A total of 40 participants with forward head posture will be randomly assigned into two groups. One group will receive Kinesio Taping, while the other group will undergo a structured corrective exercise program. The outcomes of this study will include assessment of craniovertebral angle, deep cervical muscle strength, and cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility. The results are expected to help determine the most effective treatment approach for managing forward head posture and improving patient outcomes.

Conditions

Forward Head Posture; Neck Pain; Postural Disorders

Keywords

Kinesio Taping; Corrective Exercises; Forward Head Posture

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)

  Craniovertebral angle will be measured using a universal goniometer to assess forward head posture. Measurements will be taken three times in a standing position, and the average value will be recorded. A value less than 50 degrees indicates forward head posture.

  Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

• Deep Neck Flexor Muscle Strength

  Deep neck flexor muscle strength will be assessed using a pressure biofeedback unit. Participants will perform controlled head nodding while maintaining pressure at 40 mmHg. The ability to sustain contraction will be recorded.

  Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

• Cervicocephalic Kinesthetic Sensibility

  Cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility will be measured using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device to assess joint position sense and accuracy of head repositioning.

  Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (2)

Kinesio Taping Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive Kinesio Taping applied to the shoulder and cervical region to improve posture, reduce muscle tension, and enhance proprioception. The tape will be applied for 72 hours followed by a 24-hour rest period, repeated over the intervention duration.

Other: Kinesio Taping

Corrective Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will perform a structured corrective exercise program aimed at improving postural alignment, strengthening deep cervical flexors, and enhancing scapular stability.

Other: Corrective Postural Exercises

Interventions

Kinesio Taping OTHER

Elastic therapeutic tape will be applied to the shoulder and cervical region to facilitate muscle function, improve proprioception, and reduce strain associated with forward head posture. The application will follow a cycle of 72 hours on and 24 hours off.

Kinesio Taping Group

Corrective Postural Exercises OTHER

The exercise program includes deep cervical flexor training, scapular stabilization exercises, thoracic extension exercises, postural correction, and manual therapy techniques. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for four weeks, with progressive intensity.

Corrective Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age between 18 and 40 years
• Male and female participants
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 24.9
• Presence of forward head posture with craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 50 degrees

You may not qualify if:

• History of previous neck surgery
• Musculoskeletal deformities affecting the neck, shoulder, or spine
• Diagnosed cervical spondylosis or other pathological cervical conditions
• History of trauma to the neck or shoulder
• Presence of neurological disorders
• History of cardiothoracic surgery
• Open wounds in the neck region
• Known allergy to Kinesio tape

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Deraya University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Deraya university, faculty of physical therapy

Minya, Menia Governorate, Egypt

Location

Related Publications (7)

• Yang, S., Boudier-Revéret, M., Yi, Y. G., Hong, K. Y., & Chang, M. C. (2023, September). Treatment of chronic neck pain in patients with forward head posture: a systematic narrative review. In Healthcare (Vol. 11, No. 19, p. 2604). MDPI

  BACKGROUND

• Macwan, Noel Samuel, and Shakshi Devendra Patel. "Comparing Kinesio Taping Versus Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Forward Head Posture-A Study Protocol for RCT."

  BACKGROUND

• Deniz, Yasemin, Esra Pehlivan, and Eda Cicek. "Biomechanical Variances in the Development of Forward Head Posture." Physical Therapy Korea 31.2 (2024): 104-113.

  BACKGROUND

• Augustsson, S. R., Reinodt, S., Sunesson, E., & Haglund, E. (2022). Short-term effects of postural taping on pain and forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial. Bmc musculoskeletal disorders, 23(1), 162.

  BACKGROUND

• Augustsson, Sofia Ryman, et al. "Short-term effects of postural taping on pain and forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial." Bmc musculoskeletal disorders 23.1 (2022): 162.

  BACKGROUND

• Ali, E. A., Abd El-Nabie, W. A., & Elmeniawy, G. H. (2025). Kinesio Taping and Postural Correction: Effects on Kyphosis, Chest Expansion, and Quality of Life: Randomized Clinical Trial.

  BACKGROUND

• Ali, Esraa A., Walaa A. Abd El-Nabie, and Gehan H. Elmeniawy. "Kinesio Taping and Postural Correction: Effects on Kyphosis, Chest Expansion, and Quality of Life: Randomized Clinical Trial." (2025).

  BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: This study is single-blind, where participants are unaware of the group allocation. Each group will be treated at different times and settings to minimize interaction and prevent bias.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups. Group A will receive Kinesio Taping, while Group B will receive a structured corrective exercise program. Each group will be treated separately, and outcomes will be compared between groups after the intervention period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 5, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: October 2, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 2, 2026
• Study Completion: March 2, 2026
• Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)