Effects of a Wearable Device ,Phone App and Exercise on Cervico-thoracic Posture in University Students.

NCT07763327 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Aliha Batool
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 87
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis are among the most common postural problems in university students, driven largely by long hours of screen use and poor sitting habits. Research suggests that nearly two-thirds of university students show measurable forward head posture, and if uncorrected, it is linked to chronic neck pain and long-term musculoskeletal strain. This study compares three approaches to correcting posture over a six-week supervised exercise program: a wearable sensor belt that vibrates in real time when posture slips, a smartphone app that sends scheduled reminders throughout the day, and exercise alone with no reminders. The two technology-assisted groups are prompted to correct their posture throughout daily activities, not just during exercise sessions. The study will show whether real-time or scheduled reminders produce greater improvements in posture, neck pain, and neck function than exercise alone . Helping physical therapists and university health services to identify the most practical strategy for correcting posture in screen-heavy academic environments.

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Keywords

forward head posture , thoracic kyphosis , Craniovertebral angle , Posture Correction , Neck Disability , University Students

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Craniovertebral angle

  Degree of forward head posture measured via photogrammetry app, Calculated as angle between a horizontal line through C7 and a line to tragus of the ear. Normal CVA is greater than 50 degrees.

  baseline ,Mid treatment (4th week) , Post intervention (6th week) and follow up (12th week)

• Thoracic Kyphosis Angle

  Degree of thoracic spinal curvature (T1 - T12) measured using a digital inclinometer. Normal range 20 degree to 45 degree

  At Baseline , Mid treatment Intervention (4th week) , Post intervention (6th week) and follow up at 12 week

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Change in Neck Disability Index Score

  At Baseline , Mid intervention (4th week) , Post Intervention (6th week ) and follow up at 12th week

• Change in Neck and Upper Back Pain Intensity

  At Baseline , Mid intervention (4th week) , Post Intervention (6th week) and follow up at 12 week.

• Change in Shoulder Protraction Distance

  At Baseline , Mid intervention (4th week) , Post Intervention (6th week) and follow up at 12 week.

• Change in Postural Awareness Scale Score.

  At Baseline , Mid intervention (4th week) , Post Intervention (6th week) and follow up at 12 week

• Change in Deep Neck Flexor Muscle Endurance

  At Baseline , Mid intervention (4th week) , Post Intervention (6th week) and follow up at 12 week

Other Outcomes (1)

• Intervention Adherence Rate

  At Baseline , Mid intervention (4th week) , Post Intervention (6th week) and follow up at 12 week.

Study Arms (3)

Wearable Device + Exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive a wearable biofeedback belt that provides real time vibration feedback upon postural deviation, in addition to the standardized cervicothoracic exercise program administered to all groups , over a 6 week intervention period

Device: Wearable postural biofeedback device

App- based Reminder + Exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive scheduled posture-check reminders via a smartphone application, in addition to the standardized cervicothoracic exercise program administered to all groups , over a 6 week intervention period.

Behavioral: App based Postural Reminder

Conventional Exercise Therapy

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive the standardized cervicothoracic exercise program alone over a 6 week intervention period, without any wearable device or app based reminder.

Other: Conventional Cervicothoracic Exercise Therapy

Interventions

Wearable postural biofeedback device DEVICE

A wearable belt worn around the cervicothoracic region that detects postural deviation in real time and provide vibratory feedback to prompt immediate self-correction , used in conjunction with standardized exercise program.

Wearable Device + Exercise

App based Postural Reminder BEHAVIORAL

A smartphone application that delivers scheduled reminders prompting participants to self-check and correct their posture throughout the day, used in conjunction with the standardized exercise program

App- based Reminder + Exercise

Conventional Cervicothoracic Exercise Therapy OTHER

A structured , supervised exercise program targeting cervicothoracic postural muscles , delivered without any wearable device or app based reminder

Conventional Exercise Therapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• University students aged 18-30 years enrolled in a degree program at Riphah International University.
• Daily sitting duration ≥ 5 hours (academic and/or device-related activities).
• Presence of at least one observable postural deviation confirmed at baseline assessment: forward head posture (CVA \< 50°), rounded shoulders (protracted shoulder distance in supine line), or thoracic kyphosis (\> 40° via digital inclinometer).
• Smartphone ownership and basic digital literacy

You may not qualify if:

• History of spinal surgery, vertebral fracture, or major cervical/thoracic trauma within the past 12 months.
• Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting posture or motor control (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke, cervical dystonia).
• Structural spinal deformities requiring active medical or surgical management (e.g., scoliosis Cobb angle \> 20°, Scheuermann's kyphosis).
• Current participation in physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, or another structured posture correction program.
• Cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions contraindicating moderate-intensity exercise (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe asthma).
• Skin conditions, open wounds, or allergies precluding safe use of the posture correction belt.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Postgraduation Lab of Riphah College of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Sciences , Riphah International University. Islamabad

Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

Location

Related Publications (5)

• Nilmart P, Sichuai A, Chedang A, Goontharo C, Janjamsai N. Internet-Based Telerehabilitation Versus in-Person Therapeutic Exercises in Young Adult Females With Chronic Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol. 2025 Jul 25;12:e74979. doi: 10.2196/74979.

  PMID: 40712139 BACKGROUND

• Anwar S, Zahid J, Alexe CI, Ghazi A, Mares G, Sheraz Z, Sanchez-Gomez R, Perveen W, Alexe DI, Gasibat Q. Effects of Myofascial Release Technique along with Cognitive Behavior Therapy in University Students with Chronic Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Behav Sci (Basel). 2024 Mar 4;14(3):205. doi: 10.3390/bs14030205.

  PMID: 38540507 BACKGROUND

• Singla D, Veqar Z. Association Between Forward Head, Rounded Shoulders, and Increased Thoracic Kyphosis: A Review of the Literature. J Chiropr Med. 2017 Sep;16(3):220-229. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2017.03.004. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

  PMID: 29097952 BACKGROUND

• Kuo YL, Huang KY, Kao CY, Tsai YJ. Sitting Posture during Prolonged Computer Typing with and without a Wearable Biofeedback Sensor. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 19;18(10):5430. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18105430.

  PMID: 34069579 BACKGROUND

• Titcomb DA, Melton BF, Miyashita T, Bland HW. The Effects of Postural Education or Corrective Exercise on the Craniovertebral Angle in Young Adults with Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Exerc Sci. 2023 Aug 1;16(1):954-973. doi: 10.70252/PYPQ8483. eCollection 2023.

  PMID: 37649869 BACKGROUND

Study Officials

• Huma Riaz, PhD

  Riphah International University, Islamabad

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Aliha Batool, DPT

CONTACT

03145967336; alihabatool006@gmail.com

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

Model Details: Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 to one of the three parallel groups: wearable biofeedback device plus exercise , App based reminder plus exercise and Conventional Exercise group. Each group will receive its assigned intervention independently over a six week period and than a follow up after 12 weeks, with no crossover between groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 10, 2026
• First Posted: August 13, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): August 17, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 31, 2027
• Last Updated: August 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)