Forward Head PostureNCT06845696
Comparison of Brugger's Relief Exercises Versus Kinesio Taping at Craniovertebral Angle on Forward Head Posture
A study testing kinesiotaping and Brugger relief exercise in people with Forward Head Posture, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The aim of this research is to compare the effect of Brugger relief exercise versus Kinesio taping at craniovertebral angle on forward head posture. Randomized controlled trials done at we care physical therapy clinic Islamabad. The sample size was 28. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Forward Head Posture
- What is being tested?
- kinesiotaping and Brugger relief exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 22 Jan 2025to 20 Sep 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both gender
- Patients whose age lies between 20 and 40
- Forward head posture with craniovertebral angle less than 50° degrees
Who cannot join
- Individuals with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions affecting posture e.g. scoliosis, Scheuermann's disease.
- Those currently undergoing physical therapy or other posture correction treatments.
- Pregnant individuals, due to potential physiological changes affecting posture.
- Subjects with a history of significant spinal or neck injuries.
- No neurological disease (e.g. cervical radiculopathy, SCI).
- Patients were excluded who shows positive result to spurling test, ULTT, Allen test.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
We Care Physical Therapy Clinic
Islamabad, Federal, 44000
Asmar Fatima, MS-OMPT, 03336195644, asmar.fatima@riphah.edu.pk
Mahjabeen saleem, MS-OMPT*, 03451367612, mahasood98@gmail.com
About this study
The aim of this research is to compare the effect of Brugger relief exercise versus Kinesio taping at craniovertebral angle on forward head posture. Randomized controlled trials done at we care physical therapy clinic Islamabad. The sample size was 28. The subjects were divided in two groups, 14 subjects in Kinesio taping group and 14 in Brugger relief exercise group. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability purposive sampling technique. Only 20-40 years people with forward head posture having craniovertebral angle less than 50° degrees were included. Tools used in the study is protractor app. Data will be analyzed through SPSS 21
Read the detailed description
Forward head posture (FHP) is a common condition characterized by abnormal cervical spine, leading to non-specific neck pain (NNP). FHP affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, reduced productivity and quality of life. Current treatments for NNP associated with FHP include exercise programs and Kinesio taping, but there is limited evidence comparing their effectiveness.
The Brugger relief exercises (BRE) consist of a set of exercises designed to target the cervical spine and adjacent muscles with the goal of enhancing posture, alleviating discomfort, and improving functionality. In contrast, Kinesio taping (KT) is a non-invasive and painless method that involves applying gentle traction to the skin, purportedly leading to the reduction of pain and inflammation. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of BRE versus KT on CVA due to FHP. This research will offer important information on the effectiveness of BRE and KT, guiding healthcare providers and patients in selecting the best treatment for FHP-related NNP. The results will support the creation of evidence-backed protocols for addressing FHP-related NNP, ultimately leading to better treatment results and improved quality of life for those affected
- Conditions
- Forward Head Posture
- Being tested
- kinesiotaping, Brugger relief exercise
- Keywords
- Forward head posture, Kinesio taping, Brugger reliefs exercise, Craniovertebral angle
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
kinesiotapingOther
Before applying the tape, the treated area was cleaned and shaved. A Y strip of the tape was used to facilitate muscle contraction of the semispinalis capitis with 15 -25% tension in elongated muscle position and three I strip are used in it to release tight upper trapezius, facilitate middle trapezius and to correct posture. 3 days a week for 4 weeks
Brugger relief exerciseOther
This protocol includes that the patient is positioned on edge of a chair with his hips abducted, feet externally rotated, his head up, his forearms supinated, and wrists and fingers extended. the participants were instructed to perform scapular retraction with chin tucked in, shoulder external rotation, elbow extension, shoulder abduction, and extension. While actively moving their arms and spreading their fingers externally, patient exhaled through lips 12 reps 4 set for 3 days a week Intervention will be given for 4 weeks
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| kinesiotaping | Experimental | Kinesio taping (KT) is a thin elastic tape which can be stretched up to 130-140% of its original length thereby providing constant shear force on the skin.KT has beneficial effects and possible useful mechanisms to suppress pain, relax muscles, support joints, and improve circulation.Kinesio taping is used for releasing tension on trapezius and erector spinal muscle and to correct the posture. Receives: Other: kinesiotaping |
| Bruggers relief exercise | Experimental | Bruegger's postural relief position is an effective self-care exercise for correcting forward head posture. This exercise strengthens the muscles that retract the shoulder blades back while stretching the muscles that protract them forward. By pulling the shoulders back and holding the neck in a chin tuck position, the deep muscles in the neck also become stronger. Bruegger relief exercises (BRE) have been found to be very beneficial for patient rehabilitation Receives: Other: Brugger relief exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
CRANIOVERTEBRAL ANGLE
This angle is used to assess the forward head posture of the participants. It involves measuring the angle between a horizontal line and a line connecting the C7 vertebrae and the tragus of ear by protractor app.
Measured: from baseline to 4th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Feb 2025
- Study start22 Jan 2025
- Primary completion20 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Sep 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Forward Head PostureStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Asmar Fatima, MS-OMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06845696
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/MS-OMPT/014522 Mahjabeen
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 20 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Feb 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Feb 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Brugger's Relief Exercises Versus Kinesio Taping at Craniovertebral Angle on Forward Head Posture
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06845696
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/MS-OMPT/014522 Mahjabeen
- Conditions
- Forward Head Posture
- Keywords
- Forward head posture, Kinesio taping, Brugger reliefs exercise, Craniovertebral angle
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this research is to compare the effect of Brugger relief exercise versus Kinesio taping at craniovertebral angle on forward head posture. Randomized controlled trials done at we care physical therapy clinic Islamabad. The sample size was 28. The subjects were divided in two groups, 14 subjects in Kinesio taping group and 14 in Brugger relief exercise group. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability purposive sampling technique. Only 20-40 years people with forward head posture having craniovertebral angle less than 50° degrees were included. Tools used in the study is protractor app. Data will be analyzed through SPSS 21
Detailed description
Forward head posture (FHP) is a common condition characterized by abnormal cervical spine, leading to non-specific neck pain (NNP). FHP affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, reduced productivity and quality of life. Current treatments for NNP associated with FHP include exercise programs and Kinesio taping, but there is limited evidence comparing their effectiveness.
The Brugger relief exercises (BRE) consist of a set of exercises designed to target the cervical spine and adjacent muscles with the goal of enhancing posture, alleviating discomfort, and improving functionality. In contrast, Kinesio taping (KT) is a non-invasive and painless method that involves applying gentle traction to the skin, purportedly leading to the reduction of pain and inflammation. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of BRE versus KT on CVA due to FHP. This research will offer important information on the effectiveness of BRE and KT, guiding healthcare providers and patients in selecting the best treatment for FHP-related NNP. The results will support the creation of evidence-backed protocols for addressing FHP-related NNP, ultimately leading to better treatment results and improved quality of life for those affected
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| kinesiotaping | Experimental | Other: kinesiotapingKinesio taping (KT) is a thin elastic tape which can be stretched up to 130-140% of its original length thereby providing constant shear force on the skin.KT has beneficial effects and possible useful mechanisms to suppress pain, relax muscles, support joints, and improve circulation.Kinesio taping is used for releasing tension on trapezius and erector spinal muscle and to correct the posture. |
| Bruggers relief exercise | Experimental | Other: Brugger relief exerciseBruegger's postural relief position is an effective self-care exercise for correcting forward head posture. This exercise strengthens the muscles that retract the shoulder blades back while stretching the muscles that protract them forward. By pulling the shoulders back and holding the neck in a chin tuck position, the deep muscles in the neck also become stronger. Bruegger relief exercises (BRE) have been found to be very beneficial for patient rehabilitation |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Both gender
- Patients whose age lies between 20 and 40
- Forward head posture with craniovertebral angle less than 50° degrees
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Individuals with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions affecting posture e.g. scoliosis, Scheuermann's disease.
- Those currently undergoing physical therapy or other posture correction treatments.
- Pregnant individuals, due to potential physiological changes affecting posture.
- Subjects with a history of significant spinal or neck injuries.
- No neurological disease (e.g. cervical radiculopathy, SCI).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| kinesiotapingBefore applying the tape, the treated area was cleaned and shaved. A Y strip of the tape was used to facilitate muscle contraction of the semispinalis capitis with 15 -25% tension in elongated muscle position and three I strip are used in it to release tight upper trapezius, facilitate middle trapezius and to correct posture. 3 days a week for 4 weeks | Other | kinesiotaping |
| Brugger relief exerciseThis protocol includes that the patient is positioned on edge of a chair with his hips abducted, feet externally rotated, his head up, his forearms supinated, and wrists and fingers extended. the participants were instructed to perform scapular retraction with chin tucked in, shoulder external rotation, elbow extension, shoulder abduction, and extension. While actively moving their arms and spreading their fingers externally, patient exhaled through lips 12 reps 4 set for 3 days a week Intervention will be given for 4 weeks | Other | Bruggers relief exercise |
Primary outcome
CRANIOVERTEBRAL ANGLE
Time frame: from baseline to 4th week
This angle is used to assess the forward head posture of the participants. It involves measuring the angle between a horizontal line and a line connecting the C7 vertebrae and the tragus of ear by protractor app.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Feb 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Asmar Fatima, MS-OMPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing kinesiotaping and Brugger relief exercise in people with Forward Head Posture, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Feb 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Asmar Fatima, MS-OMPT (03336195644, asmar.fatima@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
CRANIOVERTEBRAL ANGLE (time frame: from baseline to 4th week). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Feb 2025.