Forward Head PostureComparativeNCT06864780
Posture Correction Exercises for Forward Head Posture in Chronic Smartphone and Laptop Users
A study testing Posture Correction Exercises and Strengthening and Stretching Exercises in people with Forward Head Posture, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to compare different posture correction exercises to see which is most effective in improving forward head posture (FHP) in people who frequently use smartphones and laptops. FHP occurs when the head leans forward, putting extra strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort and pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Forward Head Posture
- What is being tested?
- Posture Correction Exercises and Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 17 Feb 2025to 17 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
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 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants falling in this category would be recruited into the study.
- Demographic criteria; age from 18-40 years both male \& female.
- Smartphone usage for minimum of 2-3 hours daily from last one year
- Willingness to participate.
- No previous treatment for forward head posture.
Who cannot join
- Participants who fall in this category would be excluded of the study.
- Spinal deformities
- Spinal injuries
- Existing neurological conditions
- Pregnancy due to possible posture changes.
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
Riphah international University Malakand Campus
Malakand, Kpk, 23060
Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, 03451915105, n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk
Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, 03028367237, n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Posture Correction Exercises for Forward Head Posture in Chronic Smartphones and Laptop Users.
This study aims to compare different posture correction exercises to see which is most effective in improving forward head posture (FHP) in people who frequently use smartphones and laptops. FHP occurs when the head leans forward, putting extra strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort and pain. With the increasing use of digital devices, many individuals experience posture-related issues without realizing their long-term effects. This study will assess the impact of specific exercises, such as chin tucks and neck isometric holds, in realigning the head and relieving discomfort. The research will involve 56 participants aged 18-40 who use their devices for at least 2-3 hours daily. Participants will perform targeted exercises over four weeks, and improvements in posture and pain levels will be measured using a standardized scale. The study aims to determine whether structured posture correction exercises can help alleviate FHP and improve overall well-being in frequent digital device users.
Read the detailed description
This study focuses on understanding and improving Forward Head Posture (FHP), a common problem seen in people who frequently use smartphones and laptops. FHP occurs when the head moves forward beyond its natural alignment, causing excessive strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It can lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, and long-term postural problems. With the increasing use of digital devices, more people-especially young adults-are experiencing FHP without realizing its impact on their health. This study aims to compare different posture correction exercises to determine which is most effective in reducing FHP and associated discomfort. People often use smartphones and laptops for long hours without paying attention to their posture. Research shows that prolonged device use can cause poor posture habits, leading to musculoskeletal issues over time. If left untreated, FHP can contribute to chronic neck pain, reduced mobility, and even long-term spinal problems. This study is important because it will help identify simple exercise-based solutions that can improve posture and reduce discomfort. The findings can benefit smartphone and laptop users by promoting awareness and encouraging healthy posture habits.
- Conditions
- Forward Head Posture
- Being tested
- Posture Correction Exercises, Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
- Keywords
- Forward Head Posture (FHP)
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Posture Correction ExercisesOther
Also called Hot Pack (15-20 min) & TENS (10 min) for relaxation and pain relief, followed by corrective exercises to improve cervical alignment and posture
This intervention focuses on improving forward head posture (FHP) through a series of corrective exercises aimed at enhancing cervical alignment, reducing muscle strain, and reinforcing proper posture habits. The exercises include chin tucks, cervical retraction with resistance bands, shoulder blade squeeze, and wall posture alignment. Participants will receive hot pack therapy (15-20 mins) for cervical muscle relaxation and TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before and after exercises. These exercises target deep cervical flexors and postural stabilizers to help retrain the neck and upper back muscles, promoting long-term postural correction. The intervention will be performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks under supervision, with a focus on maintaining correct postural alignment during daily activities.
Strengthening and Stretching ExercisesOther
Also called Hot Pack (15-20 min) & TENS (10 min) for relaxation and pain relief, followed by stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak postural muscles.
This intervention aims to address muscle imbalances associated with forward head posture (FHP) by incorporating stretching of tight muscles (upper trapezius, levator scapulae) and strengthening of weak postural muscles (deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers). The exercises include upper trapezius stretch, levator scapulae stretch, deep neck flexor strengthening, and scapular retraction with resistance bands. Participants will undergo hot pack therapy (15-20 mins) for cervical muscle relaxation and TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before and after exercises. The stretching exercises will help release tension in overactive muscles, while strengthening exercises will restore muscular balance, improving posture and reducing neck discomfort. The intervention will be conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks with supervised sessions to ensure proper technique and progressive improvement in flexibility and strength.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Posture Correction Exercises
Usage of modalities like hot pack \& TENS along with the following exercises:
1. Chin Tucks (Seated or standing, retracting the chin while keeping eyes level)
2. Cervical Retraction with Resistance Band (Pull band backward while maintaining retracted chin position)
3. Shoulder Blade Squeeze (Seated or standing, squeeze shoulder blades together)
4. Wall Posture Alignment (Standing against the wall, maintaining a neutral spine and retracting the head) Receives: Other: Posture Correction Exercises; Other: Strengthening and Stretching Exercises |
| Group B | Experimental | Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
Usage of modalities like hot pack \& TENS along with the following exercises:
Upper Trapezius Stretch (Lateral neck stretch to release tightness) Levator Scapulae Stretch (Tilting head diagonally downward while applying gentle pressure) Deep Neck Flexor Strengthening (Supine, lifting head slightly while maintaining retraction) Scapular Retraction with Resistance Band (Seated or standing, pulling band while squeezing shoulder blades) Receives: Other: Posture Correction Exercises; Other: Strengthening and Stretching Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Improvement in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)
Cervical Posture Improvement:
Measured using craniovertebral angle (CVA) via digital photogrammetry to assess forward head posture correction.
An increased CVA indicates an improvement in head and neck alignment.
Measured: 6 Months
Secondary outcomes (1)
Neck Pain Intensity
Evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity before and after the intervention.
A decrease in VAS score signifies reduced discomfort and muscle strain.
Measured: 6months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Mar 2025
- Study start17 Feb 2025
- Primary completion17 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion17 Jul 2026 (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.
- 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
- Single group
- Model description
- RCT
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06864780
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/01008-Hafsa Rahim
- Acronym
- Comparative
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 4 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 3 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No