Forward Head PostureNCT07607405
Acute Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Added to Postural Corrective Exercises in Young Adults With Forward Head Posture
A study testing Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective Exercises and Postural Corrective Exercises in people with Forward Head Posture, run by Dokuz Eylul University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study investigated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Forward Head Posture
- What is being tested?
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective Exercises and Postural Corrective Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 45 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 22 May 2024to 18 Jun 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 25 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals aged 18-25 years
- Presence of forward head posture
- Provision of written informed consent
Who cannot join
- History of any disease or surgical procedure affecting cervical or thoracic posture
- Any health condition preventing completion of the assessments
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Izmir, 35340
About this study
This study investigated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises, postural corrective exercises only, or control. The primary outcome was craniovertebral angle. Secondary outcomes included cervical joint repositioning error, deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, and scapular muscle endurance. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1 hour after the intervention by a blinded outcome assessor.
Read the detailed description
Forward head posture is a common postural deviation in young adults and may be associated with altered cervicothoracic alignment, impaired cervical proprioception, and reduced cervical and scapular muscle endurance. Postural corrective exercises are commonly used in physiotherapy practice to improve head-neck posture and related neuromuscular control. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization may provide additional acute effects through mechanical stimulation of soft tissues and proprioceptive input.
This single-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises, postural corrective exercises only, or control. The control group received no intervention and was assessed at the same time intervals as the intervention groups. Outcome assessments were conducted by a blinded assessor at baseline and 1 hour after the intervention.
The primary outcome was craniovertebral angle, used as an indicator of forward head posture. Secondary outcomes included cervical joint repositioning error, deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, and scapular muscle endurance.
- Conditions
- Forward Head Posture
- Being tested
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective Exercises, Postural Corrective Exercises
- Keywords
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, Postural corrective exercise, Craniovertebral angle, Cervical proprioception, Muscle endurance, Physiotherapy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective ExercisesOther
Participants received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education in addition to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. The exercise program included deep cervical flexor activation using the chin tuck exercise, active cervical range-of-motion exercises, scapular exercises, and pectoral stretching. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization was applied bilaterally to the cervicothoracic region, including the upper and middle trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, scalene, suboccipital, and cervical erector spinae muscles. The mobilization was applied for approximately 10 minutes using appropriate instruments.
Postural Corrective ExercisesOther
Participants received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education. The exercise program included deep cervical flexor activation using the chin tuck exercise, active cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation exercises, scapular exercises, and pectoral stretching.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants in this group received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education in addition to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applied to the cervicothoracic region. Receives: Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective Exercises |
| Exercise Group | Active comparator | Participants in this group received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education. Receives: Other: Postural Corrective Exercises |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants in this group received no intervention and were assessed at the same time intervals as the intervention groups. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Craniovertebral Angle
Craniovertebral angle was assessed using digital photographic postural analysis. Markers were placed on the tragus of the ear and the spinous process of C7, and the angle was calculated from a lateral-view photograph. Higher values indicate a more upright head posture.
Measured: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention
Secondary outcomes (3)
Cervical Joint Repositioning Error
Cervical joint repositioning error was assessed using a laser pointer system during cervical flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left lateral flexion. Absolute repositioning error was calculated for each movement direction. Lower values indicate better cervical joint position sense.
Measured: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention
Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance
Deep cervical flexor muscle endurance was assessed using the cervical flexor endurance test. The duration for which the participant could maintain the test position was recorded in seconds. Higher values indicate greater muscle endurance.
Measured: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention
Scapular Muscle Endurance
Scapular muscle endurance was assessed using the scapular muscle endurance test. The duration for which the participant could maintain the required test position and resistance was recorded in seconds. Higher values indicate greater muscle endurance.
Measured: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 May 2026
- Study start22 May 2024
- Primary completion22 May 2025
- Study completion18 Jun 2025
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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Dokuz Eylul University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ilke KARA, Dokuz Eylul University
- Investigators
- Nihal Gelecek, Professor, Study chair, Dokuz Eylul University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07607405
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- DEU-FTR-IK-04
- Other IDs
- 19198012327028
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 19 May 2026
- Last updated
- 26 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared because participant consent did not include public sharing of individual-level data.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Added to Postural Corrective Exercises in Young Adults With Forward Head Posture
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07607405
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DEU-FTR-IK-04
- Conditions
- Forward Head Posture
- Keywords
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, Postural corrective exercise, Craniovertebral angle, Cervical proprioception, Muscle endurance, Physiotherapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Dokuz Eylul UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Study start
- 22 May 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 18 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 26 May 2026 (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.
This study investigated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises, postural corrective exercises only, or control. The primary outcome was craniovertebral angle. Secondary outcomes included cervical joint repositioning error, deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, and scapular muscle endurance. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1 hour after the intervention by a blinded outcome assessor.
Detailed description
Forward head posture is a common postural deviation in young adults and may be associated with altered cervicothoracic alignment, impaired cervical proprioception, and reduced cervical and scapular muscle endurance. Postural corrective exercises are commonly used in physiotherapy practice to improve head-neck posture and related neuromuscular control. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization may provide additional acute effects through mechanical stimulation of soft tissues and proprioceptive input.
This single-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises, postural corrective exercises only, or control. The control group received no intervention and was assessed at the same time intervals as the intervention groups. Outcome assessments were conducted by a blinded assessor at baseline and 1 hour after the intervention.
The primary outcome was craniovertebral angle, used as an indicator of forward head posture. Secondary outcomes included cervical joint repositioning error, deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, and scapular muscle endurance.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Exercise Group | Experimental | Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective ExercisesParticipants in this group received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education in addition to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applied to the cervicothoracic region. |
| Exercise Group | Active comparator | Other: Postural Corrective ExercisesParticipants in this group received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in this group received no intervention and were assessed at the same time intervals as the intervention groups. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals aged 18-25 years
- Presence of forward head posture
- Provision of written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- History of any disease or surgical procedure affecting cervical or thoracic posture
- Any health condition preventing completion of the assessments
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective ExercisesParticipants received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education in addition to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. The exercise program included deep cervical flexor activation using the chin tuck exercise, active cervical range-of-motion exercises, scapular exercises, and pectoral stretching. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization was applied bilaterally to the cervicothoracic region, including the upper and middle trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, scalene, suboccipital, and cervical erector spinae muscles. The mobilization was applied for approximately 10 minutes using appropriate instruments. | Other | Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Exercise Group |
| Postural Corrective ExercisesParticipants received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education. The exercise program included deep cervical flexor activation using the chin tuck exercise, active cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation exercises, scapular exercises, and pectoral stretching. | Other | Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Craniovertebral Angle
Time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention
Craniovertebral angle was assessed using digital photographic postural analysis. Markers were placed on the tragus of the ear and the spinous process of C7, and the angle was calculated from a lateral-view photograph. Higher values indicate a more upright head posture.
3 secondary outcomes
Cervical Joint Repositioning Error
Time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention
Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance
Time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention
Scapular Muscle Endurance
Time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared because participant consent did not include public sharing of individual-level data.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Nihal Gelecek, Professor study chair
Dokuz Eylul 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 Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective Exercises and Postural Corrective Exercises in people with Forward Head Posture, run by Dokuz Eylul University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 2 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 May 2026. 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Craniovertebral Angle (time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention). 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 26 May 2026.