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Different Methods of Forward Head Posture Correction

Not Applicable
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Forward Head Posture
Interventions
Other: Posture corrective exercises
Other: Denneroll extension traction
Registration Number
NCT05533853
Lead Sponsor
University of Sharjah
Brief Summary

The goal of the study is to compare various methods of correcting forward head posture in elderly subjects. In particular, we will contrast two methods: the conventional program, which aims to restore muscle balance, and the Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) rehabilitation program, which relies on stretching the viscous and plastic elements of the longitudinal ligament and intervertebral disc in addition to effectively stretching the soft tissue throughout the entire body.

Detailed Description

Forward head posture has been shown to be a common postural displacement, with a conservative estimate being 66% of the whole population. It is generally believed that this abnormal posture is associated with the development and persistence of many disorders. There are many strategies to treat forward head posture; the commonly used is traditional exercise program, which aims to restore muscle balance by stretching the short muscles and strengthening the weak ones. The second treatment method is Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) rehabilitation program which depend on stretching of the viscous and plastic elements of the longitudinal ligament and intervertebral disc, in addition to effectively stretching the soft tissue through the entire neck area in the direction of the normal head and neck postures as seen with Denneroll traction in addition to mirror image exercise. Up to our knowledge, there is no available studies evaluating the difference between the two forward head correcting methods regarding the amount of head posture correction and the impact of different correction methods on balance. Most important, in the majority of the previous studies which investigated the efficacy of the different posture correction techniques, the subjects were young people. Therefore, the results might not be applicable to all age groups, particularly to the elderly, due to age-related musculoskeletal and physiological changes. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to compare between traditional exercise program and chiropractic biophysics approach in elderly subject .

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
80
Inclusion Criteria
  • craniovertebral angle (CVA) is less than 50°
Exclusion Criteria
  • any signs or symptoms of medical "red flags" were present: tumor, fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis, and prolonged steroid use.
  • Subjects with previous spine surgery
  • Neurological diseases
  • Vascular disorders

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Traditional exercisePosture corrective exercisesThe exercise group will receive a posture corrective exercise program in the form of two strengthening(deep cervical flexors and shoulder retractors)and two stretching (cervical extensors and pectoral muscles) exercises. The exercise program will be done according to Harman et al.'s protocol and based on Kendall et al.'s approach.
Denneroll extension tractionDenneroll extension tractionDenneroll extension traction. Participants in the intervention group will receive the Denneroll cervical orthotic . In the current study, Denneroll cervical traction will be used to restore the normal cervical alignment. . We will follow previously published protocols and procedures for application of this orthotic. The Denneroll orthotic will be performed in the physiotherapy clinic setting. The participants will be instructed to lie supine on the floor, in a straightened position, with their arms gently folded across their stomach.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The change in craniovertebral anglewill be measured at two intervals ;pre-treatment and immediately after treatment

The craniovertebral angle will be measured by taking a lateral photograph. The participants will be asked to sit on a chair as usual and a lateral photograph will be taken. Adhesive markers will be fixed on the tragus of the ear and the spinous processes of the seventh cervical vertebra. The head forward angle will be measured as an angle between a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the seventh cervical vertebra and horizontal line

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The change in pain intensitywill be measured at two intervals ;pre-treatment and immediately after treatment

Measurement of pain will be performed by using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The subjects will be asked about the perception of pain using a 10-cm line with 0 (no pain) on one end and 10 (worst pain) on the other. subjects will be asked to place a mark along the line to denote their level of pain

The change in Neck Disability Indexwill be measured at two intervals ;pre-treatment and immediately after treatment

The Neck Disability Index , consisting of 10 items related to daily living activities.

Changes in Cervical joint position sense testingwill be measured at two intervals ;pre-treatment and immediately after treatment

Assessment of head repositioning accuracy with a cervical range of motion (CROM) device will be done according to existing investigations . Participants will be placed in upright neutral seated posture on a stool with no back rest with their feet touching the ground; where their perceived natural head position was determined and used as the reference neutral point. The CROM device will be positioned to 0, 0, 0 for x, y, and z rotational displacements. With their eyes closed, participants will be asked to remember their NHP as the starting posture, andthen actively rotate their head 30° to the left about the vertical y-axis and then reposition their head back the natural head position

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ibrahim Moustafa

🇦🇪

Sharjah, United Arab Emirate, United Arab Emirates

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