Comparison of Oculomotor Exercises Versus Suboccipital METs on Visual Fatigue Among FHP

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Forward Head Posture; Visual Fatigue

• Registration Number: NCT06707766
• Lead Sponsor: Riphah International University

Brief Summary

The aim of this research is to compare the effect of Oculomotor Exercises and Muscle energy technique on visual fatigue, proprioception, Craniovertebral angle among patients having Forward head posture.. It will raise awareness about the link between posture and visual health, encouraging early identification of visual symptoms associated with FHP, enhance recovery outcomes, improve functional performance, and promote a holistic treatment approach, ultimately provide benefit to population.

Detailed Description

Studies have shown that integrating eye exercises with neck strengthening exercises has a significant effect in managing symptoms associated with visual disturbances and neck pain. For instance, a study conducted in 2024 to investigate the effect of oculomotor exercises in patients having chronic neck pain. Based on the result, they found that incorporating oculomotor exercises along with conventional exercises into treatment plan can significantly improve gaze stability, proprioception, visual acuity and fatigue in chronic neck pain patients. In 2023 study investigate the effectiveness of manual techniques for the management of FHP. They found that sub-occipital muscle energy technique is effective in improving CVA, cervical range of motion and postural alignment. study conducted in 2023 investigated the comparative effect sub-occipital muscle energy technique vs sub-occipital release in mechanical neck pain and FHP population. They concluded that group receiving MET show significant improvement in CVA, NDI and Cervical ROMs. Another research concluded that Sub-occipital muscle energy technique incorporating with proprioceptive training are effective in improving joint position sense (proprioception) and CVA in FHP population. A study evaluate the effectiveness of eye exercises on computer vision syndrome. They concluded the ocular exercises are effective in reducing visual fatigue symptoms such as eye itching, dryness and headache.

This research is innovative as it explores the interconnected roles of ocular muscles and sub-occipital muscles on visual fatigue, proprioception, and postural imbalances, particularly in FHP patients. As Literature suggest that tightness of suboccipital affect somatosensory input and proprioceptive information crucial for head and eye coordination. Thus, offering a comprehensive view of how FHP and visual fatigue are interconnected. Furthermore, the integration of oculomotor exercises in managing FHP-related visual fatigue is an underexplored as the existing literature primarily focuses on the musculoskeletal consequences of forward head posture and ocular exercises for visual disturbance without exploring the interaction between these factors. This research aimed to bridge the existing gap in literature by providing evidence-based guidance on the effectiveness of METs and oculomotor exercises in the management of visual symptoms associated FHP.

Basic Information
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Recruitment & Eligibility
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Study & Design
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Trial Locations

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-11
• Study Start: 2024-11-11
• Study First Submitted: 2024-11-25
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-11-25
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-11-25
• Study First Posted: 2024-11-27
• Last Update Posted: 2024-11-27
• Primary Completion: 2025-03-17
• Study Completion: 2025-07-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 44

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 20-50 years
• Both Male and Female
• Diagnosed patients of Forward head posture, Craniovertebral Angle less than 50 degree.
• Patients having Asthenopia survey questionnaire (ASQ-17) score of 13 or higher.

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Exclusion Criteria

• Participant failing to fall in this category would be excluded of the study.
• Pre-existing medical conditions that cause visual issues such as conjunctivitis, cataract, Strabismus anomaly, glaucoma and those undergoing any eye treatment.
• Any previous neck and Eye surgery.
• Cervical conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, non-specific neck pain, and TMJ dysfunction that cause visual disturbances.

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
visual fatigue	4 weeks	; Visul fatigue can be assessed by using Asthenopia Survey Questionnaire (ASQ-17). Responses are marked using four-point Likert scale with total score 51. Score range from 0-13 indicates no asthenopia, whereas the score range between 13-51 indicate asthenopia and need medical attention
propioception	4 weeks	cervical proprioception can be assed Cervical Joint Position Error (JPE) Test. Values \> 4.5 degree indicate proprioception deficit
Craniovertebral Angle	4 weeks	Craniovertebral Angle can be measured by usng ON PROTRACTOR google App. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) values for individuals with moderate-severe forward head posture ranged from 40.7° to 43.2°, and for those with mild FHP, values ranged from 46.9° to 49.1 FHP. However, angle between 50- 57 degree is consider as normal.

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

Capital Diagnostic Center Islamabad; 🇵🇰 Islamabad, Pakistan

Care plus Medical Center; 🇵🇰 Islamabad, Pakistan

National Institute of Rehabilitation; 🇵🇰 Islamabad, Pakistan