Effects of Forward Head Posture Correction on Prefrontal Cerebral Oxygenation During Cognitive-Motor Interference in Symptomatic Subjects With Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 尚未招募
- 入组人数
- 45
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- The visual analog scale (VAS)
研究概览
简要总结
This study aims to investigate the effects of forward head posture correction on neck pain, brain activity, and cognitive-motor performance. Forward head posture is a common postural problem, especially among young adults who spend long hours using smartphones and computers. It is frequently associated with neck pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations. Emerging evidence also suggests that this postural deviation may influence brain function and increase the mental effort required during tasks that involve both thinking and movement.
Participants with forward head posture and neck pain will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: an intervention group using a cervical traction device (Denneroll), a sham group using a towel roll, or a control group receiving no intervention. The intervention will be performed at home over a six-week period, with sessions conducted five times per week. The duration of each session will gradually increase based on participant tolerance to ensure safety and comfort.
All participants will undergo assessments at baseline and after the intervention period. Pain intensity will be measured using a standardized pain scale. Brain activity will be assessed using a non-invasive technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which measures changes in oxygen levels in the brain. Participants will also perform balance tasks under single-task and dual-task conditions, where they will be asked to maintain balance while performing simple cognitive tasks. In addition, cognitive function will be evaluated using standardized tests of attention, memory, and overall cognitive performance.
This study will help determine whether correcting forward head posture can reduce pain and improve brain and cognitive function. The findings may provide valuable insights into the relationship between posture, pain, and brain activity, and may contribute to the development of more effective and comprehensive rehabilitation approaches for individuals with forward head posture.
详细描述
Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural deviation associated with neck pain, impaired sensorimotor control, and functional limitations. In addition to musculoskeletal effects, emerging evidence suggests that FHP may influence cortical activity, particularly within prefrontal regions involved in attention and cognitive-motor integration. Individuals with FHP have demonstrated increased cognitive-motor interference during dual-task performance, indicating greater reliance on cortical resources and reduced motor automaticity. However, it remains unclear whether correcting FHP can reduce pain and modify these neurophysiological responses.
This study aims to investigate the effects of forward head posture correction on pain intensity as a primary outcome, alongside task-evoked cerebral oxygenation and cognitive-motor interference. A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial design with three parallel groups will be used. Participants with symptomatic FHP will be randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving Denneroll cervical traction, a sham group receiving a non-therapeutic towel roll intervention, or a control group receiving no intervention.
The intervention will be conducted over six weeks, with participants in the intervention and sham groups performing home-based sessions with gradual progression in duration to ensure safety and tolerance. All participants will undergo assessments at baseline and post-intervention.
Pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Neurophysiological outcomes will be assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex during rest, single-task, and dual-task conditions. Cognitive-motor interference will be examined using dual-task paradigms that combine balance tasks with cognitive demands. Cognitive function and balance performance will also be evaluated using standardized assessments.
The procedures used in this study are non-invasive and associated with minimal risk. The fNIRS device does not emit radiation, and the intervention may cause only mild and temporary discomfort, which will be minimized through gradual progression and monitoring. Participants will be informed of their right to withdraw at any time without consequences.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Participant)
盲法说明
This study will follow a single-blinded design in which participants will not be informed of their group allocation. Due to the nature of the intervention, blinding of the investigator delivering the intervention will not be feasible. However, standardized procedures will be implemented to minimize assessment bias.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 35 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Young adults of both sexes aged 18-35 years
- •Individuals with forward head posture (a craniovertebral angle (CVA) < 50°)
- •Presence of neck pain with an intensity of ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- •Ability to understand and follow basic English instructions
- •No cognitive impairment (score >18 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA))
排除标准
- •History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
- •Currently receiving physiotherapy or rehabilitation for cervical spine conditions
- •Individuals on medications (diagnosed neurological disorders)
研究组 & 干预措施
Denneroll group (DG)
The intervention group will receive Denneroll cervical traction
干预措施: Forward Head Posture Correction (Other)
control group (CG)
Towel group (TG)
The placebo group will receive a towel roll as an intervention
干预措施: Forward Head Posture Correction (Other)
结局指标
主要结局
The visual analog scale (VAS)
时间窗: Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).
Pain score: visual analog scale (VAS)
次要结局
- functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)(Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).)
- Symbol Digit Modalities Test (The SDMT)(Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).)
- Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R)(Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).)
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)(Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).)
- Technobody Balance System (Balance performance)(Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).)
研究者
Reime Jamal Shehadeh Shalash
Principal Investigator
University of Sharjah