The Effect of Through-Range Versus Shortened-Length Exercise Training on Upper Quarter Posture Among Students With Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of shortened-length versus through-range exercise training on upper quarter posture in primary school students with Forward Head Posture (FHP). Materials and Methods: Sixty pain-free participants with FHP were randomly allocated to one of three groups; shortened-length training (n=20), through-range training (n=20), and notreatment control group (n=20). The shortened-length and through-range groups participated in training programs 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Upper quarter postures, including Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), Shoulder Angle (SA), Cranial Angle (CA), and thoracic kyphosis were measured by photogrammetry before and after the training. The confidence level was set at 95% (P<0.05). Results: After training, both exercise groups showed significant changes in CVA (P=0.001), SA (P=0.001), CA (P=0.001), and thoracic kyphosis (P=0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, CVA changed more in the shortened-length exercise group compared to the through-range exercise group (P=0.003) (effect size= 0.446). Conclusion: Both through-range and shortened-length exercises altered upper quarter alignment. The shortened-length training resulted in a larger change in CVA. These changes were small, and more studies are needed to investigate the effects of such training programs among people with pain.

Efficacy of head postural correction program on craniovertebral angle, scapular position, and dominant hand grip strength in forward head posture subjects: A randomized controlled trial

“…Previous research showed that exercises can improve pain, function, and posture in subjects with FHP (Sayyadi et al, 2019). A recent meta-analysis showed mixed results from RCTs examining various exercise treatments for managing FHP.…”

“…More research is needed to determine if certain exercise regimens are more successful for FHP than others (Sayyadi et al, 2019).…”