Posture Correction Exercises for Forward Head Posture in Chronic Smartphone and Laptop Users (Comparative)

Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Posture Correction Exercises for Forward Head Posture in Chronic Smartphones and Laptop Users.

This study aims to compare different posture correction exercises to see which is most effective in improving forward head posture (FHP) in people who frequently use smartphones and laptops. FHP occurs when the head leans forward, putting extra strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort and pain. With the increasing use of digital devices, many individuals experience posture-related issues without realizing their long-term effects. This study will assess the impact of specific exercises, such as chin tucks and neck isometric holds, in realigning the head and relieving discomfort. The research will involve 56 participants aged 18-40 who use their devices for at least 2-3 hours daily. Participants will perform targeted exercises over four weeks, and improvements in posture and pain levels will be measured using a standardized scale. The study aims to determine whether structured posture correction exercises can help alleviate FHP and improve overall well-being in frequent digital device users.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Forward Head Posture
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Posture Correction Exercises; Other: Strengthening and Stretching Exercises

Detailed Description

This study focuses on understanding and improving Forward Head Posture (FHP), a common problem seen in people who frequently use smartphones and laptops. FHP occurs when the head moves forward beyond its natural alignment, causing excessive strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It can lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, and long-term postural problems. With the increasing use of digital devices, more people-especially young adults-are experiencing FHP without realizing its impact on their health. This study aims to compare different posture correction exercises to determine which is most effective in reducing FHP and associated discomfort. People often use smartphones and laptops for long hours without paying attention to their posture. Research shows that prolonged device use can cause poor posture habits, leading to musculoskeletal issues over time. If left untreated, FHP can contribute to chronic neck pain, reduced mobility, and even long-term spinal problems. This study is important because it will help identify simple exercise-based solutions that can improve posture and reduce discomfort. The findings can benefit smartphone and laptop users by promoting awareness and encouraging healthy posture habits.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 56
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS; Phone Number: 03451915105; Email: n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Kpk
    • Malakand, Kpk, Pakistan, 23060
      • Recruiting
      • Riphah international University Malakand Campus
      • Contact: Dr.Nadeem Ahmad; Phone Number: 03451915105; Email: n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk
      • Contact: Dr.Nadeem Ahmad; Phone Number: 03028367237; Email: n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants falling in this category would be recruited into the study.
• Demographic criteria; age from 18-40 years both male & female.
• Smartphone usage for minimum of 2-3 hours daily from last one year
• Willingness to participate.
• No previous treatment for forward head posture.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who fall in this category would be excluded of the study.
• Spinal deformities
• Spinal injuries
• Existing neurological conditions
• Pregnancy due to possible posture changes.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Group A; Posture Correction Exercises Usage of modalities like hot pack & TENS along with the following exercises: Chin Tucks (Seated or standing, retracting the chin while keeping eyes level); Cervical Retraction with Resistance Band (Pull band backward while maintaining retracted chin position); Shoulder Blade Squeeze (Seated or standing, squeeze shoulder blades together); Wall Posture Alignment (Standing against the wall, maintaining a neutral spine and retracting the head)	Other: Posture Correction Exercises; This intervention focuses on improving forward head posture (FHP) through a series of corrective exercises aimed at enhancing cervical alignment, reducing muscle strain, and reinforcing proper posture habits. The exercises include chin tucks, cervical retraction with resistance bands, shoulder blade squeeze, and wall posture alignment. Participants will receive hot pack therapy (15-20 mins) for cervical muscle relaxation and TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before and after exercises. These exercises target deep cervical flexors and postural stabilizers to help retrain the neck and upper back muscles, promoting long-term postural correction. The intervention will be performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks under supervision, with a focus on maintaining correct postural alignment during daily activities.; Other Names: Hot Pack (15-20 min) & TENS (10 min) for relaxation and pain relief, followed by corrective exercises to improve cervical alignment and posture; Other: Strengthening and Stretching Exercises; This intervention aims to address muscle imbalances associated with forward head posture (FHP) by incorporating stretching of tight muscles (upper trapezius, levator scapulae) and strengthening of weak postural muscles (deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers). The exercises include upper trapezius stretch, levator scapulae stretch, deep neck flexor strengthening, and scapular retraction with resistance bands. Participants will undergo hot pack therapy (15-20 mins) for cervical muscle relaxation and TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before and after exercises. The stretching exercises will help release tension in overactive muscles, while strengthening exercises will restore muscular balance, improving posture and reducing neck discomfort. The intervention will be conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks with supervised sessions to ensure proper technique and progressive improvement in flexibility and strength.; Other Names: Hot Pack (15-20 min) & TENS (10 min) for relaxation and pain relief, followed by stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak postural muscles.
Experimental: Group B; Strengthening and Stretching Exercises Usage of modalities like hot pack & TENS along with the following exercises: Upper Trapezius Stretch (Lateral neck stretch to release tightness) Levator Scapulae Stretch (Tilting head diagonally downward while applying gentle pressure) Deep Neck Flexor Strengthening (Supine, lifting head slightly while maintaining retraction) Scapular Retraction with Resistance Band (Seated or standing, pulling band while squeezing shoulder blades)	Other: Posture Correction Exercises; This intervention focuses on improving forward head posture (FHP) through a series of corrective exercises aimed at enhancing cervical alignment, reducing muscle strain, and reinforcing proper posture habits. The exercises include chin tucks, cervical retraction with resistance bands, shoulder blade squeeze, and wall posture alignment. Participants will receive hot pack therapy (15-20 mins) for cervical muscle relaxation and TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before and after exercises. These exercises target deep cervical flexors and postural stabilizers to help retrain the neck and upper back muscles, promoting long-term postural correction. The intervention will be performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks under supervision, with a focus on maintaining correct postural alignment during daily activities.; Other Names: Hot Pack (15-20 min) & TENS (10 min) for relaxation and pain relief, followed by corrective exercises to improve cervical alignment and posture; Other: Strengthening and Stretching Exercises; This intervention aims to address muscle imbalances associated with forward head posture (FHP) by incorporating stretching of tight muscles (upper trapezius, levator scapulae) and strengthening of weak postural muscles (deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers). The exercises include upper trapezius stretch, levator scapulae stretch, deep neck flexor strengthening, and scapular retraction with resistance bands. Participants will undergo hot pack therapy (15-20 mins) for cervical muscle relaxation and TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before and after exercises. The stretching exercises will help release tension in overactive muscles, while strengthening exercises will restore muscular balance, improving posture and reducing neck discomfort. The intervention will be conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks with supervised sessions to ensure proper technique and progressive improvement in flexibility and strength.; Other Names: Hot Pack (15-20 min) & TENS (10 min) for relaxation and pain relief, followed by stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak postural muscles.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Improvement in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)	Cervical Posture Improvement: Measured using craniovertebral angle (CVA) via digital photogrammetry to assess forward head posture correction. An increased CVA indicates an improvement in head and neck alignment.	6 Months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Neck Pain Intensity	Evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity before and after the intervention. A decrease in VAS score signifies reduced discomfort and muscle strain.	6months

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Muscle Activation & Endurance	Assessed using the Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test (DNFET) to measure the strength and endurance of deep cervical flexor muscles. Increased holding time in seconds reflects enhanced muscle activation.	6 months

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Riphah International University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS, Riphah International University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): February 17, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 17, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 17, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 4, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 4, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): March 7, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimated): September 3, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 1, 2025
• Last Verified: September 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Forward Head Posture (FHP)
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation; Anesthesia and Analgesia; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Analgesia; Posture
• Other Study ID Numbers: REC/01008-Hafsa Rahim; REG# S23C15G30005 (Registry Identifier: university Registry id)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No