Kendall Exercises on Posture-Related Cervical Spondylosis

Effects of Kendall Exercises on Posture-Related Cervical Spondylosis

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Kendall exercises in correcting postural deviations, such as forward head posture, associated with cervical spondylosis. By targeting muscle imbalances and improving alignment through stretching and strengthening protocols, the research aims to reduce symptoms, enhance cervical spine function, and promote postural health. Participants will undergo a four-week exercise intervention with pre- and post-assessments to determine the outcomes.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Cervical Spondylosis
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: kendall exercises; Other: Conventional therapy group

Detailed Description

This study investigates the impact of Kendall exercises on posture-related cervical spondylosis, a degenerative condition often linked to postural deviations like forward head posture (FHP). Prolonged poor posture, frequently exacerbated by activities such as excessive smartphone or computer use, leads to muscle imbalances, increased mechanical stress on the cervical spine, and degenerative changes in intervertebral discs and joints.

Kendall exercises are targeted therapeutic interventions designed to address muscle imbalances by strengthening weak muscles (e.g., deep cervical flexors) and stretching tight muscles (e.g., upper trapezius, pectoralis muscles). These exercises aim to restore proper alignment, reduce mechanical strain, and improve overall posture and cervical function.

Participants with posture-related cervical spondylosis will engage in a four-week exercise protocol involving specific Kendall exercises for cervical extensors, flexors, shoulder retraction, and chest muscles. Outcomes will be assessed using craniovertebral angle measurements, photographic analysis, and subjective pain/function scales. The study seeks to establish Kendall exercises as a non-invasive, effective intervention for managing cervical spondylosis by correcting postural deviations and mitigating associated symptoms

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 36
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • KPK
    • Malakand, KPK, Pakistan
      • DHQ Hospital, Batkhela, and Bahadur Khan, Rozi Khan Memorial Hospital

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Already diagnosed patients of cervical radiculopathy confirmed by clinical examination and imaging

  • A patient with a Forward Head Posture (FHP) (CVA angle less the 48-50 degrees is defined as Forward head posture
  • Positive Spurling test
  • Numbness of the arm, fingers, or shoulder
  • Cervical Postural assessment showing asymmetry (radiographic Analysis, and Posture Observation)
  • Chronic symptoms ≥ 1 year
  • Pain and Stiffness which limited range of motion in the cervical spine (Flexion less than 60°) (Extension less than 73°) (Lateral Flexion less than 13°-23° Rotation less than 80°)
  • Pain: moderate to severe level (≥5 on NPRS)

Exclusion Criteria:

• • History of Recent trauma to the cervical spine

  • Any psychological condition
  • Any specific cause of cervical radiculopathy (e.g., metabolic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis)
  • Central or peripheral neurological signs
  • History of spinal surgery.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: (Kendall Exercises); Stretching of Cervical Extensors Strengthening Deep Cervical Flexors Strengthening Shoulder Retraction Stretching Pectoralis Muscle	Other: kendall exercises; Stretching of Cervical Extensors Strengthening Deep Cervical Flexors Strengthening Shoulder Retraction Stretching Pectoralis Muscle
Active Comparator: conventional therapy; Cervical Traction Neck Isometric Exercises (Cervical flexors), Static Stretching (Cervical extensors) General Cervical Extension and Flexion Exercises Shoulder Shrugs	Other: Conventional therapy group; Cervical Traction Neck Isometric Exercises (Cervical flexors), Static Stretching (Cervical extensors) General Cervical Extension and Flexion Exercises Shoulder Shrugs

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Range Of Motion: Goniometer	A goniometer is a tool used to measure joint angles and range of motion (ROM). The goniometer has high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability when used by trained professionals. Consistent measurement can be achieved with proper technique and positioning. It provides valid measurements of joint ROM when compared with other objective measures such as radiographic assessments.	4 weeks
craniovertebral angle (CVA)	The Craniovertebral Angle is one of the most reliable methods and common angles for evaluating the Forward head posture. It is the angle between a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the C7 vertebra and a line drawn horizontally. A reduced CVA indicates a forward head posture.	4 weeks
Neck Disability Index (NDI)	The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a widely used self-reported questionnaire that measures the patient's perceived disability due to neck pain. It consists of 10 items, each scoring from 0 to 5, covering various aspects such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreation. Cronbach's alpha value for NDI was found to be .95 and this was statistically significant (p<.01).	4 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)	The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is an eleven-point pain impression scale: the patient rates pain from 0 (no aggravation) to 10 (most exceedingly terrible possible pain). Mild 1-3, Moderate 4-6, Severe 7-10. It has good test-retest reliability (r=.79-.96) in individuals with chronic pain and musculoskeletal pathology.	4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Riphah International University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Maria khalid, MSOMPT, Riphah International University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): February 3, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): June 2, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): June 10, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 7, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 7, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): April 15, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): August 19, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 18, 2025
• Last Verified: August 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: kendell exercise; Cervical spondylosis,; Postural abnormalities
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Bone Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Spinal Diseases; Spondylosis
• Other Study ID Numbers: REC/muhammad talha 02008

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