Kinesiotaping Versus Corrective Postural Exercises in Treating Forward Head Posture

Kinesiotaping Versus Corrective Postural Exercises in Treating Forward Head Posture: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Forward head posture (FHP) is a common condition in which the head is positioned forward relative to the body, leading to muscle imbalance, neck pain, and reduced functional performance. It is frequently associated with prolonged poor posture and can negatively affect daily activities and quality of life.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and corrective postural exercises in improving forward head posture. A total of 40 participants with forward head posture will be randomly assigned into two groups. One group will receive Kinesio Taping, while the other group will undergo a structured corrective exercise program.

The outcomes of this study will include assessment of craniovertebral angle, deep cervical muscle strength, and cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility. The results are expected to help determine the most effective treatment approach for managing forward head posture and improving patient outcomes.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Neck Pain; Forward Head Posture; Postural Disorders
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Kinesio Taping; Other: Corrective Postural Exercises

Detailed Description

Forward head posture (FHP) is a prevalent postural deviation characterized by anterior displacement of the head relative to the vertical alignment of the body. This condition results in muscular imbalances, including tightness in the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles, along with ضعف in the deep neck flexor muscles. These alterations contribute to neck pain, reduced range of motion, impaired proprioception, and functional limitations.

FHP has been associated with various musculoskeletal disorders such as tension-type headaches, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and myofascial pain syndrome. Prolonged poor posture increases mechanical stress on cervical structures, leading to altered movement patterns and decreased neuromuscular control.

Several therapeutic interventions have been proposed to manage FHP, including corrective exercises, manual therapy, and physical modalities. Corrective exercise programs typically focus on strengthening deep cervical flexors, improving scapular stability, enhancing thoracic mobility, and promoting proper postural alignment. Conventional treatments may also include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), heat therapy, and cervical isometric exercises.

Kinesio Taping (KT) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique widely used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. It involves applying elastic adhesive tape to the skin to provide support, improve proprioception, reduce pain, and facilitate muscle function without restricting movement.

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping versus corrective postural exercises in individuals with forward head posture. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: Group A will receive Kinesio Taping applied to the shoulder region in repeated cycles, while Group B will undergo a structured corrective exercise program three times per week for four weeks.

Outcome measures will include craniovertebral angle (CVA) to assess postural alignment, deep neck flexor muscle strength using a pressure biofeedback unit, and cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility using a cervical range of motion device. These measurements will be recorded before and after the intervention.

The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians in selecting effective rehabilitation strategies for individuals with forward head posture.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 40
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Egypt
  • Menia Governorate
    • Minya, Menia Governorate, Egypt
      • Deraya university, faculty of physical therapy

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

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

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 40 years
• Male and female participants
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 24.9
• Presence of forward head posture with craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 50 degrees

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of previous neck surgery
• Musculoskeletal deformities affecting the neck, shoulder, or spine
• Diagnosed cervical spondylosis or other pathological cervical conditions
• History of trauma to the neck or shoulder
• Presence of neurological disorders
• History of cardiothoracic surgery
• Open wounds in the neck region
• Known allergy to Kinesio tape

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Kinesio Taping Group; Participants in this group will receive Kinesio Taping applied to the shoulder and cervical region to improve posture, reduce muscle tension, and enhance proprioception. The tape will be applied for 72 hours followed by a 24-hour rest period, repeated over the intervention duration.	Other: Kinesio Taping; Elastic therapeutic tape will be applied to the shoulder and cervical region to facilitate muscle function, improve proprioception, and reduce strain associated with forward head posture. The application will follow a cycle of 72 hours on and 24 hours off.
Experimental: Corrective Exercise Group; Participants in this group will perform a structured corrective exercise program aimed at improving postural alignment, strengthening deep cervical flexors, and enhancing scapular stability.	Other: Corrective Postural Exercises; The exercise program includes deep cervical flexor training, scapular stabilization exercises, thoracic extension exercises, postural correction, and manual therapy techniques. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for four weeks, with progressive intensity.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)	Craniovertebral angle will be measured using a universal goniometer to assess forward head posture. Measurements will be taken three times in a standing position, and the average value will be recorded. A value less than 50 degrees indicates forward head posture.	Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Deep Neck Flexor Muscle Strength	Deep neck flexor muscle strength will be assessed using a pressure biofeedback unit. Participants will perform controlled head nodding while maintaining pressure at 40 mmHg. The ability to sustain contraction will be recorded.	Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Cervicocephalic Kinesthetic Sensibility	Cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility will be measured using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device to assess joint position sense and accuracy of head repositioning.	Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Deraya University

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Yang, S., Boudier-Revéret, M., Yi, Y. G., Hong, K. Y., & Chang, M. C. (2023, September). Treatment of chronic neck pain in patients with forward head posture: a systematic narrative review. In Healthcare (Vol. 11, No. 19, p. 2604). MDPI
• Macwan, Noel Samuel, and Shakshi Devendra Patel. "Comparing Kinesio Taping Versus Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Forward Head Posture-A Study Protocol for RCT."
• Deniz, Yasemin, Esra Pehlivan, and Eda Cicek. "Biomechanical Variances in the Development of Forward Head Posture." Physical Therapy Korea 31.2 (2024): 104-113.
• Augustsson, S. R., Reinodt, S., Sunesson, E., & Haglund, E. (2022). Short-term effects of postural taping on pain and forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial. Bmc musculoskeletal disorders, 23(1), 162.
• Augustsson, Sofia Ryman, et al. "Short-term effects of postural taping on pain and forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial." Bmc musculoskeletal disorders 23.1 (2022): 162.
• Ali, E. A., Abd El-Nabie, W. A., & Elmeniawy, G. H. (2025). Kinesio Taping and Postural Correction: Effects on Kyphosis, Chest Expansion, and Quality of Life: Randomized Clinical Trial.
• Ali, Esraa A., Walaa A. Abd El-Nabie, and Gehan H. Elmeniawy. "Kinesio Taping and Postural Correction: Effects on Kyphosis, Chest Expansion, and Quality of Life: Randomized Clinical Trial." (2025).

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): October 2, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): February 2, 2026
• Study Completion (Actual): March 2, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 5, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 5, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): April 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 13, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 5, 2026
• Last Verified: April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Kinesio Taping; Forward Head Posture; Corrective Exercises
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Neck Pain
• Other Study ID Numbers: DU-FPT-FHP-2026

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