Forward Head Posture Correction on Cerebral Oxygenation During Dual-task in Symptomatic Subjects
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-35
SponsorUniversity of Sharjah
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
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
Disqualifiers
History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
Currently receiving physiotherapy or rehabilitation for cervical spine conditions
Individuals on medications (diagnosed neurological disorders)
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Forward Head Posture Correction
Other interventionDuration: 6 weeks Frequency: 5 sessions per week (total 30 sessions) Setting: Home-based Position: Supine Session duration: Starts at \~3 minutes, progressively increased to 15-20 minutes (as tolerated) \- Intervention: DG: The denneroll will be given under the cervical spine (based on deviation level) TG: A towel roll will be given as an intervention CG: No intervention This protocol simultaneously examines cerebral oxygenation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)(HbO and HbR) , during single- and dual-task balance conditions(cognitive load-motor balance), and pain intensity using the VAS, postural alignment (craniovertebral angle),and cognitive function (MoCA, SDMT, BVMT-R) before and after intervention.
Treatment groups
45 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsGroup A: Denneroll group (DG)Active comparator 1 intervention
Group B: Towel group (TG)Sham comparator 1 intervention
Group C: control group (CG)No intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
The visual analog scale
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a validated measure of pain intensity, typically presented as a 10 cm (100 mm) horizontal line. The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain." Higher scores represent greater pain intensity.
Time frame
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).Secondary outcomes
1
functional near-infrared spectroscopy
cerebral oxygenation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS): Task-evoked cerebral: Changes in oxygenated (ΔHbO) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (ΔHbR) at rest, and during single-task and dual-task conditions will be calculated relative to pre-task baseline Cortical dual-task cost: The difference between dual-task and single-task ΔHbO will be used as an index of cognitive-motor interference.
Time frame
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).2
Symbol Digit Modalities Test
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is used to assess divided attention, visual scanning, tracking and motor speed. The SDMT presents a series of nine symbols, each paired with a single digit in a key at the top of the sheet. The participants will be asked to pair specific numbers with given geometric figures within 90 s using a reference key. The participants should respond by voicing the digit associated with each symbol as quickly as possible. SDMT-Incidental learning (IL) will be measured as well. The participants will be asked to recall each geometric figure represented which number after 20 minutes.
Time frame
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).3
Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised
Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) is used to assess visuospatial learning and memory performance. The BVMT-R consists of stimulus card (2 × 3 geometric figures). The researcher will show the participant a stimulus array of six abstract geometric figures for 10 seconds, then the participant will be asked to draw the figures from memory in their correct shape and locations. This procedure will be repeated for three learning trials. The participants will be asked to recall each geometric figure after 20 minutes
Time frame
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).4
Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a simple 10 min paper and pencil test, with accepted test-retest reliability and moderate validity, that was developed to detect mild cognitive impairment. The test assesses multiple cognitive domains including memory, language, executive functions, visuospatial skills, calculation, verbal abstraction, attention, concentration, and orientation to time and space. The clinical cut-off score of 26 is recommended.The test and instructions are freely available on the MoCA official website at www.mocatest.org.
Time frame
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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