The Effect of Focus Approaches on Neck Region Muscle Activation
ConditionForward Head Posture
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-35
SponsorGazi University
About this trial
Forward Head Posture (FHP) causes muscle imbalances in the neck and shoulder regions. Various exercises are suggested to correct FHP. During these exercises, internal and external focus techniques are used to enhance motor learning and improve muscle balance. However, there are no studies examining how these approaches affect neck muscle activation in individuals with FHP. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of external and internal focus techniques, aimed at improving cervical alignment during postural correction exercises, on cervical muscle activation in individuals with FHP.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Aged between 18-35 years,
Craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 50 degrees,
Willing to not participate in any treatment/evaluation during the study,
Voluntary participation.
Disqualifiers
Experiencing pain in the neck, spine, upper or lower extremities for the past 3 months,
Body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m²,
History of neck injuries or surgeries such as intervertebral disc herniation, spondylosis, radiculopathy, chronic headaches, or whiplash,
Any visual, auditory, or sensory impairments,
Trial design
Design model
Crossover
Treatments tested in this trial
The chin tuck posture
Other interventionA chin tuck is a posture correction technique where the individual gently tucks their chin towards their chest while keeping the rest of the body straight. This movement helps align the head and neck, reducing forward head posture and improving spinal alignment. After performing the unguided exercises, the patients will be taught the chin tuck position. From this point onward, they will be instructed to maintain the chin tuck position while performing the exercises using both external and internal focus strategies.
Treatment groups
30 Participants
are divided into 6 treatment groups6
Treatment groupsSee each treatment group below.
Group A: unguided scapular retractionNo intervention 0 interventions
Group B: unguided prone T exerciseNo intervention 0 interventions
Group C: scapular retraction exercise with External focusActive comparator 1 intervention
Group D: scapular retraction exercise with internal focusActive comparator 1 intervention
Group E: prone T exercise with external focusActive comparator 1 intervention
Group F: prone T exercise with internal focusActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Electromyography (EMG) Measurement on neck muscles
The activation of the Upper Trapezius (UT), Middle Trapezius (MT), Lower Trapezius (LT), Serratus Anterior (SA), and Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles will be measured using the non-invasive surface 8-channel EMG Noraxon MiniDTS system (Noraxon, USA, Inc, Scottsdale, AZ).
Time frame
through study completion, an average of 3 months2
Craniovertebral Angle Measurement
The craniovertebral angle (CVA) will be measured using the reliable and valid lateral digital photogrammetric method and Kinovea Video Analysis Software. Participants will be filmed laterally from their dominant side (left for left-dominant, right for right-dominant). A phone on a tripod will be placed 1.5 meters away from the participant at shoulder height. Markers will be placed on the tragus and C7 spinous process for accurate measurement, with participants wearing tight shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. They will be instructed to stand with feet shoulder-width apart and face forward. Before photographing, participants will walk in place five times to capture their natural head-body position. Photos will be taken within the first 5 seconds, and the CVA will be measured using Kinovea Video Analysis Software.
Time frame
through study completion, an average of 3 monthsSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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