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Effects of a Wearable Device ,Phone App and Exercise on Cervico-thoracic Posture in University Students.

Sponsor: Riphah International University • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07763327

Registry updated: 2026-10-13

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Description

Forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis are among the most common postural problems in university students, driven largely by long hours of screen use and poor sitting habits. Research suggests that nearly two-thirds of university students show measurable forward head posture, and if uncorrected, it is linked to chronic neck pain and long-term musculoskeletal strain. This study compares three approaches to correcting posture over a six-week supervised exercise program: a wearable sensor belt that vibrates in real time when posture slips, a smartphone app that sends scheduled reminders throughout the day, and exercise alone with no reminders. The two technology-assisted groups are prompted to correct their posture throughout daily activities, not just during exercise sessions. The study will show whether real-time or scheduled reminders produce greater improvements in posture, neck pain, and neck function than exercise alone . Helping physical therapists and university health services to identify the most practical strategy for correcting posture in screen-heavy academic environments.

Interventions

Wearable postural biofeedback device (Device)
A wearable belt worn around the cervicothoracic region that detects postural deviation in real time and provide vibratory feedback to prompt immediate self-correction , used in conjunction with standardized exercise program.
App based Postural Reminder (Behavioral)
A smartphone application that delivers scheduled reminders prompting participants to self-check and correct their posture throughout the day, used in conjunction with the standardized exercise program
Conventional Cervicothoracic Exercise Therapy (Other)
A structured , supervised exercise program targeting cervicothoracic postural muscles , delivered without any wearable device or app based reminder

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: 1. University students aged 18-30 years enrolled in a degree program at Riphah International University. 2. Daily sitting duration ≥ 5 hours (academic and/or device-related activities). 3. Presence of at least one observable postural deviation confirmed at baseline assessment: forward head posture (CVA \< 50°), rounded shoulders (protracted shoulder distance in supine line), or thoracic kyphosis (\> 40° via digital inclinometer). 4. Smartphone ownership and basic digital literacy Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of spinal surgery, vertebral fracture, or major cervical/thoracic trauma within the past 12 months. 2. Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting posture or motor control (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke, cervical dystonia). 3. Structural spinal deformities requiring active medical or surgical management (e.g., scoliosis Cobb angle \> 20°, Scheuermann's kyphosis). 4. Current participation in physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, or another structured posture correction program. 5. Cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions contraindicating moderate-intensity exercise (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe asthma). 6. Skin conditions, open wounds, or allergies precluding safe use of the posture correction belt.

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Locations

Postgraduation Lab of Riphah College of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Sciences , Riphah International University. Islamabad — Islamabad, Pakistan

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Official Source

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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