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Electromyographic Effects of Postural Correction Exercises in Individuals With Forward Head Posture

Sponsor: Cairo University • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07780396

Registry updated: 2026-08-21

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Description

This study investigates the effects of specific corrective exercises on EMG of masticatory and cervical muscles in individuals with forward head posture. The study's design will be a retrospective, double- blinded, randomized controlled trial. The participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: the exercise group and the control group. The training groups will perform a program consisting of two strengthening (deep cervical flexors and shoulder retractors) and two stretchings (cervical extensors and pectoral muscles) exercises. This exercise program will be repeated 4 times per week for 10 weeks, and each session lasted 30 minutes. The pre/post assessment of forward head posture will measure by using craniovertebral angle CVA. While the muscle activity EMG of the masseter, temporalis, splenius, upper trapezius, and SCM will measure pre and post-assessment using a biopic data acquisition system.

Interventions

Specific strengthening and stretching exercise (Other)
The program consisted of two strengthening (deep cervical flexors and shoulder retractors) and two stretching (cervical extensors and pectoral muscles) exercises based on Harman and Mostafa et al's approach. This exercise program will be repeated 4 times per week for 10 weeks, and each session lasted for 30 minutes.
General Exercise (Other)
The program will consist of regular general postural exercises such as postural awareness exercises as well as general strengthening exercises such as range of motion exercises for the upper quadrant. The program will also be repeated 4 times per week for 10 weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. Participants aged 18- 30 years. 2. Presence of forward head posture, defined as CVA of less than 50° with no symptoms of neck pain \[18, 19\]. 3. No treatment for TMD or cervical symptoms (e.g., medication, physical therapy, or intra-articular injection) within the previous 2 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. Current or previous diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), or the presence of TMD-related signs or symptoms (e.g., joint sounds, restricted mouth opening, or orofacial pain) during screening. 2\. History of TMJ subluxation or dislocation that could interfere with mouth opening. 3\. History of recent head or neck trauma. 4. Angle Class II or Class III malocclusion. 5. Postural abnormalities secondary to structural spinal deformities (e.g., scoliosis or kyphosis), rheumatic diseases, or other medical conditions affecting posture. 6\. Missing posterior teeth, recent orthodontic treatment (within the previous 12 months), or dental restorations that altered occlusion.

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Locations

Physical therapy outpatient clinic — Beirut, Lebanon

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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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