Comparison Between Effect of Posterior Cervical Weighting and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercise on Forward Head Posture

NCT ID: NCT04796051

Last Updated: 2023-04-20

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 61 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2021-04-10
• Study Completion Date: 2021-09-01

Brief Summary

It has been reported that the head protrudes forward relative to the body from the sagittal plane associated with the anterior shifting of the line of gravity (LOG) relative to the base of support (BOS). On the other hand, the center of gravity (COG) has changed with the forward head posture (FHP) and is related to mechanical and musculoskeletal modifications due to postural control, which affects the whole body balance. Griegel-Morris et al. Reported that, after evaluating eighty-eight healthy participants, 66% had a forward head posture (FHP). In addition, he stated that the inverted head posture in the forward head posture will not only cause neck problems, but also can extend to the shoulder joint and thoracic spine. As a result, it causes a general imbalance in the musculoskeletal system. Jung-Ho Kang and his colleagues examined the effect of daily sitting times of computer users on dynamic and static balance and stated that balance ability decreased in heavy computer users. Another study on forward head posture (IBP) revealed that it limits ankle joint movement, especially in ankle plantarflexion.

Detailed Description

One of the most common postural deformities in the neck region is forward head posture seen in 66% of the population according to the American Physical Therapy Association. The use of computers and smartphones and long readings, which are the result of today's technological lifestyle, is one of the most common causes of FHP, causing the body to lean forward for hours. Maintaining the reverse neck posture also forces the body into many bad postures that damage the spine. Although forward head posture is experienced unconsciously at first, this unbalanced posture will accompany various degrees of advanced head posture, which turns into deformity, symptoms and complications.

FHP is an anterior translation of the head characterized by the extension of the upper cervical vertebra C1 and 2 and the bending of the lower cervical vertebra. According to Kapandji, each inch (2.54 cm) of the head forward equals the extra 4.5 kg on the neck extensor muscle, which leads to muscle fatigue and weakness, resulting in an unbalanced head posture with an abnormal bow in the neck. Immunohistochemical studies conducted by Satoshi Inami and colleagues showed that there is damage to the synovial folds containing nociceptive nerve endings as a result of compression of the facet joints in the forward head posture.

Aim of the work The aim of this study is to present a neck orthosis to correct neck posture and to see how posture correction will reflect on balance and plantar pressure distribution in individuals with forward head posture. This study can help answer questions about changes in gait level and mechanics between the spine and peripheral levels.

Conditions

Postural Kyphosis; Neck Pain; Deformity of Spine; Deformity; Muscle Weakness; Neck Syndrome; Forward Head Posture; Brace

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Neck orthosis - posterior cervical weight

The posterior cervical weight orthosis is made of a well-padded adjustable Velcro attached to the end with a two-kilogram weight attached with two durable straps. The device is firmly anchored around the curvature of the jaw and attached with Velcro to the apex of the skull. Neck orthosis group will use a cervical orthosis (with the posterior cervical neck weight) for 10 minutes / 3 times a day, for a total of 30 minutes a day

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Neck orthosis - with posterior cervical weight

Intervention Type: DEVICE

The posterior cervical weight orthosis is made of a well-padded adjustable Velcro attached to the end with a two-kilogram weight attached with two durable straps. The device is firmly anchored around the curvature of the jaw and attached with Velcro to the apex of the skull.

Deep cervical flexors exercise

Deep cervical flexors exercise group will do 15 repetitions x 3 sets of deep neck flexor exercises every day of the week.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Deep cervical flexors exercise

Intervention Type: OTHER

The participant will lay down in crook lying position, participant's head relaxed on the flat surface. Each participant will passively tuck in his/her chin without activation of superficial cervical muscles. Participants of this group will do 15 repetitions x 3 sets of deep neck flexor exercises every day of the week.

Interventions

Neck orthosis - with posterior cervical weight

The posterior cervical weight orthosis is made of a well-padded adjustable Velcro attached to the end with a two-kilogram weight attached with two durable straps. The device is firmly anchored around the curvature of the jaw and attached with Velcro to the apex of the skull.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Deep cervical flexors exercise

The participant will lay down in crook lying position, participant's head relaxed on the flat surface. Each participant will passively tuck in his/her chin without activation of superficial cervical muscles. Participants of this group will do 15 repetitions x 3 sets of deep neck flexor exercises every day of the week.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Other Intervention Names

Posterior cervical neck weight - Azzkol Orthosis; Deep cervical flexors activation

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults aged 18 years and over willing to attend the study.
• Individuals with craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 48 degrees for those participating in forward head posture (FHP).
• Young adults without known problems will be divided into groups by evaluating their craniovertebral angle value. (As individuals below 48 degrees).
• Mechanical neck pain experienced / felt in the last 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria

• Spine trauma, surgery, bone pathology, arthritis, etc. Having a history of illness.
• Kyphotic deformity types are rounded back, Scheuermann's disease, hunched back, flat back and Dowager hump.
• Any spinal deformity, bone abnormality, postural deformity, and disc herniation with / without peripheral symptoms.
• Body mass index (BMI)> 30, which is an indicator of obesity.
• Suffering from balance problems, coordination problems, and other neurological or vestibular diseases that affect body balance and posture.
• Any orthopedic or neurological disease affecting the body joints or the integrity of the musculoskeletal system.
• Use of any medication that can cause dizziness or drowsiness in the last months.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 50 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Alexandria University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Ossama Ragai, PHD Prof

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Alexandria University

Locations

Ethics Committee - Alexandria Faculty of Medicine

Alexandria, , Egypt

Countries

Egypt

Other Identifiers

0305072

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id