Combined Effect of Kendall Exercises With Wearable Vibrotactile Feedback Sensor in Forward Head Posture

NCT ID: NCT07163533

Last Updated: 2025-09-09

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 64 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-09-01
• Study Completion Date: 2026-07-30

Brief Summary

The aim of this research is to determines Combined Effect of Kendall exercises with Wearable vibrotactile feedback Sensor on Forward Head Posture correction on neck pain, and improving craniovertebral angle and muscle thickness. Randomized controlled trials at Fauji Foundation Hospital and Margalla Institute of health sciences . The sample size was 64. The subjects were divided in two groups, 32 subjects will be included in wearbable sensors and kendall exercises group and 32 will be in Kendell exercise alone . Study duration will be 12 months. Sampling technique applied will be non probability convinience sampling technique. Participants eligible for recruitment in this study will include young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Eligible participants must also present with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of less than 50 degrees, a body mass index (BMI) within the range of 18.5-30 kg/m², and a daily screen time of less than five hours. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 26.

Detailed Description

Forward Head Posture (FHP) is one of the most prevalent postural deviations among young adults, largely influenced by prolonged screen use, sedentary behaviors, and faulty sitting postures. This malalignment, characterized by anterior displacement of the head relative to the shoulder line, places excessive strain on the cervical spine and is strongly associated with neck pain, reduced craniovertebral angle (CVA), and muscular imbalances. If not corrected, FHP may contribute to long-term musculoskeletal dysfunction and impaired quality of life.

Conventional corrective approaches, such as the Kendall Exercise protocol, are widely recognized for addressing FHP by stretching shortened muscles (cervical extensors, pectorals) and strengthening weakened stabilizers (deep cervical flexors, scapular retractors). However, exercise-based interventions alone often face challenges of adherence and lack of postural awareness during daily activities.

Wearable vibrotactile feedback sensors have emerged as an innovative adjunct to exercise therapy. These devices provide real-time postural biofeedback, alerting users immediately when deviations occur and actively engaging them in maintaining correct alignment. By combining the Kendall Exercise protocol with wearable biofeedback technology, a more comprehensive approach may be achieved, addressing both neuromuscular strengthening and behavioral postural awareness.

Despite the increasing prevalence of FHP in young adults, limited evidence exists on the combined effect of structured exercise and wearable sensors. No randomized controlled trial has yet evaluated this integrated approach in this population. To address this gap, the present study will assess the combined effect of Kendall exercises and a wearable vibrotactile feedback sensor on forward head posture, neck pain, craniovertebral angle, and cervical muscle thickness in young adults.

Conditions

Neck Pain

Study Design

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

Study Groups

group A ( wearable sensors plus kendall exercises )

this group will receives wearable sensors plus Kendall exercises for 4 weeks

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

wearble vibrotactile feedback sensor and kendel exercises

Intervention Type: OTHER

Wearable vibrotactile feedback sensor will be applied to the neck for assessment and management and secondly kendel exercises consisting of Strengthening of Deep Cervical Flexors, Stretching the Cervical Extensors, Strengthening Shoulder Retraction, Stretching the Pectoralis Muscle. each exercise will be given 3 days per week for 30 min each.

group B (kendall exercises only )

this group will receives Kendall exercises for 4 weeks

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

kendel exercises

Intervention Type: OTHER

kendel exercises consisting of Strengthening of Deep Cervical Flexors, Stretching the Cervical Extensors, Strengthening Shoulder Retraction, Stretching the Pectoralis Muscle. each exercise will be given 3 days per week for 30 min each.

Interventions

wearble vibrotactile feedback sensor and kendel exercises

Wearable vibrotactile feedback sensor will be applied to the neck for assessment and management and secondly kendel exercises consisting of Strengthening of Deep Cervical Flexors, Stretching the Cervical Extensors, Strengthening Shoulder Retraction, Stretching the Pectoralis Muscle. each exercise will be given 3 days per week for 30 min each.

Intervention Type: OTHER

kendel exercises

kendel exercises consisting of Strengthening of Deep Cervical Flexors, Stretching the Cervical Extensors, Strengthening Shoulder Retraction, Stretching the Pectoralis Muscle. each exercise will be given 3 days per week for 30 min each.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Young Adult with age Between 18 to 30 years Both gender craniovertebral angle (CVA) < 50 degrees BMI 18.5-30 kg/m2 Screen time less than 5 hours/day

Exclusion Criteria

History of recent neck or spinal surgery (within the past 6 12 months). Diagnosed musculoskeletal, neurological, or vestibular disorders affecting posture, balance, or neck movement (e.g., cervical radiculopathy, scoliosis, Parkinson's, etc.).

Diagnosed Temporomandibular dysfunction Use of assistive devices (e.g., neck brace, posture correctors) in the past 3 months.

Any cognitive or psychological condition that may affect compliance with instructions or accurate reporting of symptoms.

Ongoing participation in a structured exercise or physiotherapy program targeting posture or neck muscles.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 30 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Riphah International University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

aisha razzaq, PHD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Riphah International University

Locations

Foundation University School of Health Sciences

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Countries

Pakistan

Central Contacts

Imran Amjad, PHD

Role: CONTACT

imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk

03324390125

Facility Contacts

Aisha Razzaq, PHD*

Role: primary

aisha.razza@riphah.edu.pk

03015030784

Other Identifiers

anees arshad

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id