Effects of Feldenkrais Approach in Cases With Forward Head Posture

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Forward Head Posture

Treatments: Other: Strength and Feldenkrais Exercise; Other: Strength Exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06968052

IUC-FTR-Tt25

Details and patient eligibility

About

It is thought that adding approaches that increase posture awareness to corrective exercise programs will contribute to the treatment. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of adding the Feldenkrais method to the corrective exercise program applied to individuals with forward head posture on cervical joint position sense, muscle strength, joint range of motion and posture parameters.

Full description

The combination of the Feldenkrais method with corrective exercises stands out as an innovative approach to the problem of forward head posture. This approach aims to not only eliminate physical alignment errors but also increase individuals' internal awareness of posture and movement patterns by integrating traditional postural correction techniques with Feldenkrais' movement efficiency and awareness-oriented principles. In this way, it may be possible for the postural improvements obtained to be more sustainable. It is reported that the Feldenkrais method supports neuromuscular control by increasing body awareness and contributes to movement quality. In light of this information, it is predicted that the addition of the Feldenkrais method to the corrective exercise program applied to individuals with forward head posture will provide additional improvement in cervical joint position sense, muscle strength, range of motion and posture parameters.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Being between 18-65 years of age
• CVA (cervicovertebral angle) ≤50° (16,17)
• Spending at least 4 hours of daily desk time 5 days a week

Exclusion criteria

• Having temporomandibular dysfunction
• Having any spinal deformity
• Having cervical trauma or pain treatment within the last 6 months
• Having previously participated in a corrective exercise program
• History of neurological disorder
• History of spinal or thoracic surgery
• Having hearing impairment
• Use of analgesics/muscle relaxants

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Group A

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in Group A will receive a combined program of corrective exercises and the Feldenkrais method. The program includes posture-focused Feldenkrais movements and stretching/strengthening exercises for postural muscles (e.g., pectorals, cervical extensors, deep neck flexors, and scapular retractors). The intervention will be delivered twice weekly over 8 weeks, totaling 16supervised 45-minute sessions by a physiotherapist.

Treatment:

Other: Strength and Feldenkrais Exercise

Group B

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in Group B will receive a program combining corrective and breathing exercises. Corrective exercises will be performed at the same sets and repetitions as Group A, adjusted to individual tolerance. Breathing exercises include diaphragmatic breathing and thoracic expansion, performed in 2-3 sets of 7 repetitions. The intervention will be delivered twice weekly over 8 weeks, totaling 16supervised 45-minute sessions by a physiotherapist.

Treatment:

Other: Strength Exercise