Exercise Program Based on Motor Learning and Forward Head Posture Correction

Eleni Kapreli

Status: Completed

Conditions: Deformity; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities

Treatments: Other: Exercise program based on motor learning principles

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03006497

PHYSMSC1

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of an exercise program based on principles of motor learning in correction of Forward Head Position (FHP) in asymptomatic patients.

Full description

Epidemiological studies have shown that bad posture and poor body control occurs at puberty, with forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulders being the most common biomechanical deviations in sagittal plane. The FHP is defined as an anterior displacement of the head with hyperextension of the cervical spine and this is associated with a reduction in the length of the upper portion of the trapezius, posterior portion of the cervical extensor muscles, the sternocleidomastoid and the levator scapulae. FHP can be evaluated by measuring craniovertebral angle (CVA) which is defined as the angle between a horizontal line passing through C7 and a line extending from the tragus of the ear to C7.

CVA, smaller than 50 degrees, constitute a criterion of abnormal posture of cervical spine, suggesting FHP. People with FHP present incomplete balance control, thereby affecting the position of the center of gravity and motor control of the body. The establishment of altered motor control strategies could lead to balance disorders, neck muscle imbalances, chronic neck pain and even respiratory dysfunction.

Despite the efforts of researchers to create effective treatment programs based on strength training and stretching exercises, positive long-term results have been a problem in FHP correction. For this reason, re-education of posture and body alignment, through exercise programs based on motor learning, with cognitive elements (attention, motivation, feedback, reasoning), could be proved a more effective therapeutic strategy.

Enrollment: 52 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 26 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Students at Technological Educational Institute of Sterea Ellada,
• Aged 18-26 years old
• Males and females
• Craniocervical angle < 50 degrees (statical Forward Head Posture in standing position)

Exclusion criteria

• Injury or surgery in cervical spine
• Accompanying neurologic, musculoskeletal or mental problems
• Any medical administration
• Intense continuous or intermittent neck pain
• BMI >25
• Participation in any rehabilitation or physiotherapy sessions considering neck dysfunction the last 6 months
• Change in physical activities during the research period of 6 weeks

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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52 participants in 2 patient groups

Control

No Intervention group

Description:

The control group will not participate in any exercise program. However, at the end, home based exercises and special advice will be given to the participants.

Intervention

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention group will participate in an exercise program based on motor learning principles for 4 weeks/3 sessions per week, for a total of 12 sessions of 30-45 minutes each.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise program based on motor learning principles