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NCT Number: NCT07780396

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Forward head posture (FHD) is a common habitual faulty posture exists in the surrounding that can alter the resting position of the mandible and may affect the masticatory muscle activity.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of postural correction on masticatory and cervical muscle activity and mandibular opening in forward-head posture patients.

Materials and Methods:

Cranio-vertebral angle measurement CVA EMG activity of masseter, temporalis, splenius, upper trapezius and SCM BAU - Institutional Review Board (Form H-II) | BEIRUT ARAB UNIVERSITY

-Electrodes will be placed on the muscle belly parallel to the direction of muscle fibers. The distance between the two electrodes was 2 cm. The subjects will be instructed to complete maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of clenching the teeth for 3 s and repeating twice. The average of the two trials of MVC will be used for further analysis. The subjects will be seated comfortably in a chair.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.
  • History of TMJ subluxation or dislocation that could interfere with mouth opening.
  • 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.
  • Missing posterior teeth, recent orthodontic treatment (within the previous 12 months), or dental restorations that altered occlusion.

Treatment and study plan

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

Primary outcomes

  1. EMG activity

    Time frame: 10 weeks

    Electrodes will be placed on the muscle belly parallel to the direction of muscle fibers. The distance between the two electrodes was 2 cm.

    The subjects will be instructed to complete maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of clenching the teeth for a period of 3 s and repeated twice. The average of the two trials of MVC will be used for further analysis. The subjects will be seated comfortably in a chair (---cm height).

Secondary outcomes

  1. craniovertebral angle

    Time frame: 10 weeks

    Forward head posture will be assess by the craniovertebral angle, one of the most reliable tool for evaluating the FHP.

    The examiner takes 2 lateral photographs of the subject in standing position, according to Shaghayegh fard et al.

    A digital camera will be positioned on a tripod at a distance of 0.8m from the subject at shoulder height. Two land mark will be taken, the spinous process of C7 and the tragus of ear. A horizontal line will be drawn passing through C7 making a right angle with the vertical. Then, the angle between the line connecting C7 spinous process with the tragus of the ear and the horizontal line.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Ahmed El-Melhat, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

0096181437072

Ahmed M Elsayed, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

00201027943622

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Electromyographic Changes in Masticatory and Cervical Muscles Following a Structured 10-week Postural Correction Exercise Program in Individuals With Asymptomatic Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 21, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 21, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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