Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07607405

Acute Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Added to Postural Corrective Exercises in Young Adults With Forward Head Posture

This study investigated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises, postural corrective exercises only, or control. The primary outcome was craniovertebral angle. Secondary outcomes included cervical joint repositioning error, deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, and scapular muscle endurance. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1 hour after the intervention by a blinded outcome assessor.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Izmir, 35340, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Forward head posture is a common postural deviation in young adults and may be associated with altered cervicothoracic alignment, impaired cervical proprioception, and reduced cervical and scapular muscle endurance. Postural corrective exercises are commonly used in physiotherapy practice to improve head-neck posture and related neuromuscular control. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization may provide additional acute effects through mechanical stimulation of soft tissues and proprioceptive input.

This single-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises, postural corrective exercises only, or control. The control group received no intervention and was assessed at the same time intervals as the intervention groups. Outcome assessments were conducted by a blinded assessor at baseline and 1 hour after the intervention.

The primary outcome was craniovertebral angle, used as an indicator of forward head posture. Secondary outcomes included cervical joint repositioning error, deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, and scapular muscle endurance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals aged 18-25 years
  • Presence of forward head posture
  • Provision of written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • History of any disease or surgical procedure affecting cervical or thoracic posture
  • Any health condition preventing completion of the assessments

Treatment and study plan

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Plus Postural Corrective Exercises

Other

Participants received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education in addition to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. The exercise program included deep cervical flexor activation using the chin tuck exercise, active cervical range-of-motion exercises, scapular exercises, and pectoral stretching. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization was applied bilaterally to the cervicothoracic region, including the upper and middle trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, scalene, suboccipital, and cervical erector spinae muscles. The mobilization was applied for approximately 10 minutes using appropriate instruments.

Postural Corrective Exercises

Other

Participants received a single-session postural corrective exercise program and postural education. The exercise program included deep cervical flexor activation using the chin tuck exercise, active cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation exercises, scapular exercises, and pectoral stretching.

Primary outcomes

  1. Craniovertebral Angle

    Time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention

    Craniovertebral angle was assessed using digital photographic postural analysis. Markers were placed on the tragus of the ear and the spinous process of C7, and the angle was calculated from a lateral-view photograph. Higher values indicate a more upright head posture.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cervical Joint Repositioning Error

    Time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention

    Cervical joint repositioning error was assessed using a laser pointer system during cervical flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left lateral flexion. Absolute repositioning error was calculated for each movement direction. Lower values indicate better cervical joint position sense.

  2. Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance

    Time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention

    Deep cervical flexor muscle endurance was assessed using the cervical flexor endurance test. The duration for which the participant could maintain the test position was recorded in seconds. Higher values indicate greater muscle endurance.

  3. Scapular Muscle Endurance

    Time frame: Baseline and 1 hour after the intervention

    Scapular muscle endurance was assessed using the scapular muscle endurance test. The duration for which the participant could maintain the required test position and resistance was recorded in seconds. Higher values indicate greater muscle endurance.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dokuz Eylul University

Other

Collaborators

  • The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 26, 2026
Registry last updated
May 26, 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.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.