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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07403422

Effects of Forward Head Posture on Cervical Proprioception, Muscle Endurance, and Cardiopulmonary Function During Cognitive-Motor Tasks Among University Students

Forward head posture is commonly observed among university students and may influence cervical sensorimotor function and physiological responses during functional activities. The purpose of this observational cross-sectional study is to examine the association between forward head posture and cervical proprioception, deep cervical muscle endurance, and cardiopulmonary responses during a cognitive-motor task in university students.

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Key information

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Age range

18 year–26 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Faculty of physical therapy

Aqaba, Jordan

About this study

This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted among healthy university students aged 18 to 26 years. The study aims to investigate the relationship between forward head posture and cervical joint position sense, deep cervical muscle endurance, and cardiopulmonary responses during a combined cognitive-motor task. No therapeutic intervention or treatment is applied.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • University students aged 18 to 26 years
  • Both male and female participants
  • Apparently healthy individuals
  • Ability to understand and follow study instructions
  • Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Age below 18 years or above 26 years
  • History of cervical spine surgery or cervical fracture
  • Presence of neurological disorders affecting the cervical spine or balance
  • Chronic cardiopulmonary diseases
  • Current or recent neck or shoulder pain within the past 6 months
  • Any musculoskeletal condition that may affect cervical posture or movement

Treatment and study plan

No intervention

Other

No intervention

Primary outcomes

  1. Cervical joint position error measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer

    Time frame: At baseline

    Cervical proprioception will be assessed by measuring joint position error (JPE) during cervical flexion, extension, and rotation using a smartphone-based inclinometer. Participants will attempt to reposition their head to a neutral target position with eyes closed. The absolute repositioning error (in degrees) will be calculated, and the mean JPE will be used for analysis.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Deep cervical flexor endurance measured by the craniocervical flexion endurance test

    Time frame: At baseline

    Deep cervical flexor endurance will be assessed using the craniocervical flexion endurance test. Participants will perform a chin-tuck head lift in the supine position and hold the position as long as possible. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds.

  2. Cervical extensor endurance measured by a cervical extensor endurance test

    Time frame: At baseline

    Cervical extensor muscle endurance will be assessed using a cervical extensor endurance test in the prone position. Participants will maintain the head in a neutral horizontal position for as long as possible. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds.

  3. Heart rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task using a chest-strap heart rate monitor

    Time frame: During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session

    Heart rate will be recorded during a combined stepping and cognitive subtraction task using a validated chest-strap heart rate monitor. The mean heart rate during the task will be used for analysis.

  4. Respiratory rate measured during a cognitive-motor dual-task

    Time frame: During a single 3-minute cognitive-motor task session

    Respiratory rate will be measured during the same cognitive-motor dual-task by counting breaths per minute. The mean respiratory rate during the task will be used for analysis

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Abeer Abdrabo

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Forward Head Posture on Cervical Proprioception, Muscle Endurance, and Cardiopulmonary Function During Cognitive-Motor Tasks Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 11, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 11, 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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