Efficacy of Adding Pilates to Postural Correction Exercise on Nerve Root Function and Electromyography Activity in Symptomatic Forward Head Posture: Randomized Controlled Trial

Forward head posture (FHP) is nowadays the most common postural problem. In FHP, the head protrudes forward from the sagittal plane and appears to be positioned in front of the body, and this condition is considered the most common postural deformity. The prevalence of anterior head translation in neck pain patients was found to be 37%, out of which 58% were females and 42%were males. FHP is among the most common abnormal postures in upper quarter. 85% of patients with myofascial pain syndrome have FHP. Even more alarming is how frequently these problems are seen in younger populations since it's suggested that problems at a young age may lead to more serious consequences later in life. Pilate's method is a physical fitness system that was developed during the First World War in the early 20th century by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. Direction Control and Range Control exercises are two key types of specific exercises that should be used when specific uncontrolled movements are found. Pilates is a mind-body exercise that focuses on strength, core stability, flexibility, muscle control, posture and breathing. Exercises can be mat-based or involve use of specialized equipment. Six major components of Pilates as: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Flow and Breathing.

pilates exercise and postural correction play a major role in restoring the normal posture in patients with forward head posture so this trial will be conducted to investigate efficacy of adding Pilates to postural correction exercise on nerve root function and electromyography activity in symptomatic forward head posture.

Inclusion criteria

• Ages from 20-45 years old with symptomatic forward head posture will be included in this study
• Participants have FHP if CVA ≤ 50 Non- athletes
• Normal body mass index (BMI) (18- 24.9). (BMI = body mass in kg divided by subject height in meters).

Exclusion criteria

• any spinal problems
• Temporomandibular disease
• Participants with experience in pilates and who will not be sedentary were excluded from the study
• Previous surgery in the neck and shoulder
• neurological symptoms of the upper extremities during screening tests (e.g., Spurling test and upper limb tension tests)
• red flags suggesting of cancer, infection, vascular insufficiency
• Cervical radiculopathy or mylopathy