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NCT Number: NCT07565688

Forward Head Posture Correction on Cerebral Oxygenation During Dual-task in Symptomatic Subjects

This study aims to investigate the effects of forward head posture correction on neck pain, brain activity, and cognitive-motor performance. Forward head posture is a common postural problem, especially among young adults who spend long hours using smartphones and computers. It is frequently associated with neck pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations. Emerging evidence also suggests that this postural deviation may influence brain function and increase the mental effort required during tasks that involve both thinking and movement.

Participants with forward head posture and neck pain will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: an intervention group using a cervical traction device (Denneroll), a sham group using a towel roll, or a control group receiving no intervention. The intervention will be performed at home over a six-week period, with sessions conducted five times per week. The duration of each session will gradually increase based on participant tolerance to ensure safety and comfort.

All participants will undergo assessments at baseline and after the intervention period. Pain intensity will be measured using a standardized pain scale. Brain activity will be assessed using a non-invasive technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which measures changes in oxygen levels in the brain. Participants will also perform balance tasks under single-task and dual-task conditions, where they will be asked to maintain balance while performing simple cognitive tasks. In addition, cognitive function will be evaluated using standardized tests of attention, memory, and overall cognitive performance.

This study will help determine whether correcting forward head posture can reduce pain and improve brain and cognitive function. The findings may provide valuable insights into the relationship between posture, pain, and brain activity, and may contribute to the development of more effective and comprehensive rehabilitation approaches for individuals with forward head posture.

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Key information

Conditions

Forward Head Posture Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural deviation associated with neck pain, impaired sensorimotor control, and functional limitations. In addition to musculoskeletal effects, emerging evidence suggests that FHP may influence cortical activity, particularly within prefrontal regions involved in attention and cognitive-motor integration. Individuals with FHP have demonstrated increased cognitive-motor interference during dual-task performance, indicating greater reliance on cortical resources and reduced motor automaticity. However, it remains unclear whether correcting FHP can reduce pain and modify these neurophysiological responses.

This study aims to investigate the effects of forward head posture correction on pain intensity as a primary outcome, alongside task-evoked cerebral oxygenation and cognitive-motor interference. A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial design with three parallel groups will be used. Participants with symptomatic FHP will be randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving Denneroll cervical traction, a sham group receiving a non-therapeutic towel roll intervention, or a control group receiving no intervention.

The intervention will be conducted over six weeks, with participants in the intervention and sham groups performing home-based sessions with gradual progression in duration to ensure safety and tolerance. All participants will undergo assessments at baseline and post-intervention.

Pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Neurophysiological outcomes will be assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex during rest, single-task, and dual-task conditions. Cognitive-motor interference will be examined using dual-task paradigms that combine balance tasks with cognitive demands. Cognitive function and balance performance will also be evaluated using standardized assessments.

The procedures used in this study are non-invasive and associated with minimal risk. The fNIRS device does not emit radiation, and the intervention may cause only mild and temporary discomfort, which will be minimized through gradual progression and monitoring. Participants will be informed of their right to withdraw at any time without consequences.

By integrating clinical, cognitive, and neurophysiological outcomes, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of forward head posture correction. The findings may contribute to the development of more effective, mechanism-based rehabilitation strategies targeting both pain and brain function in individuals with forward head posture.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Young adults of both sexes aged 18-35 years
  • Individuals with forward head posture (a craniovertebral angle (CVA) < 50°)
  • Presence of neck pain with an intensity of ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
  • Ability to understand and follow basic English instructions
  • No cognitive impairment (score >18 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA))

Exclusion criteria

  • History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
  • Currently receiving physiotherapy or rehabilitation for cervical spine conditions
  • Individuals on medications (diagnosed neurological disorders)

Treatment and study plan

Forward Head Posture Correction

Other

Duration: 6 weeks Frequency: 5 sessions per week (total 30 sessions) Setting: Home-based Position: Supine Session duration: Starts at ~3 minutes, progressively increased to 15-20 minutes (as tolerated)

  • Intervention: DG: The denneroll will be given under the cervical spine (based on deviation level) TG: A towel roll will be given as an intervention CG: No intervention

This protocol simultaneously examines cerebral oxygenation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)(HbO and HbR) , during single- and dual-task balance conditions(cognitive load-motor balance), and pain intensity using the VAS, postural alignment (craniovertebral angle),and cognitive function (MoCA, SDMT, BVMT-R) before and after intervention.

Primary outcomes

  1. The visual analog scale

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a validated measure of pain intensity, typically presented as a 10 cm (100 mm) horizontal line. The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain." Higher scores represent greater pain intensity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. functional near-infrared spectroscopy

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).

    cerebral oxygenation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS):

    Task-evoked cerebral:

    Changes in oxygenated (ΔHbO) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (ΔHbR) at rest, and during single-task and dual-task conditions will be calculated relative to pre-task baseline

    Cortical dual-task cost:

    The difference between dual-task and single-task ΔHbO will be used as an index of cognitive-motor interference.

  2. Symbol Digit Modalities Test

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).

    Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is used to assess divided attention, visual scanning, tracking and motor speed. The SDMT presents a series of nine symbols, each paired with a single digit in a key at the top of the sheet. The participants will be asked to pair specific numbers with given geometric figures within 90 s using a reference key. The participants should respond by voicing the digit associated with each symbol as quickly as possible. SDMT-Incidental learning (IL) will be measured as well. The participants will be asked to recall each geometric figure represented which number after 20 minutes.

  3. Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).

    Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) is used to assess visuospatial learning and memory performance. The BVMT-R consists of stimulus card (2 × 3 geometric figures). The researcher will show the participant a stimulus array of six abstract geometric figures for 10 seconds, then the participant will be asked to draw the figures from memory in their correct shape and locations. This procedure will be repeated for three learning trials. The participants will be asked to recall each geometric figure after 20 minutes

  4. Montreal Cognitive Assessment

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).

    Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a simple 10 min paper and pencil test, with accepted test-retest reliability and moderate validity, that was developed to detect mild cognitive impairment. The test assesses multiple cognitive domains including memory, language, executive functions, visuospatial skills, calculation, verbal abstraction, attention, concentration, and orientation to time and space. The clinical cut-off score of 26 is recommended.The test and instructions are freely available on the MoCA official website at www.mocatest.org.

  5. Technobody Balance System (Balance performance)

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (week 0) and after completion of the intervention (week 6).

    Balance performance measurements will be evaluated using the Technobody Balance System under both single-task and dual-task conditions.

Study contacts

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

Alham Al-Sharman, PhD-Associate Prof

CONTACT

[email protected]

06-5057516

Reime Jamal Shehadeh Shalash, PhD-Teaching assistant

CONTACT

[email protected]

+971 52-5568334

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Sharjah

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Forward Head Posture Correction on Prefrontal Cerebral Oxygenation During Cognitive-Motor Interference in Symptomatic Subjects With Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: FHP

Important dates

Study start
2027
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
May 4, 2026
Registry last updated
May 8, 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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