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NCT Number: NCT06927609

Kendall Exercises on Posture-Related Cervical Spondylosis

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Kendall exercises in correcting postural deviations, such as forward head posture, associated with cervical spondylosis. By targeting muscle imbalances and improving alignment through stretching and strengthening protocols, the research aims to reduce symptoms, enhance cervical spine function, and promote postural health. Participants will undergo a four-week exercise intervention with pre- and post-assessments to determine the outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Cervical Spondylosis Bone Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Spinal Diseases Spondylosis

Age range

45 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

DHQ Hospital, Batkhela, and Bahadur Khan, Rozi Khan Memorial Hospital

Malakand, KPK, Pakistan

About this study

This study investigates the impact of Kendall exercises on posture-related cervical spondylosis, a degenerative condition often linked to postural deviations like forward head posture (FHP). Prolonged poor posture, frequently exacerbated by activities such as excessive smartphone or computer use, leads to muscle imbalances, increased mechanical stress on the cervical spine, and degenerative changes in intervertebral discs and joints.

Kendall exercises are targeted therapeutic interventions designed to address muscle imbalances by strengthening weak muscles (e.g., deep cervical flexors) and stretching tight muscles (e.g., upper trapezius, pectoralis muscles). These exercises aim to restore proper alignment, reduce mechanical strain, and improve overall posture and cervical function.

Participants with posture-related cervical spondylosis will engage in a four-week exercise protocol involving specific Kendall exercises for cervical extensors, flexors, shoulder retraction, and chest muscles. Outcomes will be assessed using craniovertebral angle measurements, photographic analysis, and subjective pain/function scales. The study seeks to establish Kendall exercises as a non-invasive, effective intervention for managing cervical spondylosis by correcting postural deviations and mitigating associated symptoms

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • • Already diagnosed patients of cervical radiculopathy confirmed by clinical examination and imaging
  • A patient with a Forward Head Posture (FHP) (CVA angle less the 48-50 degrees is defined as Forward head posture
  • Positive Spurling test
  • Numbness of the arm, fingers, or shoulder
  • Cervical Postural assessment showing asymmetry (radiographic Analysis, and Posture Observation)
  • Chronic symptoms ≥ 1 year
  • Pain and Stiffness which limited range of motion in the cervical spine (Flexion less than 60°) (Extension less than 73°) (Lateral Flexion less than 13°-23° Rotation less than 80°)
  • Pain: moderate to severe level (≥5 on NPRS)

Exclusion criteria

  • • History of Recent trauma to the cervical spine
  • Any psychological condition
  • Any specific cause of cervical radiculopathy (e.g., metabolic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis)
  • Central or peripheral neurological signs
  • History of spinal surgery.

Treatment and study plan

Kendall exercises

Other

Stretching of Cervical Extensors Strengthening Deep Cervical Flexors Strengthening Shoulder Retraction Stretching Pectoralis Muscle

Conventional therapy group

Other

Cervical Traction Neck Isometric Exercises (Cervical flexors), Static Stretching (Cervical extensors) General Cervical Extension and Flexion Exercises Shoulder Shrugs

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is an eleven-point pain impression scale: the patient rates pain from 0 (no aggravation) to 10 (most exceedingly terrible possible pain). Mild 1-3, Moderate 4-6, Severe 7-10. It has good test-retest reliability (r=.79-.96) in individuals with chronic pain and musculoskeletal pathology.

  2. Range Of Motion: Goniometer

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    A goniometer is a tool used to measure joint angles and range of motion (ROM). The goniometer has high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability when used by trained professionals. Consistent measurement can be achieved with proper technique and positioning. It provides valid measurements of joint ROM when compared with other objective measures such as radiographic assessments.

  3. craniovertebral angle (CVA)

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The Craniovertebral Angle is one of the most reliable methods and common angles for evaluating the Forward head posture. It is the angle between a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the C7 vertebra and a line drawn horizontally. A reduced CVA indicates a forward head posture.

  4. Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a widely used self-reported questionnaire that measures the patient's perceived disability due to neck pain. It consists of 10 items, each scoring from 0 to 5, covering various aspects such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreation. Cronbach's alpha value for NDI was found to be .95 and this was statistically significant (p<.01).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Kendall Exercises on Posture-Related Cervical Spondylosis

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 19, 2025

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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