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

Starting soon · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Forward Head Posture, Neck Pain

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07565688

Run by

University of Sharjah

People needed

45

Starts

2027-05-01

Expected to finish

2028-09-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-08

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 35. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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))

You may not qualify if…

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

Where it is running

• University of Sharjah — Sharjah city, United Arab Emirates

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.