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

NCT07565688 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 45

Last updated 2026-05-08

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

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.

Conditions

  • Forward Head Posture
  • Neck Pain

Interventions

OTHER

Forward Head Posture Correction

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Sharjah

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Alham Alsharman, Associate Prof. · University of Sharjah

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
35 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2027-05-01
Primary Completion
2028-05-01
Completion
2028-09-01

Countries

  • United Arab Emirates

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07565688 on ClinicalTrials.gov