| From Exercise To Correction: A Narrative Review of Simple Exercises for Forward Head Posture |
| Paper ID : 1060-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
|
farhad rezazade *1, parinaz fahimi2 1استادیار، گروه بیومکانیک ورزشی، دانشکده علوم تربیتی و روانشناسی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، اردبیل، ایران 2گروه بیومکانیک ورزشی، دانشکده علوم تربیتی و روانشناسی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، اردبیل، ایران |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural disorder associated with neck pain, sensorimotor deficits, and functional limitations. Simple, low-cost corrective exercises targeting deep cervical flexor strengthening, scapular stabilization, and thoracic extension are widely used as first-line interventions. Methods: A bilingual literature search (January 2015–January 2025) was performed across multiple databases. Included studies were randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs investigating structured corrective exercise for FHP. Primary outcomes were the craniovertebral angle (CVA), pain, and disability. Secondary outcomes included range of motion, proprioception, and muscle activity. A narrative synthesis was conducted due to study heterogeneity. Results: Analysis of ten studies demonstrated that programs lasting 4–12 weeks (typically 3 sessions/week) consistently improved postural alignment (CVA) and reduced pain and disability. Effective protocols integrated deep cervical flexor training (e.g., chin-tucks), scapular stabilization exercises, thoracic extension drills, and stretching of tight anterior musculature. Evidence indicated that multi-component programs, including scapular and thoracic elements, often yielded superior or more sustained outcomes compared to cervical-focused exercises alone. Benefits also extended to improved proprioception, normalized muscle activity, and enhanced respiratory function. However, variability in exercise progression and reporting limited quantitative meta-analysis. Conclusion: Simple, cost-effective corrective exercise programs are effective for improving posture, pain, and function in individuals with FHP. These protocols are feasible for both clinical and home settings. Future research should prioritize standardizing outcome measures and exercise progression parameters, incorporate longer-term follow-ups, and directly compare the efficacy of different multi-component programs to refine clinical prescription. |
| Keywords |
| Forward head posture, Craniovertebral angle, Deep cervical flexor training, Scapular stabilization, Thoracic extension. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
