| The Role of the Smart Posture Application in Cognitive Postural Re-education in Individuals with Upper Crossed Syndrome |
| Paper ID : 1284-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Parisa Azimi *1, Behnaz Ganji Namin2, Mohammad Hossein Naser Meli3 1MSc of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran, 2Assistant professor, Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran, 3Assistant professor, Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Islamic Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran, |
| Abstract |
| Abstract Introduction: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a biomechanical–cognitive disorder characterized by muscular imbalance and impaired cognitive–motor control of posture. Effective correction requires neuromuscular re-education supported by cognitive processes such as motor learning and attentional focus. Traditional corrective exercises alone may not produce stable postural adaptations due to the absence of continuous feedback. Smart posture applications provide real-time reminders and biometric feedback, potentially stimulating prefrontal–cortical and proprioceptive pathways. According to Cognitive Resource Allocation Theory, these digital cues help shift attention from automatic to conscious control, thereby enhancing postural correction. This study examined whether combining corrective exercises with a Smart Posture application could facilitate cognitive postural re-education and reduce head posture errors in individuals with UCS. Methods: Forty female students with UCS were randomly assigned to a control group (corrective exercises only; n = 20) or an intervention group (corrective exercises + Smart Posture app; n = 20). The eight-week intervention involved app-based reminders prompting correct head posture while using smartphones. Incorrect posture temporarily locked the device until corrected. Head posture deviations were recorded weekly. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significant and progressive reduction in posture errors across eight weeks (F(7,91) = 45.21, p < 0.001, η² = 0.77). Bonferroni analysis showed that week 1 significantly differed from all subsequent weeks (p < 0.001), indicating consistent improvement. Conclusion: Integrating corrective exercises with the Smart Posture application effectively enhanced postural re-education and significantly reduced head posture errors in individuals with UCS. This combined, technology-assisted approach appears to be a practical method for improving posture in digital device users. |
| Keywords |
| Keywords: Upper Crossed Syndrome; Smart Posture Application; Cognitive Postural Re-education; Head Posture Error; Digital Reminders. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
