Original article / research
Effect of Thoracic and Scapular Exercises on Pain and Craniovertebral Angle in Students with Forward Head Posture: A Quasi Experimental Study
Correspondence Address :
Adarsh Kumar Srivastav,
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, CSJM University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
E-mail: adarshsrivastava13@gmail.com
Introduction: Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a prevalent habitual postural malalignment that often develops at a young age and is frequently observed in individuals who spend extended periods sitting, reading, or working on computers. The decrease in the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) is linked to a higher prevalence of FHP and an increased level of disability among individuals experiencing neck pain.
Aim: To investigate the effect of scapular stability and thoracic exercises on pain and CVA in college students with FHP.
Materials and Methods: This quasi experimental study was conducted at the Physiotherapy Outpatient Department (OPD), School of Health Sciences, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, from August 2023 to March 2024. A total of 32 participants (aged 18-25 years) meeting the inclusion criteria {FHP, CVA <51° or less, and neck pain >3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)} were recruited. Participants underwent Scapular Stabilisation Exercises (SSE) and Thoracic Extension Exercises (TEE) four times weekly for six weeks. Demographic parameters such as age, gender, and baseline CVA were recorded. Pain and CVA were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the NPRS and modified universal goniometry, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in NPRS scores (pre: 4.22±1.008; post: 3.34±0.902; p=0.001) and CVA (pre: 49.81±2.023°; post: 50.75±2.064°; p=0.002) after the intervention.
Conclusion: The study concludes that SSE combined with TEE effectively alleviates pain and improves CVA among college students with FHP.
Neck pain, Scapular stabilisation exercises, Thoracic extension exercises
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2025/76136.21938
Date of Submission: Oct 08, 2024
Date of Peer Review: Nov 20, 2024
Date of Acceptance: Apr 14, 2025
Date of Publishing: Nov 01, 2025
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was Ethics Committee Approval obtained for this study? Yes
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? Yes
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. Yes
PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS:
• Plagiarism X-checker: Oct 11, 2024
• Manual Googling: Apr 10, 2025
• iThenticate Software: Apr 12, 2025 (12%)
ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
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