Effect of Exercise Therapy on Head, Neck Range of Motion, and Craniovertebral Angle in Subjects with Forward Head Posture

Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a common musculo-skeletal disorder in head and neck region which is observed in all ages.Correcting of the muscle imbalance, mobilization, and postural training are common treatment methods for this dysfunction. Yet, there is not enough data about the effects of exercise therapy on head and neck Range of Motion (ROM) and craniovertebral angle in subjects with FHP. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of neck and scapular muscle strengthening exercise and stretching of upper trapezius muscle on head and neck ROM and craniovertebral angle.
A total of 30 subjects with FHP participated in the present interventional study. Craniovertebral angle, head and neck flexion, and extension ROM were measured. Then, deep cervical flexor and scapular retractor muscle strengthening and upper trapezius stretching exercises were trained. After four weeks of exercise therapy, craniovertebral angle, head and neck flexion, and extension ROM were measured following the same procedure.
There was a significant difference in participant's craniovertebral angle after intervention (P=0.01). There were no significant differences in cervical extension and head flexion ROM. In addition, there was a significant difference in head and neck flexion (P=0.001) ROM before and after the intervention.
Findings of the present study showed that exercise therapy can improve craniovertebral angle and ROM in the individuals with FHP. The effect of this exercise on the head and neck ROM is seen but not on neck and head ROM, independently.