Effect of self- care exercises in forward head posture on craniovertebral angle and craniocervical flexion endurance: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most frequently attained attitude of the head associated with rounded-shoulder posture (RSP) that leads to muscle imbalances. This needs to be corrected to prevent neck pain. Self-care exercises are home exercises that work positively for the prevention of the secondary effects of RSP. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of two self-care exercises, namely Bruegger's postural relief position and quadruped track cervical brace exercise in the management of asymptomatic FHP in terms of craniovertebral angle (CVA) and craniocervical flexion endurance (CCFE). Settings and Design: A single-group pre–post study design was conducted on physiotherapy volunteer student population of the Health Science University, Belagavi. Materials and Methods: Fifteen participants with asymptomatic FHP ( Results: The mean age of the participants was 23.00 years (standard deviation = 1.56). The comparison of pre- and postintervention scores for CVA and CCFE outcomes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (P Conclusions: The two self-care exercises showed an effective reduction of CVA and increased deep cervical flexor strength in FHP. Once learned by the patients, the exercises can be self-administered and can be performed independently by the patients.