Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Comparative Effects of Blackburn and Egoscue Exercises to Improve CVA in Individuals With Forward Head Posture

Pakistan28 participantsStarted 2026-05-20

Plain-language summary

The trial aims to evaluate and compare the therapeutic outcomes of Blackburn and Egoscue exercise interventions in managing forward head posture. The study will be conducted as a Randomized Clinical Trial enrolling subjects diagnosed with forward head posture. Participants of both sexes will be eligible provided they present with a Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) ranging between 30 and 45 degrees, a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score indicating moderate to severe impairment, and pain levels rated as moderate to severe on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Individuals currently wearing orthotic devices or having a history of recent trauma or fractures will be ineligible for participation. Written as well as verbal informed consent shall be obtained from each participant prior to enrollment. A total of 28 subjects will be distributed across 2 groups, each comprising 14 individuals, with allocation performed through randomization. Group A will undertake Blackburn exercise protocols while Group B will follow Egoscue method exercises. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), isometric exercises, and thermotherapy via hot pack will serve as baseline interventions for both cohorts alongside cervical isometrics. The complete intervention protocol will span 24 sessions administered across 3 sessions weekly on alternate days. The principal outcomes assessed will include pain severity, craniovertebral alignment, and functional disability. Assessment instruments will comprise the Craniovertebral Angle measurement, Neck Disability Index, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Baseline measurements will be recorded at the start, pain will be documented before and after every treatment session, whereas forward head posture assessment and neck disability evaluations will be conducted both at baseline and upon completion of the 8-week protocol. Statistical processing of data will utilize SPSS version 23.

Who can participate

Age range

25 Years – 45 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age range: 25 to 45 years (Mahmoud et al., 2019). * Individuals demonstrating a Craniovertebral Angle between 30 and 45 degrees. * Individuals reporting pain levels classified as moderate to severe on the NPRS. * Individuals demonstrating moderate to severe disability as measured by the Neck Disability Index. * Both male and female participants will be considered eligible. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals currently receiving any physical therapy intervention targeting the neck or shoulder regions. * Individuals utilizing cervical or lumbar orthotic devices. * Individuals taking prescribed pain medications. * Individuals with a formally diagnosed psychological condition. * Any recent bone fracture. * Any recently sustained trauma or injury. * Formally diagnosed neurological signs or symptoms. * Burns or open wounds. * Formally diagnosed vestibular pathology.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Neck Pain

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 8th

Craniovertebral Angle

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 8

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07622979

SponsorUniversity of Faisalabad

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-20

Contact for this trial

Maryam Safdar Dr, MS PT (MSK)

+923217978088 maryamsafdar.DPT@tuf.edu.pk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Forward Head Posture trials