The effect of through-range versus shortened-length exercise training on upper quarter posture among students with forward head posture: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of shortened-length versus through-range exercise training on upper quarter posture in primary school students with Forward Head Posture (FHP). Materials and Methods: Sixty pain-free participants with FHP were randomly allocated to one of three groups; shortened-length training (n=20), through-range training (n=20), and no-treatment control group (n=20). The shortened-length and through-range groups participated in training programs 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Upper quarter postures, including Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), Shoulder Angle (SA), Cranial Angle (CA), and thoracic kyphosis were measured by photogrammetry before and after the training. The confidence level was set at 95% (P<0.05). Results: After training, both exercise groups showed significant changes in CVA (P=0.001), SA (P=0.001), CA (P=0.001), and thoracic kyphosis (P=0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, CVA changed more in the shortened-length exercise group compared to the through-range exercise group (P=0.003) (effect size= 0.446). Conclusion: Both through-range and shortened-length exercises altered upper quarter alignment. The shortened-length training resulted in a larger change in CVA. These changes were small, and more studies are needed to investigate the effects of such training programs among people with pain.