Comparing two exercise methods for treating text neck syndrome in young adults

Comparative Effect of Scapular Stabilization Versus Thoracic Extension Exercises on Pain, Disability, Range of Motion, and Craniovertebral Angle in Young Adults With Text Neck Syndrome.

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06108752

This study is testing whether scapular stabilization exercises or thoracic extension exercises can help young adults with text neck syndrome feel less pain and move their necks better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT06108752 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises versus thoracic extension exercises in alleviating pain, disability, and improving range of motion in young adults suffering from Text Neck Syndrome. Text neck is a condition associated with prolonged use of handheld devices, leading to poor posture and neck pain. The study will evaluate how these two exercise approaches, which indirectly target the cervical spine, can impact symptoms related to forward head posture. Participants will be assessed based on their cranio-vertebral angle and neck pain history, with a focus on the bio-dynamic relationship between the cervical and thoracic spine.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults with forward head posture or text neck syndrome who use smartphones for at least three hours daily and have experienced neck pain for the past three months.

Not a fit: Patients with recent cervical or thoracic spine surgery, serious pathological conditions, congenital spinal anomalies, or severe psychological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-invasive exercise interventions for young adults suffering from text neck syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using indirect treatment approaches for neck pain is established, this specific comparison of scapular stabilization versus thoracic extension exercises is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Both male and female participants with forward head posture or text neck syndrome
* Participants with neck pain from the past three months
* Smart-phones must be used for at least ≥3 hours each day
* Participants with craniovertebral angle \<53° will be included in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of cervical and thoracic spine surgery within the past three months
* Serious pathological conditions within the past three months
* Congenital spinal anomalies, or rheumatoid arthritis
* Neurological signs and severe psychological disorders

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Neck SyndromeForward Head PostureCraniovertebral angleScapular stabilization exercisesThoracic extensionText neck syndromeRange of motionPain
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.