Effects of neck exercises with breathing techniques on forward head posture

Effects of Cervical Spine Retraction Exercise With and Without Diaphragmatic Breathing on Pain, Disability and Craniovertebral Angle in Forward Head Posture.

NA · Riphah International University · NCT06130969

This study is testing if adding breathing exercises to neck exercises can help young adults with forward head posture feel better and move their necks more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University (other)
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT06130969 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of combining diaphragmatic breathing exercises with cervical retraction exercises on individuals suffering from forward head posture (FHP). Fifty-two participants aged 20 to 35 will be randomly assigned to either a combined intervention group or a control group receiving only cervical retraction exercises. The study will assess changes in pain, disability, cervical range of motion, and craniovertebral angle over twelve treatment sessions conducted over four weeks. Outcomes will be measured using validated scales and statistical analyses will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 20 to 35 who experience neck pain and have a craniovertebral angle of less than 49 degrees.

Not a fit: Patients with serious pathologies, recent whiplash injuries, or respiratory diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients with forward head posture.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific combination of interventions, similar studies have shown positive outcomes for both cervical retraction exercises and diaphragmatic breathing in managing neck pain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary complaint of neck pain (pain on the posterior part of the cervical spine to the beginning of the thoracic area with or without pain in the shoulder girdle)
* Age from 20 to 35 years
* Both gender
* CVA \<49° (16)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any serious pathology such as tumor
* Had history of whiplash injury within 3 months of the examination,
* Underwent prior surgery to the cervical spine
* Currently using muscle relaxation medication.
* Degenerative conditions
* Exhibited positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression.
* Patients with a history of respiratory disease, such as repeated bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, pulmonary lymph nodes, pleurisy, cured tuberculosis and others

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Forward Head Posture

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.