Feldenkrais plus corrective exercises for forward head posture
Effects of Exercise and Feldenkrais Approaches on Position Sense, Strength, Range of Motion and Posture in Cases With Forward Head Posture
This trial will test whether adding the Feldenkrais method to corrective exercises helps adults with forward head posture improve neck position sense, muscle strength, range of motion, and posture.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Istanbul, Buyukcekmece and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06968052 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study compares a standard corrective (strength) exercise program alone to the same program combined with Feldenkrais-based movement and awareness sessions in adults aged 18–65 with documented forward head posture (CVA ≤50°). Participants who work at least four hours per day at a desk will attend supervised exercise sessions and undergo baseline and follow-up measurements of cervical joint position sense, neck muscle strength, cervical range of motion, and postural parameters. Key exclusions include recent cervical treatment, spinal deformity or surgery, neurological disorders, temporomandibular dysfunction, hearing impairment, prior corrective exercise participation, and use of analgesics or muscle relaxants. The protocol aims to see if adding Feldenkrais improves proprioception and leads to more sustainable postural changes than strength exercises alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with forward head posture (CVA ≤50°) who spend at least four hours per day at a desk and meet the study's exclusion criteria.
Not a fit: People with spinal deformities, recent cervical trauma or surgery, neurological disorders, temporomandibular dysfunction, hearing impairment, prior corrective exercise participation, or current use of analgesics/muscle relaxants are excluded and unlikely to be eligible or benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining Feldenkrais with corrective exercises could improve neck position awareness, increase neck strength, and produce more lasting posture improvements for people with forward head posture.
How similar studies have performed: Body-awareness approaches such as the Feldenkrais method have shown some benefits for movement quality and chronic pain, but direct evidence for adding Feldenkrais to corrective exercises for forward head posture is limited and this combination is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 18-65 years of age * CVA (cervicovertebral angle) ≤50° (16,17) * Spending at least 4 hours of daily desk time 5 days a week Exclusion Criteria: * Having temporomandibular dysfunction * Having any spinal deformity * Having cervical trauma or pain treatment within the last 6 months * Having previously participated in a corrective exercise program * History of neurological disorder * History of spinal or thoracic surgery * Having hearing impairment * Use of analgesics/muscle relaxants
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Buyukcekmece and 1 other locations
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa — Istanbul, Buyukcekmece, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Assoc. Prof. — Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.