Forward head posture and symptom severity in fibromyalgia
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Craniovertebral Angle and Fibromyalgia Symptom Severity
See if forward head posture, measured by the craniovertebral angle, is linked to symptom severity in adults aged 18–55 with fibromyalgia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 134 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ankara Training and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Ankara, Altindag and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06957873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project measures craniovertebral angle, a marker of forward head posture, in adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia and compares those measurements to validated symptom severity scores. Eligible participants are 18–55 years old and meet the ACR 2010 criteria for fibromyalgia, while people with recent spine or upper-extremity pathology, surgery, neurological disorders, systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease, or major psychiatric disorders are excluded. Investigators will capture postural measurements and correlate craniovertebral angle values with pain, fatigue, sleep, and other symptom domains to look for associations. The aim is to clarify whether more pronounced forward head posture co-occurs with greater fibromyalgia symptom burden.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–55 years old diagnosed with fibromyalgia per ACR 2010 criteria who do not have recent cervical/thoracic spine pathology, recent related surgery, neurological or systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, or major psychiatric disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with structural spinal deformities, recent head/neck/shoulder surgery or trauma, neurological or systemic inflammatory conditions, or those outside the 18–55 age range are unlikely to benefit from the study findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If a clear link is found, clinicians could consider targeting head and neck posture as part of rehabilitation to help reduce symptoms for some patients.
How similar studies have performed: Some previous observational studies have reported higher rates of forward head posture and correlations with pain or disability in fibromyalgia, but causal links and intervention evidence remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-55 years * Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (FM) according to The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia Exclusion Criteria: * History of past or current pathology in the cervical spine, thoracic spine, or upper extremities * History of paraspinal or thoracic surgery involving the head, spine, or shoulders within the last six months * Structural spinal malformation * History of surgical or neurological disorders * Cervical trauma or pain treatment within the last 6 months * Temporomandibular surgery * Psychiatric disorders (e.g., dementia, amnesia, or delirium) * Systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Altindag and 2 other locations
- Ankara Training and Research Hospital Ankara, Altindag, Turkey, 06230 — Ankara, Altindag, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Training and Research Hospital — Ankara, Altindag, Turkey (Türkiye) (Completed)
- University of Health Sciences, Ankara Training and Research Hospital — Ankara, Altindag, Turkey (Türkiye) (Enrolling_by_invitation)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nadide Koca, M.D. — Ankara Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nadide Koca, M.D.
- Email: nadide.koca@gmail.com
- Phone: +905376843434
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.