Forward head posture and symptom severity in fibromyalgia
Official title: Evaluation of the Relationship Between Craniovertebral Angle and Fibromyalgia Symptom Severity
Run by Ankara Training and Research Hospital · NCT06957873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 134 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara Training and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Ankara, Altindag and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06957873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Yangyin Roujin Formula for Fibromyalgia: Does it help pain and function?
A randomized, double-blind study tests whether Yangyin Roujin Decoction can ease pain and improve function for adults with fibromyalgia compared with a placebo.
-
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Autonomic Dysfunction
This study tests a non-invasive nerve stimulation method to see if it helps people with fibromyalgia who have widespread pain and autonomic symptoms.
-
Auricular acupuncture to balance autonomic function and pain in fibromyalgia
This study tests whether semi-permanent ear acupuncture can improve autonomic regulation and pain sensitivity in adult women with fibromyalgia over five weeks.
-
Yishen Shujin Decoction for adults with fibromyalgia.
This 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will test whether Yishen Shujin Decoction reduces pain and improves symptoms in adults with fibromyalgia.
-
Effect of raising a child with ADHD on mothers' fibromyalgia burden
We will see if mothers aged 18–50 who have fibromyalgia and a child with ADHD have more disease burden than mothers with fibromyalgia whose children do not have psychiatric disorders.
-
Shiatsu therapy for long-lasting non-inflammatory pain in children and teens
This study will try weekly 30-minute Shiatsu sessions alongside regular care to see if they improve quality of life for children and adolescents (ages 10–18) with non-inflammatory chronic pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.