Kendall exercises with a wearable vibration sensor for forward head posture

Combined Effect of Kendall Exercises With Wearable Vibrotactile Feedback Sensor in Forward Head Posture

This will try whether adding a small wearable vibration sensor to Kendall exercises helps young adults with forward head posture and neck pain improve their posture and reduce pain.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 64 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 30 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Riphah International University (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT07163533 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled study enrolls 64 young adults with forward head posture and neck pain to compare Kendall exercises alone versus Kendall exercises plus a wearable vibrotactile feedback sensor over a 12-month period. Participants aged 18–30 with craniovertebral angle <50° and BMI 18.5–30 kg/m2 are randomized at two sites in Rawalpindi and assessed for neck pain, craniovertebral angle, and neck muscle thickness. The wearable device delivers real-time vibration alerts to cue posture and aims to boost adherence and postural awareness during daily activities. Non-probability convenience sampling is used and outcomes will be analyzed using SPSS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are 18–30-year-olds with forward head posture (CVA <50°), BMI 18.5–30 kg/m2, daily screen time under five hours, and not currently in structured posture therapy.

Not a fit: People with recent neck or spinal surgery, diagnosed neurological/musculoskeletal/vestibular disorders, temporomandibular dysfunction, use of assistive posture devices, cognitive barriers to following instructions, or current structured posture therapy are not likely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, combining biofeedback with exercises could reduce neck pain and improve head alignment more than exercises alone.

How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies of wearable biofeedback and exercise have shown improvements in posture or pain, but combining vibrotactile sensors specifically with the Kendall protocol has limited evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Young Adult with age Between 18 to 30 years
* Both gender
* craniovertebral angle (CVA) \< 50 degrees
* BMI 18.5-30 kg/m2
* dentists having clinical experience more than 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of recent neck or spinal surgery (within the past 6 12 months).
* Diagnosed musculoskeletal, neurological, or vestibular disorders affecting posture, balance, or neck movement (e.g., cervical radiculopathy, scoliosis, Parkinson's, etc.).
* Diagnosed Temporomandibular dysfunction
* Use of assistive devices (e.g., neck brace, posture correctors) in the past 3 months.
* Any cognitive or psychological condition that may affect compliance with instructions or accurate reporting of symptoms.
* Ongoing participation in a structured exercise or physiotherapy program targeting posture or neck muscles.

Where this trial is running

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province and 1 other locations

• Foundation University School of Health Sciences — Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Margalla institute of health sciences — Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: aisha razzaq, PHD — Riphah International University
• Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PHD

Conditions: Neck Pain, Forward head posture, Vibrotactile feedback sensors, Kendall exercises, Craniovertebral angle, Inertial measure units