Muscle energy technique for improving forward head posture

Effect Of Muscle Energy Technique Of Lower Limb Superficial Backline Muscles in Patients With Forward Head Posture

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06325124

This study is testing if a special muscle technique can help people with forward head posture by improving neck position and reducing pain compared to regular physical therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT06325124 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of muscle energy techniques on the lower limb muscles to improve craniovertebral angle and cervical proprioception in patients with forward head posture. The study involves a randomized controlled design where participants will receive either muscle energy techniques or conventional physical therapy. The focus is on addressing muscle tightness in the hamstrings and gastrocnemius, which are interconnected with neck posture through the superficial backline. By utilizing patient-induced muscle contractions against resistance, the trial seeks to enhance musculoskeletal function and alleviate associated pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 20 to 35 with a craniovertebral angle less than 49.9 degrees and a history of neck pain lasting over three months.

Not a fit: Patients with recent neck injuries, spinal deformities, or other significant lower limb pathologies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve neck posture and reduce pain for patients suffering from forward head posture.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of muscle energy techniques for forward head posture is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in improving musculoskeletal conditions in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 20 and 35 years
* Both Genders
* Craniovertebral angle \<49.9 degrees
* History of neck pain \>3 months
* Patients with hamstring tightness(Inability to achieve greater than 160° of knee extension with hip at 90° of flexion)
* Patients with calf muscle tightness(The Taloche Sign (Maestro) If a patient with a tight gastrocnemius tries to stand on an inclined plane, it is immediately evident that it is impossible for the patient to be stable in this position)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient with recent injuries or surgeries in and around the neck region
* Vertigo
* radiating pain in upper limb
* spinal deformities
* malignancy in and around the neck region
* cervical instabilities
* fibromyalgia
* patients with any lower limb or lower back pathology(e.g arthritis)

Where this trial is running

Islamabad, 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.
Conditions Forward Head PostureMuscle energy techniqueConventional physical therapySuperficial backline MUSCLES
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.