Effect of adding global postural reeducation to kendall exercises for treating asymptomatic forward head posture: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural malalignment in young population that is associated with limitation of mobility and functional disability. Kendall exercises are one of the commonly used postural correction techniques to treat FHP. Global postural reeducation (GPR) is a postural correction exercise commonly used for musculoskeletal disorders. The current study aimed to investigate the combined effect of GPR and Kendall Exercises in the treatment of FHP.

Methods

A single-blinded parallel-groups randomized controlled trial was conducted. Forty-three participants aged 18–30 years were recruited with FHP marked by a craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 50°. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: group A (GrA) received GPR plus Kendall Exercises, and group B (GrB) received Kendall Exercises only. Variables were measured before and immediately after 12 sessions of treatment including CVA, gaze angle (GA), shoulder angle (SA), cervical range of motion (CROM), neck disability index (NDI), chest expansion, and spinal mobility.

Results

Between groups analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between either treatment in CVA, CROM, and NDI. There was a statistically significant improvement of chest expansion and spinal mobility in favor to GrA. Within-group analysis revealed that both interventions were statistically significant in improving CVA, CROM, and NDI (P < 0.05). Both treatments showed no statistical difference in GA and SA.

Conclusions

The added effect GPR technique to Kendall exercises significantly improved craniovertebral angle, cervical mobility and functional disability, chest expansion, and spinal mobility in people with FHP.