| CTRI Number |
CTRI/2026/01/101983 [Registered on: 23/01/2026] Trial Registered Prospectively |
| Last Modified On: |
22/01/2026 |
| Post Graduate Thesis |
Yes |
| Type of Trial |
Interventional |
|
Type of Study
|
Physiotherapy (Not Including YOGA) |
| Study Design |
Randomized, Parallel Group, Active Controlled Trial |
|
Public Title of Study
|
Checking if doing posture correction exercises can improve lung function and overall aerobic fitness in young adults who have forward head posture. |
|
Scientific Title of Study
|
Effect of Postural Corrective Exercises on Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity in Young Individuals with Forward Head Posture: a Randomized Controlled Trial |
| Trial Acronym |
NIL |
|
Secondary IDs if Any
|
| Secondary ID |
Identifier |
| NIL |
NIL |
|
|
Details of Principal Investigator or overall Trial Coordinator (multi-center study)
|
| Name |
Dr. Anjali Navnath Palve |
| Designation |
MPTh |
| Affiliation |
TMVs Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy |
| Address |
TMV Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy , 3rd floor department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy, Block J, Raghunath Vihar, Sector 14, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210
Raigarh
MAHARASHTRA
410210
India |
| Phone |
9022416588 |
| Fax |
|
| Email |
palve0508@gmail.com |
|
Details of Contact Person
Scientific Query
|
| Name |
DrVijayendra Rajguru |
| Designation |
Professor and HOD |
| Affiliation |
TMVs Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy |
| Address |
TMV Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy , 3rd floor department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy, Block J, Raghunath Vihar, Sector 14, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210
Raigarh
MAHARASHTRA
410210
India |
| Phone |
9769944908 |
| Fax |
|
| Email |
vijendrarajguru777@gmail.com |
|
Details of Contact Person
Public Query
|
| Name |
DrVijayendra Rajguru |
| Designation |
Professor and HOD |
| Affiliation |
TMVs Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy |
| Address |
TMV Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy , 3rd floor department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy, Block J, Raghunath Vihar, Sector 14, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210
Raigarh
MAHARASHTRA
410210
India |
| Phone |
9769944908 |
| Fax |
|
| Email |
vijendrarajguru777@gmail.com |
|
|
Source of Monetary or Material Support
|
| TMVs Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy |
|
|
Primary Sponsor
|
| Name |
TMVs Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy |
| Address |
TMV Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy , 3rd floor department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy, Block J, Raghunath Vihar, Sector 14, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210 |
| Type of Sponsor |
Research institution |
|
|
Details of Secondary Sponsor
|
| Name |
Address |
| TMVs Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy |
TMV Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Tilak Third floor, Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy,Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Block J, Raghunath Vihar, Sector 14, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210 |
|
|
Countries of Recruitment
|
India |
|
Sites of Study
|
| No of Sites = 1 |
| Name of Principal
Investigator |
Name of Site |
Site Address |
Phone/Fax/Email |
| Dr Anjali Navnath Palve |
TMVs Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy |
TMV Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy, 3rd floor, Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy, Block J, Raghunath Vihar, Sector 14, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210
Raigarh
MAHARASHTRA |
9022416588
palve0508@gmail.com |
|
|
Details of Ethics Committee
|
| No of Ethics Committees= 1 |
| Name of Committee |
Approval Status |
| TMVs Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy Institutional ethics committee (Academics) |
Approved |
|
|
Regulatory Clearance Status from DCGI
|
|
|
Health Condition / Problems Studied
|
| Health Type |
Condition |
| Healthy Human Volunteers |
Forward head posture |
|
|
Intervention / Comparator Agent
|
| Type |
Name |
Details |
| Comparator Agent |
Ergonomic advice |
INTERVENTION:
Control group – Postural Ergonomic advice
Avoid remaining in the same position for long periods, as prolonged static
postures can lead to discomfort and strain on the body.
Rest break guidelines for mobile electronic devices (MED) (30-32)
Taking a short break, every 20 minutes can help relieve built-up tension in the
neck and shoulder muscles.
During the rest break, direct your gaze toward an object about 20 feet away and
maintain your focus for a minimum of 20 seconds to help relax your eye muscles
and reduce visual strain.
If your neck was bent while using your device, take a 20-minute break keeping
your head aligned in a neutral position to allow recovery
Postural guidelines for desktop computer use(33)
Apply the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines for appropriate
positioning of the head, spine, shoulders, forearms, elbows, wrists, hips, knees,
and feet for computer use
Position yourself at a desk while seated in a chair to emulate proper desktop
posture, ensuring optimal alignment and support during computer use.
Postural guidelines for using laptop computers (33-34)
Utilize a laptop stand or an inclined riser to improve the alignment of your head
and neck, promoting better posture and reducing strain during device use
Using a wireless keyboard can promote a more ergonomic wrist position, helping
to reduce strain and improve overall comfort while typing
Steer clear of using laptops in unsupported environments like the couch, bed, or
floor
Rest break guidelines for computers (34-36)
After 20 minutes of sitting, stand and take a 30-180 second break to help relieve
muscular discomfort
If possible, walk for 1-2 minutes during breaks to stimulate circulation, refresh
the mind, and lessen the risk of physical strain
Total duration: 4 weeks |
| Intervention |
Postural Corrective Exercises |
Subjects in the intervention group will receive a postural corrective exercises program
consisting of two strengthening exercises ( targeting the deep cervical flexor and
shoulder retractor muscles) and two stretching exercises (for the pectoral major and
sternocleidomastoid muscles). Subjects will be provided with a list and illustrated
descriptions of each exercise. They will be instructed to perform 3 sets of 12 repetitions
and to hold each of the two stretching exercises for 30 seconds.
A 30-second rest will be considered between successive exercises. The intervention
protocol will be continued for four weeks and repeated 4 times per week. Subjects will
be asked to avoid any other intervention that could interfere with the results.
The following exercises will be performed by the participants:
1. Chin tucks
The participant will be instructed to perform a chin tuck while lying in a supine position
with the head resting on the floor, keeping the head straight. They will hold the position
for 6 seconds, then relax and repeat the exercise. This exercise will aim to improve the
deep flexor muscles in the upper cervical region.
2. Strengthening shoulder Retractors (rhomboids, serratus anterior, and trapezius)
This exercise will be performed in a standing position using a theraband. The participant
will pull the shoulder back, retracting and pinching the scapulae without elevating the
shoulders and keeping the elbows to 90º. They will hold this position for 6 seconds, then
relax.
3. Stretching of the sternocleidomastoid muscle
The participant will assume an optimal posture, place the left arm behind the body,
depress the shoulder, tuck the chin, and slowly tilt the head upward toward the ceiling
until a slight stretch is felt on the left side of the neck for 30 seconds then repeat on the
opposite side.
4. Pectoralis major stretch
The participant will stand and hold a wooden stick behind the neck, keeping the scapulae
pinched and elbows flexed at 90º until a gentle stretch is felt in the front of the chest.
This position will be held for 30 seconds before relaxing
Total duration: 4 weeks |
|
|
Inclusion Criteria
|
| Age From |
18.00 Year(s) |
| Age To |
25.00 Year(s) |
| Gender |
Both |
| Details |
Subjects in the age group of 18-25 years
Both males and females
Craniovertebral angle less than 50º
|
|
| ExclusionCriteria |
| Details |
History of surgery in the cervical and thoracic region
History of musculoskeletal disorder
Congenital anomalies in the neck and thoracic cage
Recent history of cardiovascular disorder such as severe aortic stenosis, myocarditis, unstable angina, pulmonary infarct and recent Myocardial Infarction
History of Respiratory disorders such as Acute Exacerbation of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
History of recent major Cardiac and Pulmonary surgery
|
|
|
Method of Generating Random Sequence
|
Computer generated randomization |
|
Method of Concealment
|
Sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes |
|
Blinding/Masking
|
Not Applicable |
|
Primary Outcome
|
| Outcome |
TimePoints |
| Craniovertrebral angle |
Four weeks |
|
|
Secondary Outcome
|
| Outcome |
TimePoints |
Aerobic capacity
Craniovertebral angle |
Four weeks |
|
|
Target Sample Size
|
Total Sample Size="52"
Sample Size from India="52"
Final Enrollment numbers achieved (Total)= "Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials"
Final Enrollment numbers achieved (India)="Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials" |
|
Phase of Trial
|
N/A |
|
Date of First Enrollment (India)
|
10/02/2026 |
| Date of Study Completion (India) |
Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials |
| Date of First Enrollment (Global) |
Date Missing |
| Date of Study Completion (Global) |
Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials |
|
Estimated Duration of Trial
|
Years="1"
Months="6"
Days="0" |
|
Recruitment Status of Trial (Global)
|
Not Applicable |
| Recruitment Status of Trial (India) |
Not Yet Recruiting |
|
Publication Details
|
N/A |
|
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement
|
Will individual participant data (IPD) be shared publicly (including data dictionaries)?
Response - NO
|
|
Brief Summary
|
Title: Title: Effect of Postural Corrective Exercises on Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity in Young Individuals with Forward Head Posture: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Methodology: A Randomized Controlled Trial with a sample size of 52 young individuals (aged 18-25 years) with Forward Head Posture (Craniovertebral angle < 50°). The participants are divided into two groups of 26 each. The Experimental Group receives Postural Correction Exercises (stretching and strengthening) along with postural ergonomic advice. The Control Group receives only postural ergonomic advice.
Outcome Measures 1. Craniovertebral angle (CVA): Assessed using digital image analysis via the Kinovea software. 2. Pulmonary Function: Measured using a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) with a portable spirometer, including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), and Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF 25%-75%). 3. Aerobic Capacity: Assessed using the 6- Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Duration: The intervention protocol (Postural Correction Exercises) is administered for 4 weeks. The Craniovertebral angle, Pulmonary function, and Aerobic capacity are assessed pre-intervention and re-assessed after the 4-week post-intervention period. |