Influence of Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Asymptomatic Forward Head Posture;A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of scapular stabilization exercises (SSE) on correcting asymptomatic forward head posture (FHP). Methodology: Forty participants aged from 20- 30 years with mean (28.72±1.70 years) from both genders were included (21 female-19 male) randomly divided. Study group (A) received SSE and postural correctional exercises (PCE) while control group (B) received PCE only three sessions per week for ten weeks. Cranio-vertebral angle (CVA), and Root mean square (RMS) of muscle activity (EMG) of serratus anterior muscle were measured pre and post-treatment. Results: Statistical analysis in form of MANOVA showed significant changes within-group at study group (A) in each of CVA, and muscle amplitude of serratus anterior both sides pre and post treatment with (P value =0.000). Also, a significant change within-group at control group (B) with (P value =0.000). The in between-group analysis showed no significant change in pre-value of all variables as (P=0.716, 0.291, 0.217) respectively, post-treatment showed a significant change in CVA as (P=0.000) and muscle activity for serratus anterior muscle showed a significant change of right side as (P= 0.004) while left side showed no significant change (P=0.112) but percent of improvement in study group (A) (R 83.6% , L 54.3%) higher than control group (B) (R 40.5 % , L 29 % ) respectively. Conclusion: SSE is considered as an effective method in correcting FHP in asymptomatic FHP subjects.