Key Takeaway
Therapeutic exercises significantly improve forward head posture, with strengthening exercises showing larger effects than stretching alone.
Summary
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises for correcting forward head posture (FHP). The review analyzed multiple randomized controlled trials comparing exercise interventions to control conditions.
The analysis found that exercise interventions significantly improved craniovertebral angle, with strengthening exercises targeting deep neck flexors and upper back muscles showing the largest effects. Combined programs incorporating both strengthening and stretching were more effective than stretching alone.
Methods
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Searched multiple databases for RCTs
- Included studies with craniovertebral angle outcomes
- Subgroup analysis by exercise type
- Quality assessment of included studies
Key Results
- Significant improvement in craniovertebral angle (SMD = 1.45)
- Strengthening exercises more effective than stretching
- Combined programs showed best results
- Effects seen with programs 4-8 weeks duration
- Chin tuck exercises particularly effective
Limitations
- Heterogeneity in exercise protocols
- Variable study quality
- Limited long-term follow-up data
- Most studies from occupational settings