Impact of adding scapular stabilization to postural correctional exercises on symptomatic forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial.
Alshaymaa S Abd El-Azeim, Amira G Mahmoud, Marwa T Mohamed and 1 others
PMID 35673945WHAT IT FOUND
Adding scapular stabilization to postural exercises reduced forward head posture angle from 39 to 53 degrees, versus 46 for postural exercises alone.
Neck disability scores dropped more with the added exercises. Both groups improved, but the combined approach was superior for posture and pain sensitivity.
Key findings
01The experimental group receiving both scapular stabilization and postural exercises showed significantly greater improvement in cervical vertebral angle (CVA) than the control group receiving only postural exercises.
02Both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in neck disability, pain pressure threshold, and muscle endurance, but the experimental group showed more favorable changes.
03Muscle activity (RMS) of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid decreased significantly in both groups at rest and during activity, with greater reduction in the experimental group.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study recruited only young adults (mean age approximately 24-25 years), so results may not generalize to older populations or those with degenerative conditions. Cervical vertebral angle was measured using digital photographs rather than radiographic analysis, which may introduce measurement error. Electromyographic activity of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles was not measured, despite their role in scapular mechanics. The follow-up period was short (10 weeks), so long-term retention of gains is unknown.
Declared interests
No conflicts of interest or funding sources were explicitly declared in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume scapular stabilization is the sole driver of improvement. The control group also improved significantly, suggesting that postural correction exercises alone provide substantial benefit. The added value of scapular stabilization is incremental, not absolute.