Impact of a Neck Stability Exercise Program on Forward Head Posture and Thoracic Mobility in Young Adults: A Pre-Post Intervention Study
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Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week neck stability exercise program in improving FHP and thoracic mobility among university students with high digital device usage.
Methods and Materials: A pre-post observational intervention study was conducted with 51 university students aged 19–26 years (mean age = 21.5 ± 2.1 years; 68.5% female). Craniovertebral angle (CVA) was assessed using Surgimap software to evaluate cervical alignment, while thoracic mobility was measured through upper and lower chest expansion. Participants completed a structured neck stability exercise program over four weeks. Pre- and post-intervention measures were compared using paired t-tests with significance set at p<0.05.
Findings: Post-intervention analysis revealed a statistically significant enhancement in cervical posture, as evidenced by a mean CVA increase of 0.94° (t = 28.28, p < 0.001, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.88). Upper chest expansion also showed significant improvement (mean increase = 0.68 cm, t = 14.81, p<0.001, 95% CI: -0.78 to -0.58), reflecting better thoracic mobility. However, the change in lower chest expansion was not statistically significant (mean increase = 0.07 cm, t = 1.32, p = 0.192, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.19).
Conclusion: The neck stability exercise program was effective in improving forward head posture and upper thoracic mobility among frequent digital device users. These findings highlight the potential of targeted postural interventions in mitigating the musculoskeletal impact of prolonged device use in young adults.
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