Effectiveness of posture-correction interventions for mechanical neck pain and posture among people with forward head posture: protocol for a systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionForward head posture (FHP) is the most common postural deviation of the upper back. It is believed to be one of the predisposing factors for the development of mechanical neck pain (MNP). We propose doing a systematic review to find the effectiveness of interventions targeted on FHP with MNP and assess implementation fidelity associated with these interventions.Methods and analysisMedline (PubMed), Web of Science (Social Science Citation Index), EMBASE, Scopus, PEDro and CINAHL databases will be searched for studies published in English from their inception. Forward and backward citations of the included studies will be investigated for identifying additional records. We will include randomised controlled trials and non/quasi-experimental studies with two groups assessing the effectiveness of interventions targeted on FHP with MNP. Observational studies, non-randomised studies with single group and reviews will be excluded. We will consider the following outcome measures: postural variables of FHP, neck pain, performance-based functional disability scores of the neck, quality of life, basic activities of daily living and work-related outcomes. The unique citations will be screened by titles/abstracts and full texts, independently. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool will be used to critically appraise the included studies. The risk of bias and data abstraction of included studies will be undertaken independently. A qualitative synthesis will be conducted and, if sufficient studies with comparable outcome measures are available, we will statistically pool the result.Ethics and disseminationWe will undertake a systematic review of primary studies, and will not directly recruit participants hence, ethical clearance is not applicable. We will aim to present the findings of the completed systematic review at an international conference and subsequently submit the manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal for publication.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021250310.

Efficacy of cervical mobilization with post-isometric relaxation in managing mechanical neck pain, ROM, and functional limitations associated with myofascial trigger points

“…It is worth noting that the lack of significant differences in cervical SF-ROM and most of the PPT measurements may be attributed to various factors, such as the specific characteristics of the study population, the duration and intensity of the intervention, and individual variability in response to treatment. [40–43]…”

“…It is worth noting that the lack of significant differences in cervical SF-ROM and most of the PPT measurements may be attributed to various factors, such as the specific characteristics of the study population, the duration and intensity of the intervention, and individual variability in response to treatment. [40][41][42][43] The significant difference observed in PPT at week 3 postintervention indicates that the combined intervention had a positive effect on the pain pressure threshold compared to PIR alone. This finding may suggest a delayed or cumulative response to the intervention, requiring further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications.…”

Evaluation of Head Posture, Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Performance and Disability in Electricians with Mechanical Neck Pain

“…Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is characterized as discomfort that is largely localized to the posterior region of the neck and that can be made worse by neck movement or by holding a position for an extended period . [3] One way to evaluate MNP is by taking the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score. VAS is a subjective tool and is regarded as a reliable, perceptive, and reproducible technique for expressing pain intensity .…”

“…[4] MNP is frequently linked to forward head posture (FHP). [3] The term "forward head posture" refers to a position in which the head is forward of the vertical reference line in the sagittal plane that runs through the lobe or tragus of the ear and the point of the shoulder. [5] Upper cervical spine (C1-C3) and head extension and a relatively flexed mid-lower cervical spine (C4-C7) characterize the forward head posture.…”

Efectos del tratamiento de fuerza y flexibilidad para la anteposición de cabeza y cuello en adultos mayores sobre la capacidad aeróbica submáxima según nivel socioeconómico (Effects of strength and flexibility treatment for forward head posture positioning in older adults on submaximal aerobic capacity according to socioeconomic level)

“…La anteposición de cabeza y cuello es una alteración postural, en el cual, la cabeza y cuello quedan posicionada delante del tronco en el plano sagital. Esta postura genera que el centro de masa de desplace hacia delante, produciendo un aumento del peso de la cabeza, afectado por la fuerza de gravedad (Balthillaya et al, 2022). Con el tiempo, empiezan a ocurrir consecuencias clínicas como: contracturas suboccipitales, engrosamiento de ligamentos posteriores y alteraciones en la articulación atlantooccipital, esto provoca un aumento de la extensión C1-C3 y una flexión C4-C7 (Astorga, Gonzalez, Rojas, & Martinez, 2019;Mahmoud, Hassan, Abdelmajeed, Moustafa, & Silva, 2019).…”