This study aimed to assess the effects of combining posture correction exercises with extracorporeal shockwave therapy on muscle activity, neck function and pain in adults with forward head posture. A total of 22 adults aged 18 to 30, diagnosed with f...
This study aimed to assess the effects of combining posture correction exercises with extracorporeal shockwave therapy on muscle activity, neck function and pain in adults with forward head posture. A total of 22 adults aged 18 to 30, diagnosed with forward head posture, participated in the study. Random assignment allocated 11 participants to the posture correction exercise group, while the other 11 were assigned to the posture correction exercise group combined with extracorporeal shockwaves. In the combined group, extracorporeal shockwave therapy was administered twice a week for four weeks, delivering 1,000 impulses in a radial pattern to the levator scapulae and upper trapezius muscles. The posture correction exercise group performed a guided exercise program for approximately 30 minutes, three times a week, over the same four-week period. The exercises focused on strengthening weakened muscles like the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior and deep neck flexor muscles. Additionally, they included stretching of shortened muscles, such as the upper trapezius, levator scapulae and pectoralis muscles. Both the posture correction exercise group and the combined group with extracorporeal shockwaves exhibited a significant increase in lower trapezius muscle activity within their respective groups (p<0.05). Moreover, the craniovertebral angle and neck disability index showed significant improvements in both groups (p<0.05). While the pressure pain thresholds tended to increase only in the combined group, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). When comparing the two groups, there was no significant difference in terms of improvement. However this suggests that both the posture correction exercise program and the combination with extracorporeal shockwave therapy can be effective in enhancing posture and reducing pain in individuals with forward head posture.