Therapeutic Exercise for Forward Head Posture in Neck Pain Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Physical Therapy
• Biomechanical Analysis

Background:

• Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a common condition linked to neck pain and functional limitations.
• Current treatment often involves therapeutic exercise, but optimal methods and duration lack consensus.
• This review assesses exercise efficacy for FHP, pain, and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for improving posture, reducing pain, and enhancing function in individuals with FHP.
• To identify factors influencing treatment outcomes, such as exercise type and duration.
• To provide evidence-based insights for clinical practice regarding FHP management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion of 10 RCTs with 550 participants.
• Subgroup analyses examined exercise modality (single vs. combined) and intervention duration (<8 weeks vs. ≥8 weeks).

Main Results:

• Therapeutic exercise significantly improved the craniovertebral angle (CVA) (MD = 3.38°).
• Exercise interventions led to significant reductions in pain intensity (MD = -1.42) and improvements in neck function (MD = -5.44).
• Combined exercise modalities and durations of ≥8 weeks showed trends toward greater benefits, though with limitations.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic exercise demonstrates efficacy in improving CVA, decreasing pain, and enhancing neck function in FHP patients.
• Combined exercise approaches and longer intervention durations (≥8 weeks) may be more beneficial.
• The overall certainty of evidence is low to moderate, warranting cautious interpretation.