Electromyographic Effects of Postural Correction Exercises in Individuals With Forward Head Posture

Electromyographic Changes in Masticatory and Cervical Muscles Following a Structured 10-week Postural Correction Exercise Program in Individuals With Asymptomatic Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study investigates the effects of specific corrective exercises on EMG of masticatory and cervical muscles in individuals with forward head posture. The study's design will be a retrospective, double- blinded, randomized controlled trial. The participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: the exercise group and the control group. The training groups will perform a program consisting of two strengthening (deep cervical flexors and shoulder retractors) and two stretchings (cervical extensors and pectoral muscles) exercises. This exercise program will be repeated 4 times per week for 10 weeks, and each session lasted 30 minutes.

The pre/post assessment of forward head posture will measure by using craniovertebral angle CVA. While the muscle activity EMG of the masseter, temporalis, splenius, upper trapezius, and SCM will measure pre and post-assessment using a biopic data acquisition system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1. Participants aged 18- 30 years. 2. Presence of forward head posture, defined as CVA of less than 50° with no symptoms of neck pain [18, 19]. 3. No treatment for TMD or cervical symptoms (e.g., medication, physical therapy, or intra-articular injection) within the previous 2 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1. Current or previous diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), or the presence of TMD-related signs or symptoms (e.g., joint sounds, restricted mouth opening, or orofacial pain) during screening.

  2. History of TMJ subluxation or dislocation that could interfere with mouth opening.

  3. History of recent head or neck trauma. 4. Angle Class II or Class III malocclusion. 5. Postural abnormalities secondary to structural spinal deformities (e.g., scoliosis or kyphosis), rheumatic diseases, or other medical conditions affecting posture.

  6. Missing posterior teeth, recent orthodontic treatment (within the previous 12 months), or dental restorations that altered occlusion.