Comparison of the effects of six-week proprioceptive and elastic band exercises on craniovertebral angle and proprioception in people with forward head posture and chronic non-specific neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Health and Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Science and Health, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Health & Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Science & Health, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran.

10.22084/rsr.2025.30909.1775

Abstract

Background: Proprioception exercises and elastic band exercises may have different effects on the craniovertebral angle and proprioception impairment. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of six-week proprioceptive and elastic band exercises on craniovertebral angle and proprioception in people with forward head posture and chronic non-specific neck pain.
Methods: Forty-two women (15) and men (27), aged 25-50 years, with forward head posture and chronic non-specific neck pain, who were selected based on the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria, were randomly divided into three groups: the proprioception exercise group, the elastic band exercise group, and the control group. The exercises were performed for six weeks (five sessions per week). The craniovertebral angle was measured by photogrammetry and proprioception with the cervical joint position error test.
Results: The craniovertebral angle in the proprioception and elastic band exercise groups increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the proprioception and elastic band exercise groups (p>0.05). Proprioception error decreased significantly only in the proprioception exercise group compared to the control group (p<0.05), and the difference between the elastic band exercise group and the control group and the difference between the proprioception and elastic band exercise groups was not significant (p>0.05).
Conclusion: While proprioceptive exercises and elastic band exercises effectively correct forward head posture by increasing the craniovertebral angle, improvements in proprioception are observed only after proprioceptive training.

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Journal for Research in Sport Rehabilitation
Volume 13, Issue 25 - Serial Number 25
September 2025
Pages 25-37

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