The Effects of Reactive Neuromuscular Training on the Upper Quarter Posture in Students with Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> Reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) is a training method used in rehabilitation. However, its effectiveness on<br />forward head posture (FHP) is still unknown. This study aimed to compare the effects of traditional training with 8-week RNT<br />on the craniovertebral, shoulder, and kyphotic angles in high school students with FHP.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> In this randomized clinical trial, conducted in Urmia city, Iran (2018), we selected a total of 60 male high school<br />students using a convenient sampling technique. We assigned the subjects to one control group and two experimental groups;<br />one of the experimental groups performed traditional exercises while the other did RNT. After the pre-test, the training program<br />performed three days a week under the supervision of a researcher. Posture assessment carried out in two steps: prior to training<br />(pre-test data) and after eight weeks of training (post-test data). We applied a photogrammetric method to evaluate the sagittal<br />angles of the neck and shoulder. Moreover, we conducted the ANCOVA test at a significance level of P. <strong>Results:</strong> Both training methods improved trunk posture (F=156.07, P<0.001) and the sagittal angles of the neck (F=35.35,<br />P<0.001) and shoulder (F=23.31, P<0.001); however, RNT was more effective than the traditional type of training (P<0.001).<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Eight weeks of traditional and RNT exercises enhanced kyphotic, shoulder, and craniovertebral angles. It seems<br />that RNT might have a better outcome in the management of high school students with FHP.