Effects of Neck Stabilization Exercises on Neck and Shoulder Muscle Activation in Adults with Forward Head Posture

The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of neck stabilization exercises on neck and shoulder muscle activation in individuals with forward head posture. Twenty-five healthy adults participated in the study. All subjects performed neck stabilization exercises using three methods. The types of exercise included craniocervical flexion (CCF) exercise, upper extremity and lower extremity cross exercise in a four-point kneeling posture with CCF, and gym ball exercise with CCF. Muscle activation was simultaneously assessed and recorded in the upper trapezius and splenius capitis muscles by using surface EMG. The EMG values were normalized into the variable of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). A paired t-test was used to compare the upper trapezius and splenius capitis muscle activation before and after the neck stabilization exercise. The results of this study showed that there were statistically significant differences in EMG activation between the two muscle groups (p<.05). These findings show that neck stabilization exercises improve unbalanced neck muscle activation and contribute to reducing neck pain.