Study of the Persistence Effect of two Exercises Controlling the Scapula and Corrective Movements on Neck Pain and Angle of Head in Males with forward Head

Introduction: The scapula movement control disorder is an important factor in the incidence of upper limb abnormalities that influences sensory-motor control. There is a dearth of research on the persistence effects of training exercises. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the persistence effects (after six months) of two exercises controlling the scapula and corrective movements on neck pain and angle of head among males with forward head.   Materials & Methods: In total, 20 males with forward head disorder who referred to Science and Movement Center in Ilam were selected in this city. The patients were randomly divided into experimental (n=10, age=35.13±3.12, height=177±1.12, weight=63.10±3.28) and control (n=10, age=36.11±1.75, height=179±1.64, weight=62.12±4.12) groups. The experimental group was subjected to exercise training program three times a week for eight weeks. The program included exercises controlling the movements of the scapula with the emphasis on the maintenance of correct posture, prevention of compensatory motor patterns and providing motion feedback to improve the coordination of the shoulder joint with the shoulder belt assembly. The control group performed their normal corrective exercises focusing on strengthening weakened muscles and stretching shortened muscles. Side scapular movements, neck pain, and forward head angles were measured using side scapular movement test, visual analog scale, and digital goniometer before and after the treatment. Moreover, pre-training tests were repeated after six months. Data analysis was performed using repeated measure variance.   Findings: The results showed that the effects of training after six months on the neck pain and the angle of forward head variables were more significant in the scapula control training group, compared to the corrective exercise group (P‌=0.001). Moreover, the results indicated that controlling scapula movement training can reduce side scapular movements (0-degree, P=0.01, 45-degree P=0.01, 90-degree P=0.012), neck pain (P=0.018) and the angle of forward head (P=0.019).   Discussion & Conclusions: Due to the better persistence effects of exercise controlling the scapula movements, this method can be used to reduce neck pain and angle of forward head in people with forward head complications.