What does this research mean for the field?

Scapular retraction exercises and the McKenzie method are equally effective in improving craniovertebral alignment, reducing neck pain, and decreasing neck disability among individuals with forward head posture. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to compare scapular retraction exercises and the McKenzie method to improve craniovertebral angle, reduce neck pain, and minimize neck disability in university students with forward head posture.

May 16, 2026Scientific ReportsOpen Access

Craniovertebral angle and neck disability among university students with forward head posture: a comparative study of scapular retraction exercises versus McKenzie method

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Authors

HSHeba Abubakr SalamaMansoura University EAEman AlshawishAn-Najah National University SEShereen Ahmed ElwasefyMansoura University

Discussion

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Implication

Randomized trial compares scapular retraction and McKenzie methods on neck disability in students, indicating similar effectiveness.

Key Points

This study aims to compare scapular retraction exercises and the McKenzie method to improve craniovertebral angle, reduce neck pain, and minimize neck disability in university students with forward head posture.
Quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention assessments.
116 students with forward head posture randomly allocated into two groups performing either scapular retraction or McKenzie exercises.
Both interventions lasted 20 minutes, three times a week for 8 weeks.
Significant improvements in craniovertebral angle, neck pain, and neck disability index scores in both groups (p < 0.05).
Effect sizes were large for both interventions (Cohen’s d = 0.79–1.69).
No significant differences in outcomes between groups post-intervention (p > 0.05), indicating comparable efficacy.

Cite This Study

Salama et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a080a9fa487c87a6a40c90b https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-52224-0

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Craniovertebral angle and neck disability among university students with forward head posture: a comparative study of scapular retraction exercises versus McKenzie method

Discussion

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Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Craniovertebral angle and neck disability among university students with forward head posture: a comparative study of scapular retraction exercises versus McKenzie method

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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