Effectiveness of Combined McKenzie Neck and Chin Tuck Exercises for Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Tiara Putri Kusuma Wardani; Dwi Agung Prasetyo; Angria Pradita; Sartoyo; Mohammad Asy’ari; Muhamad Khozine

doi:10.24843/

Authors

Tiara Putri Kusuma Wardani Undergraduate Physiotherapy Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institut Teknologi, Sains, dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/BRW, Malang, Indonesia Author
Dwi Agung Prasetyo Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institut Teknologi, Sains, dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/BRW, Malang, Indonesia Author
Angria Pradita Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institut Teknologi, Sains, dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/BRW, Malang, Indonesia Author
Sartoyo Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institut Teknologi, Sains, dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/BRW, Malang, Indonesia Author
Mohammad Asy’ari Doctoral Programme in Islamic Studies, Postgraduate School, UIN Syekh Wasil Kediri, Kediri, Indonesia Author
Muhamad Khozine Master's Programme in Islamic Education Management, Postgraduate School, UIN Syekh Wasil Kediri, Kediri, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/

Keywords:

Forward Head Posture, Exercise Therapy, Adolescent, Posture, Neck Muscles

Abstract

Background: Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a common postural disorder among adolescents and is associated with prolonged non ergonomic sitting. Students in Islamic boarding schools are particularly vulnerable because daily learning activities involve prolonged floor sitting.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of combined McKenzie Neck Exercise and Chin Tuck Exercise in improving FHP among students.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a pretest and posttest control group design was conducted among 38 students with FHP. Participants were allocated to an intervention group (n = 19) or a control group (n = 19). The intervention group performed combined McKenzie Neck Exercise and Chin Tuck Exercise twice weekly for four weeks, while the control group received postural education. FHP was assessed using the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) measured with the APECS AI Posture Evaluation application. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05).
Results: Mean CVA increased from 45.84 ± 3.47° to 54.37 ± 2.71° in the intervention group (p < 0.001) and from 44.05 ± 3.95° to 44.47 ± 4.10° in the control group (p = 0.002). The mean improvement was significantly greater in the intervention group (8.53 ± 2.04°) than in the control group (0.42 ± 0.51°) (Z = −5.223, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Combined McKenzie Neck Exercise and Chin Tuck Exercise was more effective than postural education in improving craniovertebral alignment among students with FHP. These findings support the use of combined corrective exercise in school-based physiotherapy programs.