IMPACT OF A STRUCTURED HOME -BASED EXCERCISE PROGRAM ON FORWARD HEAD POSTURE AND DISABILITY IN A SMARTPHONE USER: A CASE REPORT

Review Article

SALT Journal of Scientific Research in Healthcare, Volume 6, Issue 1, Page 4-d, Published on 28th March 2026, https://doi.org/10.56735/saltjsrh.ms26060104d

ABSTRACT

Background: Forward head posture is a common postural disorder among smartphone users, characterized by anterior displacement of the head relative to the trunk, leading to neck pain, reduced cervical mobility, and functional disability. Prolonged digital device use increases mechanical stress on cervical structures and may contribute to musculoskeletal dysfunction. Structured home-based exercise programs that combine strengthening, stretching, and ergonomic correction may help improve posture and reduce disability in affected individuals. Methodology: This case report included a young adult smartphone user presenting with neck pain and observable forward head posture. Baseline assessment of pain, posture, mobility, and disability was performed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), craniovertebral angle (CVA), cervical range of motion (ROM), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). The patient underwent a structured home-based exercise program three sessions per week for six weeks. The intervention included deep cervical flexor strengthening, scapular stabilization exercises, stretching of shortened cervical and pectoral muscles, postural awareness training, and ergonomic education for smartphone use. Outcome measures were reassessed post-intervention. Results: After completion of the six-week program, the patient demonstrated marked reduction in neck pain and functional disability along with improvement in posture and cervical mobility. NPRS scores decreased notably, NDI scores showed substantial reduction, and CVA values improved, indicating correction of forward head posture. Cervical ROM increased in all planes, reflecting enhanced functional neck movement. Conclusion: The findings of this case report suggest that a structured home-based exercise program is effective in improving forward head posture, reducing pain, and decreasing disability in smartphone users. Such programs may serve as practical, low-cost, and accessible rehabilitation strategies. However, further clinical studies with larger samples are required to confirm these findings.

Keywords: Forward head posture, Smartphone users, Home-based exercise, Neck disability, Cervical posture, NPRS, NDI.