Combined Effects of Static Stretching and Ergonomic Modifications on Forward Head Posture among Desk Job Employees: A Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: The musculoskeletal condition known as Forward Head Posture (FHP) is common among desk workers and is frequently affected by extended screen time and inadequate ergonomic set-ups. This changed posture might result from muscle imbalance, decreased productivity, and neck pain. For posture correction and pain reduction, static stretching as well as ergonomic adjustments are proven techniques. Aim: To evaluate the combined effects of static stretching and ergonomic modifications on FHP among desk job employees. Materials and Methods: The present quasi-experimental multicenter study was carried out in the of Delhi NCR area, India among desk job workers. Thirty people between the age group of 20 to 50 years participated in the three weeks trial. group A (static stretching +ergonomic modifications) and group B (ergonomic modifications+ general physical activities) were randomly assigned to participants after they were examined by the inclusion criteria. Each participant did static stretching four times a week in three sets of ten repetitions each. Assessments were conducted utilising conventional musculoskeletal and postural criteria both before and after the intervention. Data analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 using a paired t-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: Thirty volunteers with an average age of 31.87±1.65 years were included in the study. Both groups experienced significant improvements in Craniovertebral (CV) angle, with group B increasing from 45.77±1.73 to 47.46±1.72 (p<0.001) and group A increasing from 44.74±2.29 to 48.07±2.06 (p<0.001). In the same manner, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores dropped dramatically in group B from 7.40±0.73 to 3.87±0.64 (p<0.001) and in group A, respectively, from 6.87±1.24 to 2.73±0.88 (p<0.001). The post-intervention results showed that group A CV angle and scores for pain improved more than group B. Conclusion: Static stretching combined with ergonomic modifications has greater benefits than ergonomic modifications with general activities; however, both stretching and ergonomic modifications, as well as ergonomic modifications with general activities, have significant effects on FHP among desk job employees.