Evaluating the Effects of Scapular Stabilization and Thoracic Extension Exercises on Pain, Functional Disability, Cervical Mobility, and Postural Alignment in Young Adults with Text Neck Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Text Neck Syndrome, increasingly prevalent among young adults due to prolonged handheld device use, results in altered cervical biomechanics, forward head posture (FHP), and associated musculoskeletal pain. Despite growing interest, limited evidence directly compares region-specific rehabilitation strategies such as scapular stabilization versus thoracic extension exercises for managing this syndrome. Objective: To compare the effects of scapular stabilization and thoracic extension exercises on pain intensity, cervical range of motion (ROM), neck disability, and craniovertebral angle (CVA) in young adults with Text Neck Syndrome. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 36 participants aged 19–30 years with clinically diagnosed Text Neck Syndrome and FHP. Participants were randomized into two equal groups: scapular stabilization (Group A) and thoracic extension exercises (Group B), performed thrice weekly for six weeks. Primary outcomes included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), CVA (via photogrammetry/ImageJ), and cervical ROM (via goniometry). Ethical approval was obtained from the Riphah College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, and the study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26, employing paired and independent sample tests. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in VAS, NDI, ROM, and CVA (p < 0.001). Group A demonstrated superior pain reduction (VAS mean difference = -4.40 vs. -3.66; p = 0.012) and left lateral flexion ROM (mean difference = 4.73; p = 0.008). No significant between-group differences were observed in CVA and NDI, though both improved clinically. Conclusion: Scapular stabilization exercises were more effective in reducing pain and enhancing specific cervical mobility compared to thoracic extension exercises, although both improved overall function and posture. These findings support incorporating scapular-focused protocols into clinical rehabilitation for young adults with Text Neck Syndrome.