Efektivitas Scapular Stabilization Exercise pada Forward Head Posture : Literature Review
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the health problems increasingly observed across various age groups. One of the commonly encountered conditions is forward head posture (FHP). This condition has the potential to cause postural deviations, functional limitations, and musculoskeletal pain. Exercise therapy is a widely used approach to address FHP. Specifically, Scapular Stabilization Exercise (SSE) is a training method that can improve postural alignment and reduce associated symptoms. This literature review aims to analyze the effects of SSE on individuals with FHP based on findings from relevant research studies.
Methods: This article was developed using a literature review methodology, which involved searching and examining various sources related to the topic obtained through databases such as Google Scholar, PEDro, and PubMed. A total of five articles were reviewed for this study.
Results: Based on previous research, SSE can be an effective exercise therapy option for individuals with FHP.
Conclusion: Scapular Stabilization Exercise (SSE) has proven effective as an exercise therapy approach for FHP. This intervention is known to increase Cervical Vertebral Angle (CVA), and reduce pain and disability in the short term.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
![]()
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
References
Abd El-Azeim, A., Mahmoud, G., Mohamed, M., & El-Khateeb, Y. (2022). Impact of adding scapular stabilization to postural correctional exercises on symptomatic forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 58(5). https://doi.org/10.23736/s1973
Abd-Elshafy, A., El-Meniawy,G., Azm, W & Fakhrarany, M. (2022). The relation of forward head posture with back muscle endurance in primary school children: a cross-sectional study. Bulletin of Faculty of
Physical Therapy, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-022-00105-8
Choi, W. 2021. Effect of 4 weeks of cervical deep muscle flexion exercise on headache and sleep disorder in patients with tension headache and forward head posture. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073410
Dixit, S., D’mello, M.K., Rent, P. (2020). Obesity and musculoskeletal disorders among public sector bank employees of Mangaluru region–A cross-sectional study. Int. J. Med. Publ. Health, 10(4). d10.5530/ijmedph.2020.4.35
Dzakpasu, F. Q. S., Carver, A., Brakenridge, C. J., Cicuttini, F., Urquhart, D. M., Owen, N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2021). Musculoskeletal pain and sedentary behaviour in occupational and non-occupational settings: a systematic review with meta-analysis. In International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 18 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-021-01191-y
El-Sadany, S. M., Sayed, A. A. A., Kamel, K. M., & Al-Ghitany, S. I. (2024). High intensity laser therapy versus scapular stabilization exercises on ventilatory function in forward head posture. Advances in Rehabilitation, 38(4),1-9.
https://doi.org/10.5114/areh.2024.144671
Gustafsson, E., Thomee, S., Ekman, A & Hagberg, M. (2017). Texting on mobile phones and musculoskeletal disorders in young adults: a five-year cohort study. Appl Ergon, 58:208–14. 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.06.012
Im, B., Kim,Y., Chung, J & Hwang, S. (2016). Effects of scapular stabilization exercise on neck posture and muscle activation in individuals with neck pain and forward head posture. J Phys Ther Sci, 28(3). doi:951-5. 10.1589/jpts.28.951.
Jahromi, M., Shirazi, S., Safari, S & Haghighi, F. (2022). Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Factors and Ergonomic Assessment of Posture among Senior Students of Rehabilitation School of Shiraz University: A Cross-sectional Study. Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research, 9(4): 180-4. https://doi.org/10.30476/jrsr.2022.93682.1243
Kang, N., Im, S., & Kim, K. (2021). Effects of a combination of scapular stabilization and thoracic extension exercises for office workers with forward head posture on the craniovertebral angle, respiration, pain, and disability: A randomized-controlled trial. Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 67(3), 291–299. https://doi.org/10.5606/tftrd.2021.6397
Kang, J.-I., Choi, H.-H., Jeong, D.-K., Choi, H., Moon, Y.-J., & Park, J.-S. (2018). Effect of scapular stabilization exercise on neck alignment and muscle activity in patients with forward head posture. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30(6), 804–808. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.30.804
Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. 2018. Riset Kesehatan Dasar (RISKESDAS)
Kwon, J. W., Son, S. M., & Lee, K. (2015). Changes in upper-extremity muscle activities due to head position in subjects with a forward head posture and rounded shoulders. J Phys Ther Sci, 30;27(6):1739–1742. 10.1589/jpts.27.1739
Lee, K., Han, H., Cheon, S., Park, S., & Yong, M. (2015). The effect of forward head posture on muscle activity during neck protraction and retraction. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 25;18(7):3410. 10.3390/ijerph18073410.
Lee, S., Yoo, B., Pyo, H., Lee, D., Hong, J.-H., Yu, J., Kim, J., & Kim, S. (2022). Effects of Cervical Stabilization and Scapular Stabilization Exercise on the Proprioception and Craniovertebral Angle and Upper Trapezius Muscle Tone of People with Forward Head Posture. Journal of The Korean Society of Physical Medicine, 17(4), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.13066/kspm.2022.17.4.1
Nitayarak, H., & Charntaraviroj, P. (2021). Effects of scapular stabilization exercises on posture and muscle imbalances in women with upper crossed syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 34(6), 1031–1040.https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-200088
Ruivo, R., Carita, A., & Pezarat-Correia, P. (2016). The effects of training and detraining after an 8 month resistance and stretching training program on forward head and protracted shoulder postures in adolescents: Randomised controlled study. Manual Therapy, 21, 76–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2015.05.001
Shiravi, S., Letafatkar, A., Bertozzi, L., Pillastrini, P., & Khaleghi Tazji, M. (2019). Efficacy of Abdominal Control Feedback and Scapula Stabilization Exercises in Participants with Forward Head, Round Shoulder Postures and Neck Movement Impairment. Sports Health, 11(3), 272–279. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738119835223
Vinodhkumar, R And Subramaniam, A. 2019. Prevalence And Associated Risk
Factors Of Forward Head Posture Among University Students, Scopus Ijphrd Citation Score, 10(7), P. 791. doi:10.5958/0976-5506.2019.01669.3
WHO. 2022. Musculoskeletal health
Yong, M. S., & Lee, H. Y.(2025). Does Forward Head Posture Influence Muscle Tone, Stiffness, and Elasticity in University Students? Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061888
Yoon HK., Lee H. (2017). Effect of push up plus on sling and stable surface on muscle activity and lung function in adults with forward head posture. J JKAIS, 18 (4). https://doi.org/10.5762/KAIS.2017.18.4.624