The Effect of Selected Corrective Exercises on Postural Indices in Myopic Individuals with Upper Crossed Syndrome

To determine the effect of selected corrective exercises on forward head angle and rounded shoulder degree in myopic individuals.

This study is a quasi-experimental trial with two parallel groups (experimental and control) using simple randomization. The sample size was set at 32 participants (16 in each group). The experimental group undergoes an 8-week selected corrective exercise program, while the control group receives no intervention. Measurements are conducted in the pre-test and post-test phases.

This study is conducted at Kashan University in a facility suitable for corrective exercises. After selecting participants based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, postural indices—including forward head angle and rounded shoulder degree—are measured in both pre-test and post-test phases, and the changes between the two groups are compared.

Female university students aged 18 to 25 years with myopia and upper crossed syndrome, including forward head and rounded shoulders, confirmed by postural assessments, and having a body mass index (BMI) below 25.

Participants in the intervention group took part in a selected corrective exercise program aimed at improving postural alignment associated with upper crossed syndrome. The exercises were based on the Corrective Exercise Model of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and included inhibitory, stretching, strengthening, and integrative phases.

Forward head angle; Rounded shoulder degree

To allocate participants to the experimental and control groups, simple randomization with an individual unit was used. Each participant was assigned a unique identification number, and the random sequence was generated using SPSS software. The first 16 numbers were assigned to the experimental group, and the next 16 numbers to the control group. To prevent bias, the allocation sequence was placed in sealed envelopes, so that neither the researcher nor the participants were aware of the group assignment until the time of allocation. Stratified randomization was not used in this study because the baseline characteristics of the participants were homogeneous.

This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a pretest–posttest design. Eligible participants were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent and were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. Due to the nature of the exercise-based intervention, full blinding was not feasible. However, the outcome assessor was blinded to group allocation, and participants were not informed about the study hypothesis or their group assignment. All participants received a full explanation of the study objectives and procedures and provided written informed consent prior to participation.

The shared dataset will include de-identified individual participant data after removal of all direct and indirect identifiers. Data eligible for sharing will comprise key demographic variables, primary and secondary outcome measures, and variables used in the main statistical analyses. Raw data containing identifiable information, complete medical records, or participant contact details will not be shared.

Data will be available starting 6 months after publication of the primary study results and will remain accessible for a period of 5 years.

Access may be granted to qualified researchers affiliated with academic institutions, research centers, or recognized scientific organizations. Requests from industry researchers may also be considered upon submission of a scientifically sound research proposal and approval by the relevant review committee.

The data may be used solely for scientific research purposes, including secondary analyses. Applicants must submit a clear research proposal and sign a data use agreement committing to ethical use and non-attempt of participant re-identification. Commercial use, data redistribution, or any use beyond the approved scope is not permitted.

Requests for data access should be submitted by contacting the corresponding investigator of the study via email. If required, requests will be forwarded to the relevant scientific or ethics committee for review.

Upon receipt of a request, the research proposal will be reviewed by the study team. If necessary, the request will be evaluated by the relevant scientific or ethics committee. Following final approval and signing of a data use agreement, the data will be shared through a secure method. This process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.