Effects of Pilates and cervical stabilization exercises on neck alignment, neck function, and balance in individuals with forward head posture: A randomized controlled trial.

This article focuses on comparing the effects of reformer Pilates exercise (RPE) and cervical stabilization exercise (CSE) on neck alignment, neck function, and balance in individuals with forward head posture (FHP). In a randomized study of 22 participants with FHP, both RPE and CSE performed over six weeks significantly improved craniovertebral angle (CVA), reduced neck disability index (NDI) scores, and enhanced balance as measured by the overall stability index (OSI) during eyes-closed one-leg stance, with no significant differences between the two exercise groups. The findings suggest that both RPE, which targets overall spinal alignment including lumbar stability, and CSE, which focuses on deep neck flexor strengthening, are effective interventions for improving posture, neck function, and balance in adults with FHP. Limitations include the small, young adult sample and lack of a control group, indicating a need for further research across diverse populations and longer intervention periods.