Sadra Medical Journal

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Corrective Exercises Using Virtual Reality Glasses on Upper Crossed Syndrome in Elderly Men Aged 60-65: A Semi-Experimental Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohsen Davoodi 1
Mahan Mansouri 2

1 Department of Exercise Physiology، Department of General Courses, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2026.107320.1649
Abstract
Introduction: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a common postural abnormality in the elderly, characterized by muscular imbalances in the shoulder and neck region. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of corrective exercises using virtual reality (VR) glasses on this syndrome in elderly men aged 60–65 years.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted in 2024 on 30 elderly men diagnosed with UCS. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group underwent corrective exercises using VR glasses for 45 minutes, three sessions per week, for 8 weeks. The variables of forward head angle, forward shoulder angle, and thoracic kyphosis were measured at pre-test and post-test using a goniometer, a digital caliper, and a flexible ruler, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16, employing paired t-tests and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in the changes of forward head angle (P=0.001), rounded shoulder angle (P=0.000), and thoracic kyphosis angle (P=0.002) following the intervention. The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in all these measures. 
Conclusion: Corrective exercises using virtual reality were found to be an effective method for improving postural deformities associated with Upper Crossed Syndrome in elderly men.

Keywords

Postural Balance
Exercise Therapy
Virtual Reality
Smart Glasses
Aged
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 14, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 449-458

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