## 1 Introduction  
The rapid advancement of technology has led to a substantial increase in the use of computers, laptops, and mobile electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets [1]. The prolonged maintenance of such static postures leads to sustained contractions of the head and neck muscles, abnormal postures, and potential cervical posture deformations and associated issues [1, 2, 3]. Previous studies have classified various cervical problems,including cervical extension, cervical flexion, cervical rotation, cervical extension rotation, and cervical flexion rotation [4; 5]. Among these conditions, the most common issue is cervical extension type, which is often accompanied by an increased forward curvature of the cervical spine, a forward head posture, posterior spinal curvature, an asymmetrical head posture, asymmetrical oblique muscles in the neck region, and downward rotation of one scapula [4]. These alterations can lead to sustained pressure on the cervical spinal curve, which may result in degenerative changes in the joints, neck pain, and a reduction in the cervical ROM [6; 7]. Cervical ROM refers to the ability of the cervical spine to move in directions such as flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation; a reduction in ROM can lead to discomfort, pain, and limitations in daily function [8]. The forward positioning of the head and upper cervical region shifts the gravitational center (the head) in front of the load-bearing axis, thereby lengthening the external moment arm [9], and prolonged exposure to load on the craniavertebral extensor muscles and non-contractile structures disrupts biomechanical movements, resulting in increased stress that may cause musculoskeletal damage and pain [9; 10]. To quantify the pain sensitivity associated with these musculoskeletal changes, PPT is often used, referring to the minimum force applied to a muscle that elicits a pain response, serving as an objective indicator of myofascal pain sensitivity [11]. Furthermore, some studies suggest that increased muscle tone and stiffness can lead to neck pain, which can limit the cervical ROM [12; 13]. Under static conditions and while sitting, cervical spine loads are significantly greater than those experienced when performing head movements [14]. Consequently, this leads to increased muscle tension and stress in the neck and shoulder regions [15] and heightened tone and stiffness, along with reduced elasticity of the myofascal tissue, in the descending portion of the trapezius muscles [16]. Decreased elasticity induces faster muscle fatigue, thereby limiting movement speed [17]. Research indicates that cervical stabilization exercises strengthen spinal stabilizer muscles, improve their endurance and coordination, alleviate neck pain, and enhance cervical functionality [18]. Cervical stabilization exercises include muscle strengthening exercises and stretching exercises, and the latter in particular have been shown to increase muscle length and elasticity, while reducing stiffness and modifying muscle tone [19; 20]. Effective methods to increase cervical ROM include thoracic extension exercises, scapular stabilization exercises, and specific cervical exercises [21]. Cervical stretching exercises can increase muscle length or muscle flexibility and reduce pain symptoms [22]. The scapula, often described as a key connection between the cervical spine and shoulder, is essential for providing both mobility and stability to the neck and shoulder [23]. scapular stabilization exercises can help alleviate pain and improve posture in individuals with neck pain by enhancing and normalizing muscle function, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life [24]. Stretching exercises during scapular stabilization exercise can also reduce cervical and shoulder muscle tone and stiffness, improve pain, and increase ROM [25]. One study suggests a biomechanical inter-relationship between the cervical and thoracic regions, with changes in thoracic curvature influencing cervical alignment and function [26].