NCT06197919

Effect of Posture and Breathing Exercises in Forward Head Posture

Effects of Posture Exercises With and Without Breathing Exercises in Forward Head Posture

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Riphah International University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to compare the effects of postural exercises with and without breathing exercises in the subjects having forward head posture.

Detailed description

Forward head posture (FHP) is a prevalent postural deviation that can occur in individuals of various age groups, spanning from childhood to old age. It manifests as an anterior positioning of the head in relation to the neck in the sagittal plane. . FHP is commonly associated with the excessive extension of the upper cervical spine (C1-C3) and flexion of the lower cervical spine (C4-C7). A common method to diagnose forward head posture is by measuring craniovertebral angle i.e. if CVA\<49 than FHP is positive. In many cases faulty postures are linked with different musculoskeletal conditions as well as breathing difficulties. Forward head posture specifically impairs the mobility and functionality of the diaphragm, resulting in inefficient contraction of abdominal muscles and reduced lung capacity. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted so that we can rule out proper treatment protocol for forward head posture. For this randomized clinical trial, 36 participants having forward head posture will be recruited from Sehat medical complex and shalamar hospitals Lahore by nonprobability convenient sampling. Participants will divide in two groups A and B by randomization. Group A will be given both exercise regimes of postural exercises and breathing exercises while group B will be given with only postural exercise protocol. Pain, ROM and craniovertebral angle will be assessment before the treatment start, after 5 weeks and at the end of treatment after 10 weeks. After the collection of data in 8 months, Statistical analysis using SPSS version 21, will be done to summarize the results.

Conditions

• Forward Head Posture

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	postural exercises	In this study forward head posture will be defined as CVA\<49°, which was diagnosed by photogrammetry method. The postural exercise program consisted of two strengthening (deep cervical flexors and shoulder retractors) and two stretching (cervical extensors and pectoral muscles) exercises based on Kendall et al's approach. The exercises involved 1. chin tucks ins 2. a chin drop in sitting 3. shoulder retraction 4. unilateral and bilateral pectoralis stretches Participants were instructed to complete 3 sets of 12 repetitions of the strengthening exercises and 3 stretching exercises held for 30 seconds each. This program was to be repeated 4 times per week. They also returned for a consultation every 2 weeks to be checked for exercise technique and progression, if appropriate. Progress to the next exercise level was indicated if the participant could complete 12 repetitions, 3 times easily with correct form
OTHER	postural exercises with breathing exercises	The postural exercise program consisted the exercises i.e chin tucks in, a chin drop in sitting, shoulder retraction. Participants were instructed to complete 3sets of 12repetitions of these exercises. This program was to be repeated 4times per week. They also returned for a consultation every 2weeks to be checked for exercise technique and progression, if appropriate. Progress to the next exercise level was indicated if the participant could complete 12repetitions, 3times easily with correct form. For the breathing exercises in experimental group, breathing program includes respiratory muscle training, relaxation techniques, breathing techniques, e.g., deep breathing, hand controlled diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation technique, deep breathing, controlled diaphragmatic breathing, slow relaxed exhalation with pursed lips technique, and segmental breathing techniques. exercise protocol will be continued for 6 weeks with and initial, after 3weeks and final assessment of pain and CVA.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-05-10
• Primary completion: 2024-01-10
• Completion: 2024-01-10
• First posted: 2024-01-09
• Last updated: 2024-01-09

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: Pakistan