Forward Head Posture
Conditions
Keywords
Forward head posture, Atlanto-occipital joint mobilization, Cervical mobility, Respiratory function
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of atlanto-occipital joint mobilization on head posture, respiratory function, and cervical range of motion in healthy individuals with forward head posture.
Detailed description
Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural disorder characterized by the anterior displacement of the head relative to the shoulders. The estimated prevalence of FHP among individuals who use electronic devices frequently is reported to be high, affecting a significant portion of the general population. While postural correction exercises and ergonomic education are generally the first-line management strategies for FHP, manual therapy techniques (such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue therapy) are often recommended as an adjunct treatment. Additionally, various physiotherapy approaches, including stretching of the posterior cervical muscles, strengthening of the deep neck flexors, and respiratory exercises, can also be utilized. Specific mobilization of the atlanto-occipital joint is theorized to normalize arthrokinematics and reduce fascial restrictions in the suboccipital region. This is said to decrease neuromuscular tension, improve proprioceptive input, and restore optimal alignment, resulting in positive effects on head posture, cervical mobility, and respiratory function.
Interventions
OTHERAtlanto-occipital joint mobilization
The intervention group will receive a single session of atlanto-occipital joint mobilization.
OTHERSham application
The control group will receive a single session of sham intervention.
Sponsors
Bitlis Eren University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The researcher performing the measurements will be blinded to the group allocation of the participants.
Intervention model description
Individuals included in the study will be allocated by block randomization into an intervention group (atlanto-occipital joint mobilization) and a control group (sham application).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Volunteering to participate in the study. * Being between the ages of 18 and 45. * Having forward head posture according to craniovertebral angle measurement.
Exclusion criteria
* History of cervical surgery or trauma. * Diagnosed cervical disc herniation or cervical stenosis. * Presence of a diagnosed neurological and/or rheumatological disorder. * Pregnancy. * Presence of malignancy.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) for Forward Head Posture | Assessments will be performed at baseline (before the application) and immediately following the single-session intervention. | Forward head posture will be assessed by measuring the craniovertebral angle (CVA) using a goniometer. The CVA is the angle between the horizontal line passing through the C7 spinous process and the line from the tragus of the ear to the C7 spinous process. |
| Respiratory Function assessed by Spirometry (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25-75%) | Assessments will be performed at baseline (before the application) and immediately following the single-session intervention. | Respiratory function will be assessed using a spirometry device. The following parameters will be recorded and analyzed: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), and Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% of FVC (FEF25-75%). |
| Cervical mobility (Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)) assessed by Bubble Inclinometer | Assessments will be performed at baseline (before the application) and immediately following the single-session intervention. | Cervical mobility (range of motion) will be assessed using a bubble inclinometer. Active range of motion will be measured in degrees for the movements of flexion, extension, lateral flexion (left/right), and rotation (left/right). |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed