Breathing Exercises Effects on Forward Head Posture

NCT06131164 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR & AHS/23/0332
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The main objective of this study is to find the effects of breathing exercises on cardiorespiratory parameters in subjects with forward head posture. This will be a Randomized Clinical Trial study with two different breathing exercises which include Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise (DBE) for Treatment group A individuals and Thoracic Extension Exercise (TEE) for Treatment Group B individuals will be performed along with ergometric advices. Each exercise session will be done three times per week for total over a period of 12 weeks. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 6th and 12th week with photogrammetry method for craniovertebral angle (CVA) and spirometer for pulmonary function test values (PFTs).

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Keywords

Forward Head Posture; Diaphragmatic breathing exercise; Thoracic Extension Exercise; Cardiorespiratory parameters; Craniovertebral Angle

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Photogrammetry Method for Forward Head Posture Assessment

  Photogrammetry is a reliable and accurate tool for measurement of angles. It is used to measure the FHP through measurement of Craniovertebral angle (CVA) measurement. CVA is the inner angle between the horizontal line drawn from C7 spinous process to the midpoint of the tragus. As the higher the CVA the higher the FHP. All measurements are done after taking a photograph via digital camera in lateral-view in standing position

  Baseline; 6th Week; 12th Week

• Spirometry for Pulmonary Function Test FEV1

  Spirometry method is use to measure pulmonary functions by assessing the lung volumes and capacities. As these pulmonary values will changed after FHP as the mobility of cervical spine and diaphragm are compromised. Spirometry is a cost effect, environment friendly, noninvasive and sensitive tool which can easily help in assessment of pulmonary function

  Baseline; 6th Week; 12th Week

• Spirometry for Pulmonary Function Test FVC

  Spirometry method is use to measure pulmonary functions by assessing the lung volumes and capacities. As these pulmonary values will changed after FHP as the mobility of cervical spine and diaphragm are compromised. Spirometry is a cost effect, environment friendly, noninvasive and sensitive tool which can easily help in assessment of pulmonary function

  Baseline; 6th Week; 12th Week

• Spirometry for Pulmonary Function Test FEV1/FVC ratio

  Spirometry method is use to measure pulmonary functions by assessing the lung volumes and capacities. As these pulmonary values will changed after FHP as the mobility of cervical spine and diaphragm are compromised. Spirometry is a cost effect, environment friendly, noninvasive and sensitive tool which can easily help in assessment of pulmonary function

  Baseline; 6th Week; 12th Week

Study Arms (2)

Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

This group will perform baseline treatment along with balloon breathing exercises also known as diaphragmatic breathing exercise for pulmonary function improvement and FHP Diaphragmatic breathing is done slowly and deeply through nose with minimum usage of chest movement. Only diaphragm is used for breathing in supine lying position with one hand placed on chest and other hand is placed on abdomen. Focus should be on the contraction of diaphragm that can be checked by hand placed on abdomen while there is as little movement in chest as possible which is also checked by hand placed on chest. Inhalation and exhalation should be for 6 second approximately. Each exercise session consist of 4 sets and each set has 4 complete breathing breaks. Will be done 2 times a day and 3 times per week for total of 8 weeks.

Other: Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise Group

Thoracic Extension Exercise Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

This group along with baseline treatment will do Thoracic Extension Exercises (TEE) for FHP and Pulmonary function improvements. This is done in 3 steps. The restricted upper thoracic area is placed on foam roller with subject lying supine with knees flexed, buttock slightly lifted up from the floor and crossed hands on the chest. Roll the foam roller slightly up and down. Swiss ball is place in front of the subject who is sitting with knees flexed and then the ball is pushed slightly forward with both hands placed on it. While lying prone lift up and then pushing down the upper body while the upper body is supported by elbows places just below shoulders. All these steps will be followed by 2 sets of 15 repetitions and holding 10 sec for each repetition.

Other: Thoracic Extension Exercise Group

Interventions

Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise Group OTHER

The subjects in this group will perform Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise Group

Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise Group

Thoracic Extension Exercise Group OTHER

The subjects in this group will perform Thoracic Extension Exercise Group

Thoracic Extension Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 30 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Both Males and Females are included
• Age group: Middle age adult from 30 to 45 years are included
• Individuals with forward head posture and Craniovertebral Angle \<50o

You may not qualify if:

• Previous history of neck or back surgery or neurological signs
• Psoriatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Currently using muscle relaxation medication
• Cervical fracture, trauma or tumor
• Unstable cardiac condition
• Undergone any thoracic or abdominal surgery

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

Location

Study Officials

• Danish Hassan, PhD*

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 9, 2023
• First Posted: November 14, 2023
• Study Start: October 30, 2023
• Primary Completion: January 30, 2024
• Study Completion: February 28, 2024
• Last Updated: April 19, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)