Immediate Effects of Atlanto-Occipital Mobilization on Head Posture, Respiratory Function, and Neck Mobility in Forward Head Posture

NCT07298226 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: BP-M
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Keywords

Forward head posture; Atlanto-occipital joint mobilization; Cervical mobility; Respiratory function

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) for Forward Head Posture

  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.

  Assessments will be performed at baseline (before the application) and immediately following the single-session intervention.

• Respiratory Function assessed by Spirometry (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25-75%)

  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%).

  Assessments will be performed at baseline (before the application) and immediately following the single-session intervention.

• Cervical mobility (Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)) assessed by Bubble Inclinometer

  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).

  Assessments will be performed at baseline (before the application) and immediately following the single-session intervention.

Study Arms (2)

Mobilization group

EXPERIMENTAL

The intervention group will receive atlanto-occipital joint mobilization.

Other: Atlanto-occipital joint mobilization

Sham group

SHAM COMPARATOR

The control group will receive the sham application.

Other: Sham application

Interventions

Atlanto-occipital joint mobilization OTHER

The intervention group will receive a single session of atlanto-occipital joint mobilization.

Mobilization group

Sham application OTHER

The control group will receive a single session of sham intervention.

Sham group

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Volunteering to participate in the study.
• Being between the ages of 18 and 45.
• Having forward head posture according to craniovertebral angle measurement.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bitlis Eren University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University

Ankara, 06000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Respiratory Aspiration

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Respiration Disorders; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The researcher performing the measurements will be blinded to the group allocation of the participants.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: assistant professor

Model Details: 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).

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 5, 2025
• First Posted: December 23, 2025
• Study Start: December 5, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 1, 2026
• Study Completion: March 1, 2026
• Last Updated: March 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)