1. Upper cervical and upper thoracic spine mobilization versus deep cervical flexors exercise in individuals with forward head posture: A randomized clinical trial investigating their effectiveness.
- Author
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Cho, Juchul, Lee, Eunsang, and Lee, Seungwon
- Subjects
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CERVICAL vertebrae , *EXERCISE therapy , *RANGE of motion of joints , *MANIPULATION therapy , *NECK muscles , *NECK pain , *PHYSICAL therapy , *POSTURE , *RESPIRATION , *STATISTICAL sampling , *THORACIC vertebrae , *PAIN measurement , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *TREATMENT effectiveness - Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although commonly utilized treatments, no study has directly compared the effectiveness of joint mobilization and stabilization exercise in individuals with forward head posture (FHP). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of upper cervical and upper thoracic spine mobilization versus deep cervical flexors exercise (DCFE) in individuals with FHP. METHODS: Thirty-one participants with FHP were randomized into the mobilization (n = 15) or exercise (n = 16) group. The treatment period was 4 weeks with follow-up assessment at 4 weeks and 6 weeks after the initial examination. Outcomes assessed included the craniovertebral angle (CVA), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), respiratory function, and the global rating of change (GRC). RESULTS: Participants in the mobilization group demonstrated significant improvements (p < 0.05) in CVA, NPRS, and respiratory function, as compared to those in the exercise group. In addition, 9 of 15 (60%) participants in the mobilization group, as compared to 4 of 16 participants (25%) in the exercise group, had a GRC score of + 4 or higher. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of upper cervical and upper thoracic spine mobilization indicated better overall short-term outcomes in CVA, NPRS, respiratory function, and GRC compared with DCFE in individuals with FHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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