Search

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]

Background: Although commonly used in clinical settings, evidence regarding the beneficial effectiveness of joint mobilization and therapeutic exercise in patients with stroke is still lacking.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of mid-thoracic spine mobilization and therapeutic exercise on dynamic balance and inspiratory function in patients with subacute stroke.Methods: The participants included 33 patients with subacute stroke. Participants were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: (1) a group that received segmental mobilization (T4-8), and (2) a group that received foam roller exercises (T4-8). Outcome measure included the limits of stability (LOS), inspiratory function, and global rating of change (GRC).Results: The improvement in inspiratory function was statistically significant at 4 and 6 weeks after the initiation of the intervention and changes in the LOS were statistically significant at 6 weeks in the mobilization group (p< 0.05). In addition, 15 of 17 (88.2%) participants in the mobilization group, compared to 9 of 16 participants (56.2%) in the exercise group, indicated a GRC score of +4 or higher at the 4-week follow-up.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that patients with subacute stroke who receive mid-thoracic spine mobilization demonstrate effective short-term improvements in LOS and GRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]