Effect of Graded Motor Imagery versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Kinesiophobia, Proprioception, Posture, and Pain in Forward Head Posture with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Forward head posture is a common postural deviation associated with chronic non-specific neck pain in young adults and is often accompanied by pain, impaired proprioception, altered posture, and fear of movement. Both graded motor imagery and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation are established physiotherapy approaches used in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain; however, evidence directly comparing their effects in individuals with forward head posture is limited. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of graded motor imagery and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, when combined with conventional physiotherapy, on pain, posture, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in young adults aged 18–30 years with forward head posture and chronic non-specific neck pain. A total of 36 participants will be randomly allocated into two groups, with one group receiving graded motor imagery combined with conventional physiotherapy and the other group receiving proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with conventional physiotherapy. Interventions will be administered three times per week for four weeks, and outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period using validated outcome measures. The findings of this study may help identify an effective physiotherapy approach for improving clinical and functional outcomes in this population.