Acute Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Added to Postural Corrective Exercises in Young Adults With Forward Head Posture
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Dokuz Eylul University
- Enrollment
- 45
- Locations
- 1
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study investigated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises, postural corrective exercises only, or control. The primary outcome was craniovertebral angle. Secondary outcomes included cervical joint repositioning error, deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, and scapular muscle endurance. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1 hour after the intervention by a blinded outcome assessor.
Detailed Description
Forward head posture is a common postural deviation in young adults and may be associated with altered cervicothoracic alignment, impaired cervical proprioception, and reduced cervical and scapular muscle endurance. Postural corrective exercises are commonly used in physiotherapy practice to improve head-neck posture and related neuromuscular control. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization may provide additional acute effects through mechanical stimulation of soft tissues and proprioceptive input.
This single-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization added to postural corrective exercises in young adults with forward head posture. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus postural corrective exercises, postural corrective exercises only, or control. The control group received no intervention and was assessed at the same time intervals as the intervention groups. Outcome assessments were conducted by a blinded assessor at baseline and 1 hour after the intervention.
The primary outcome was craniovertebral angle, used as an indicator of forward head posture. Secondary outcomes included cervical joint repositioning error, deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, and scapular muscle endurance.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
Outcome assessments were conducted by an assessor who was blinded to group allocation. Due to the nature of the interventions, participants and the treating therapist could not be blinded.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 25 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Individuals aged 18-25 years
- •Presence of forward head posture
- •Provision of written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of any disease or surgical procedure affecting cervical or thoracic posture
- •Any health condition preventing completion of the assessments
Investigators
Ilke KARA
Research Assistant
Dokuz Eylul University