Effect of Core Stability Exercises and Diaphragmatic Training on Pulmonary Function in Smartphone Users with Forward Head Posture

The Title of this study EFFECT OF CORE STABILITY EXERCISES AND DIAPHRAGMATIC TRAINING ON PULMONARY FUNCTION IN SMARTPHONE USERS WITH FORWARD HEAD POSTURE**.**This study aims to investigate the effects of core stability exercises and diaphragmatic training on craniovertebral angle (CVA), Dynamic Abdominal Endurance Test, Visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck disability index (NDI), Forced vital capacity (FVC), Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), Inspiratory capacity (IC), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) in smartphone users with forward head posture (FHP).  Forward head posture (FHP) is characterized by positioning the head excessively anteriorly in relation to an imaginary plumb line that is perpendicular to the body’s center of gravity causing insufficient control over abdominal muscles, which increases thoracic kyphosis. FHP and non specific chronic neck pain (NSCNP) often have weak deep neck flexors, leading to overuse of compensatory muscles like the sternocleidomastoid and scalene. This imbalance overloads the cervical spine and affects the thoracic spine, resulting in respiratory and neck function deficits that impact both neck movement and breathing. The study will involve 60 females aged 18-27, with craniovertebral angle <48-50 degrees,  >40 degree thoracic curvature and non specific chronic neck pain >3months,  and will compare two intervention groups Group A will receive core stability exercises and diaphragmatic training. Group B will receive conservative treatment and diaphragmatic training. The outcomes variables include  craniovertebral angle (CVA), Dynamic Abdominal Endurance Test, Visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck disability index (NDI), Forced vital capacity (FVC), Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), Inspiratory capacity (IC), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1).  These parameters will be assessed pre- and post-intervention. The study aims to provide a better understanding of how these combined treatments can improve forward head posture, reduce neck pain, and improve respiratory function. It could have clinical significance by offering non-invasive methods to counteract the musculoskeletal and respiratory issues caused by prolonged smartphone users with forward head posture.