Acute Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Added to Postural Corrective Exercises in Young Adults With Forward Head Posture

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.