Effects of the combination of traditional Thai massage, scapular stabilization exercise, and chest mobilization in subjects with forward head posture: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

研究概要

Forty-eight subjects with forward head posture were randomized to receive either a combination of traditional Thai massage, scapular stabilization exercise, and chest mobilization, or a control intervention of quiet supine rest over four weeks (three sessions per week). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention (week 4), and one month later (week 8). Overall, the results of the study revealed that chest mobilization produced significantly larger and sustained improvements in the forward head angle (FHA) and cervical flexion than supine rest at both week 4 and week 8, whereas the forced vital capacity (FVC) did not differ between groups at any time point. These findings suggest that a short, combined manual-therapy and exercise program can meaningfully improve head posture and cervical mobility in young adults with forward head posture.