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NCT Number: NCT07838623

Comparison Between Kaltenborn and Mulligan Mobilization in Forward Head Posture

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of Kaltenborn mobilization and Mulligan mobilization in individuals with Forward Head Posture.

The study will compare their effects in neck pain, craniovertebral angle, cervical range of motion, cervical proprioception, and deep neck flexor endurance after a two-week treatment program.

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Key information

Conditions

Forward Head Posture Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Islamabad, Punjab Province, 44000, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

About this study

Participants aged 18-40 years will be recruited and randomly allocated into two groups of through purposive sampling. Group A will receive Kaltenborn mobilization, progressing from Grades I-II to Grade III, while Group B will receive Mulligan SNAGs with gradually increased repetitions and overpressure. Both groups will also receive conventional treatment three times weekly for two weeks, completing six sessions with progression according to symptoms and tolerance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Both male and female
  • aged between 18 to 40 years
  • CVA of <48
  • Pain on NPRS 3-8
  • Hypo-mobility of cervical spine
  • Joint Position Error > 4.5 in any of the cervical range
  • Participants who gave consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Acute musculoskeletal injuries of the cervical spine and shoulder in the last 6 months
  • Diagnosed cases of pathological conditions like spondylosis, cervical myelopathy
  • Whiplash injury of cervical spine in last 6 months
  • Neck and shoulder surgery
  • Diagnosed cases of osteoporosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension

Treatment and study plan

Kaltenborn Mobilization

Procedure

All participants will receive conventional treatment consisting of a 10-minute hot pack and active cervical range-of-motion exercises. The program will also include postural correction exercises, with stretching of tight cervical and shoulder muscles and strengthening of the deep neck flexors and scapular stabilizers. Kaltenborn mobilization involves applying graded, sustained cervical joint glides and distraction to hypomobile segments, beginning with Grade I-II techniques for pain relief and progressing to Grade III to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.

Mulligan Mobilization

Procedure

All participants will receive conventional treatment consisting of a 10-minute hot pack and active cervical range-of-motion exercises. The program will also include postural correction exercises, with stretching of tight cervical and shoulder muscles and strengthening of the deep neck flexors and scapular stabilizers. Mulligan mobilization (SNAGs) involves applying a sustained anterosuperior glide to the affected cervical segment while the participant actively performs the restricted movement in a pain-free range, with gentle overpressure added at the end range as tolerated.

Primary outcomes

  1. Cervical Pain

    Time frame: Baseline and after 2 weeks of treatment.

    Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to measure Pain, 0 means no pain and 10 means worst pain ever.

  2. Cervical Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline and after 2 weeks of treatment

    A bubble inclinometer will be used to measure cervical range of motion.

  3. CranioVertebral Angle

    Time frame: baseline and after 2 weeks of treatment.

    Kinovea software will be used to measure Craniovertebral Angle.

  4. Cervical Joint Proprioception

    Time frame: Baseline and after 2 weeks of treatment

    Cervical Joint Proprioception will be measured via Joint position error test.

  5. Deep Neck Flexor Muscle Endurance

    Time frame: Baseline and after 2 weeks of treatment

    Deep Neck Flexor Muscle Endurance will be measured by Deep Neck Flexor Muscle Endurance test.

Interested in participating?

Recruiting

Interested in participating?

Request Info

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Sep 24, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 24, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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