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NCT Number: NCT07573904

Comparative Effects of Posture Correction Exercises and Papworth Technique in Asthmatic Forward Head Posture

This study aims to evaluating and contrasting the effects of posture correction and papworth technique on dyspnea, chest expansion and quality of life in asthmatic patients with forward head.

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Key information

Conditions

Asthma (Diagnosis) With Forward Head Posture Asthma Bronchial Diseases Disease Dyspnea Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity, Immediate Immune System Diseases Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Obstructive Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Respiratory Hypersensitivity Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory

Age range

35 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sheikh Zaid Hospital Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

About this study

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, reversible air flow obstruction , and bronchial inflammation, resulting in episodic symptoms such as dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. In addition to airway pathology, respiratory mechanics and postural deviations can significantly influence disease severity and functional capacity. Forward head posture is a common postural dysfunction that alters cervical- thoracic alignment, increase upper chest dominance during breathing, reduces rib cage mobility and compromises diaphragmatic efficiency. Correction of forward head posture is expected to improve thoracic expansion, optimize musculoskeletal alignment, and facilitate more efficient breathing mechanics, thereby reducing the work of breathing and improving ventilatory efficiency in asthmatic individuals. The papworth breathing technique is a structured respiratory retraining approach that emphasizes diaphragmatic breathing, nasal breathing, and relaxation strategies to reduce dysfunctional breathing patterns and hyperventilation. it has been shown to improve ventilatory control and may enhance expiratory efficiency, potenitally improving physiological parameters such as positive end expiratory pressure. This study will compare the effects of these two interventions on pulmonary function, asthma control , and postural alignment in asthmatic patients with forward head posture , aiming to determine their relative efficacy in improving respiratory mechanics and functional outcomes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Male and female patients 35 to 50 years
  • No history of recent thoracic or cervical spine surgery
  • Patients diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma
  • Stable asthma condition at the time of recruitment.
  • Non smokers
  • Experiencing mild to moderate dyspnea during daily activities presence of forward head posture
  • FEV/FVC ratio < 0.75 with FEV between 60 to 80 percent of predicted values indicating mild to moderate asthma.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with inflammatory lesion in cervical region.
  • Patients with neurological impairments and cognitive impairments will be excluded.
  • Patients with tendinopathy
  • History of cervical trauma, cervical spine surgery and vertebral fracture.

Treatment and study plan

papworth teachnique

Other

papworth three sessions per week approximately 30 minutes diaphragmatic breathing 10 minutes per session sow breathing practice 1-2 minutes breath control and breath holding muscle relaxation techniques

posture correction exercises

Other

posture correction exercises three sessions per week 30-40 minutes Mckenzie exercises three sets of ten repetitions scapular retraction exercises three sets of ten repetitions thoracic extension exercises pectoral muscle stetching 20-30 seconds upper trapezius and Levator scapulae stretching three times per sessions

Primary outcomes

  1. Universal goniometer

    Time frame: 1st day

    Forward head posture was assessed using a universal goniometer by measuring the craniovertebral angle .The CVA is defined as the angle formed between a horizontal line passing through the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra(c7) and a line connecting to the tragus of the ear. A smaller CVA reflects increased anterior head displacement and reduced cervical lordosis. A CVA of >50 considered normal , values between 40 to 49 considered mild forward head posture while a CVA <40 represents moderate to severe forward head posture.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Borg dyspnea scale

    Time frame: 1st day

    The borg dyspnea scale is a subjective tool for assessing the intensity of breathessness in patients, often used in fields like pulmonology, cardiology and sport medicine. it ranges from 0 to 10. 0 very slight and 10 very severe.this scale helps clinicians mointor a patients respiratory symptoms during activities like exercises or rehabilitation and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

  2. Asthma control questionnaire

    Time frame: 1st day

    The asthma control questionnaire is a widely used tool for assessing asthma control in patients. It measures various aspects of asthma, including symptoms, frequency of rescue inhaler use, and lung function over the past week. the ACQ includes questions rated on a 7 point scale, with higher scores indicating proorer asthma control. this questionnaire helps clinicians guage treatment effectiveness, track symptom progression and adjust care strategies to improve patient quality of life.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Posture Correction Exercises and Papworth Technique on Dyspnea, Chest Expansion, and Quality of Life in Asthmatic Patients With Forward Head Posture.

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 7, 2026
Registry last updated
May 7, 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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