Effect of Thoracic SNAGS on Vitals Among Individuals With Forward Head Posture

Forward head posture (FHP) leads to abnormal activation of neck muscles. This leads to respiratory complications and changes in blood pressure. Due to regional interdependence Upper thoracic spine can restrict the movement of cervical spine Thoracic spine is is closely related to Sympathetic nervous system. T1-T5 spinal sympathetic neurons provide sympathetic innervation to the vessels that supply to the heart tissues and upper portion of the body. Thus, thoracic mobilization can regulate main body vitals as well as other visceral activities that maintain homeostasis

There is a manual therapy technique called sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) in which patient performs active movements along with the passive movements performed by the physiotherapist. It not only has biomechanical efficacy which includes pain reduction and improvement in ROM, but it also has neurophysiologic effects. Previous studies lack to provide how thoracic SNAGs can affect vitals. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of thoracic SNAGs on vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation . Furthermore, this research will add to growing body of knowledge that how thoracic SNAGs can influence the correction of forward head posture

Inclusion criteria

• Both males and females
• Age 30-50yrs.
• Craniovertebral angle <50°
• Mild to moderate neck pain ranging between 3-6 on NPRS scale.
• Individuals with normal vitals:
• Heart rate (60-100 beats per minute)
• Respiratory rate (12-20 breaths per minute)
• Systolic BP (100- 139mmHg)(30).
• Diastolic BP (70-89 mmHg) (30).
• Oxygen saturation ≥96%

Exclusion criteria

• History of cervical/thoracic spine surgery
• Cardiopulmonary disorder or Hypertension ≥140/90mmHg (30).
• Vertebral instability
• Smokers
• Any infection or tumor