Effect of Pilates Exercises on Forward Head Posture in Breastfeeding Women

Effect of Pilates Exercises on Forward Head Posture in Breastfeeding Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Musculoskeletal postural issues stemming from infant care positions can exert a significant impact on the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. These positions can induce mechanical alterations in the spine's natural curvature, potentially resulting in long-term deformities in postnatal women such as forward head posture (FHP), ultimately contributing to physical disability over the long term.so, The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Pilates exercises on FHP in breastfeeding women.

seventy-four breastfeeding women having forward head posture (FHP) will participate in this study. They will be selected randomly from the outpatient clinic of orthopedic of Suez Canal Authority Hospital in Portsaid, Egypt.

Group (A) (Control group): will consist of 37 breastfeeding women. They will receive ergonomic breastfeeding training for 8 weeks.

Group (B) (Study group): will consist of 37 breastfeeding women. They will receive the same ergonomic breastfeeding training plus Pilates exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All women are breastfeeding and will have FHP.
• They are between six to twelve months post-delivery.
• They should have a single, healthy, and full-term baby without complications.
• Their body mass index (BMI) will not exceed 30 Kg/m2.
• Their parity will range from 2 to 3 children.
• They are housewife.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cancer of the breast or the surrounding area, any previous breast or chest surgery, breast infection, retracted, cracked, inflamed or inverted nipples.
• Any cardiorespiratory disease, anemia, or diabetes mellitus.
• Recent fracture or surgery of the cervical spine or shoulder.
• History of physical and mental diseases.