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

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

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.

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.