What is this study trying to find out about COPD and forward head posture?

This study is evaluating how combined posture correction and resistive respiratory muscle training affect breathing difficulty, chest movement, neck posture, and lung function in COPD patients with forward head posture. It aims to improve understanding of breathing challenges linked to posture in COPD. The research is led by Riphah International University and involves 72 participants.

Who may be eligible for this COPD clinical trial?

Adults aged 40 to 60 with COPD at stage 1 or 2 and forward head posture may be eligible. Both men and women can participate if they have specific lung function measurements and persistent breathlessness. People with severe complications or unstable health conditions are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this COPD clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study devices and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel needs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 40Years - 60Years

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

ID07293429

Study of Posture Correction and Breathing Muscle Training to Improve Breathing and Chest Movement in COPD Patients with Forward Head Posture Aged 40 to 60

Led by Riphah International University · Updated on 2026-01-05

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of combined posture correction exercises and resistive respiratory muscle training on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD who also have forward head posture FHP. This study aims to understand how these interventions impact breathing difficulties dyspnea, chest expansion, neck posture measured by craniovertebral angle, and lung function. The study involves patients with COPD at stages 1 and 2 who exhibit muscular imbalances affecting their breathing efficiency.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Combined Posture Correction and Resistive Respiratory Muscles Training in COPD With FHP

Who Can Participate

Age: 40Years - 60Years

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Patients diagnosed with COPD at stage 1 or 2
Presence of forward head posture
Craniovertebral angle less than 53 degrees
Age between 40 and 60 years
Both male and female participants
Spirometric evidence of airflow limitation: FEV1 about 50% of predicted and FEV1/FVC ratio about 70%
Persistent breathlessness with self-rated intensity of 6 or more out of 10
Muscular tightness in pectoralis major and minor, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles

You will not qualify if you...

COPD patients with severe complications such as respiratory infections, acute exacerbations, or pulmonary hypertension
COPD patients with cardiovascular complications including Cor Pulmonale, atherosclerosis, or risk of venous thromboembolism
Unstable respiratory, neurological, or cardiovascular conditions
Congenital deformities of the cervical spine
Patients with frozen shoulder, shoulder issues, or cervical radiculopathy
Uncontrolled underlying medical conditions

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - 8 weeks

Participants undergo posture correction exercises combined with resistive respiratory muscle training. Depending on group assignment, this includes inspiratory muscle training, expiratory muscle training, or combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle training. Training sessions occur 3 times per week with each session lasting 20 to 30 minutes, focusing on muscle strength and endurance.

Visits at pretreatment, Week 4, and Week 8 for assessments