Actively Recruiting
Comparative Effects of Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Forward Head Posture
Led by Foundation University Islamabad · Updated on 2026-05-18
38
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
2 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a common postural problem where the head is positioned forward relative to the shoulders. This condition is linked to muscle imbalances, neck pain, limited neck movement, and changes in muscle activity. The study aims to compare two therapy methods, Sub-Occipital Muscle Inhibition (SMI) and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), to see which is more effective in improving posture, reducing pain, and increasing neck mobility in people with FHP. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive conventional physical therapy including hot pack, stretching, and strengthening exercises combined with SMI. Group B will receive the same physical therapy combined with IASTM. Both groups will undergo 18 treatment sessions over six weeks, with three sessions per week on alternate days. Treatments include hot packs, manual therapy techniques, stretching of tight muscles, and strengthening exercises for weak muscles. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start and after six weeks for pain intensity, neck disability, endurance of deep neck flexors, craniovertebral angle, and cervical range of motion. Researchers will monitor these outcomes to evaluate the effects of the treatments. The total participation time is six weeks, with regular sessions and evaluations to track progress and safety.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Comparative Effects of Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition vs Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Forward Head Posture
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Both genders
- Age between 18 and 40 years
- Increased upper thoracic spine kyphosis
- Craniovertebral angle less than 52 degrees
You will not qualify if you...
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Neurological deficit
- Previous surgery of cervical or thoracic spine
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency
- Congenital deformities like kyphosis or scoliosis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants receive conventional physical therapy combined with either suboccipital muscle inhibition or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Both groups attend a total of 18 treatment sessions over 6 weeks, scheduled on alternate days (three sessions per week). Each session begins with a hot pack application followed by the assigned muscle treatment, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises.
18 sessions over 6 weeks (3 sessions per week)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 44000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
I
Iqra Shafiq, DPT
H
Hafiz Ali Bin Asim, MS-SPT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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