Actively Recruiting
Influence of Thoracolumbar Fascial Release by Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Craniovertebral Angle in Forward Head Posture
Led by Cairo University · Updated on 2026-05-26
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Forward Head Posture (FHP) can negatively affect respiratory function by weakening muscles involved in breathing and is common among young adults, especially students. The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) plays an important role in posture, load transfer, and breathing by connecting deep muscles in the back and abdomen. This study evaluates the effect of adding thoracolumbar fascia release (TLFR) using Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to conventional treatment on improving posture and related functions in individuals with FHP. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group receives conventional treatment including Kendall exercises and IASTM applied to cervical muscles such as the trapezius and levator scapulae. The experimental group receives the same conventional treatment plus TLFR using the IASTM tool on the thoracolumbar fascia. Treatments are designed to improve craniovertebral angle (CVA), cervical range of motion, proprioception, and stress levels. Participants will be assessed at the start and after one month of treatment. Measurements include the CVA, cervical range of motion, cervical proprioception, and stress levels using the Cohen perceived stress scale. The study monitors changes in posture and related muscle function to determine the added benefit of TLFR. The total study period covers this one-month treatment and evaluation timeframe.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Adding Thoracolumbar Fascia Release by IASTM to Conventional Treatment on Craniovertebral Angle in Forward Head Subjects
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Forward head posture subjects with craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 52
- Age between 18 and 30 years old
- Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 30 Kg/m2
- Pain-free for over 3 months
- No physical therapy intervention recently
You will not qualify if you...
- Osteoporotic disorder
- History of congenital deformities of the cervical and thoracic region
- Recent injuries or fractures
- Any inflammatory joint disorder
- Malignancy
- Vascular disorders
- Neurological or psychiatric disorders
- Any respiratory disease
- Presence of open wounds
- History of surgery in the past 6 months
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 - 1 month
Participants receive conventional treatment including Kendall exercises and IASTM on cervical muscles. The experimental group also receives thoracolumbar fascia release using IASTM.
Multiple treatment sessions over 1 month
Duration - 1 day
Participants are assessed for craniovertebral angle, cervical range of motion, cervical proprioception, and stress level after completing the treatment.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Faculty of physical therapy
Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt, 12611
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mariam M Abdallah, Assistant lecturer
A
Aya M Mohamed, Lecturer
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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