Effectiveness of Breathing Exercise and Posture Correction Exercise in Improving Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Adults with Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background & Aim: Forward Head Posture (FHP) causes the diaphragm to lose its ability to expand and ventilate, decreasing lung functioning which results in decreased forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). This study aimed to determine the effects of breathing exercises in adults with FHP and to find out the co-relationship between PEFR and cranio-vertebral angle (CVA). Method: An experimental study with 30 subjects aged between 18 to 50 years were included. The subjects were divided into two groups. The experimental group was instructed to perform breathing exercises and posture correction exercises five days a week for four weeks, whereas the control group was asked to perform only posture correction exercises. Craniovertebral Angle and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate values were measured before and after the intervention in both groups. Results: Within- and between-group changes in CVA and PEFR were observed in both the experimental and control groups. The peak expiratory flow rate showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p = 0.042), and the craniovertebral angle measurements were also highly significant among both groups (p = 0.000). Conclusion: This study concluded that the inclusion of the breathing exercise program along with posture correction exercises is more effective than posture correction exercise alone in people with forward head posture. Key words: forward head posture, breathing exercises, posture correction exercises, peak expiratory flow, CVA craniovertebral angle