Effects of Elongation Longitudinaux Articular Vertebral and Columnar Decoaption Osteo Articulaire versus Upper Thoracic Mobilization on Forward Head Posture in Upper Cross Syndrome

Background: Upper-crossed syndrome is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by forward head posture. Elongation longitudinaux articular vertebral and columnar decoaption osteo articulaire and upper thoracic mobilization are two manual therapy approaches used to address upper cross syndrome, but their comparative effects on forward head posture are unknown. Objective: To compare the effects of elongation longitudinaux articular vertebral and columnar decoaption osteo articulaire and upper thoracic mobilization on forward head posture with upper cross syndrome. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Athwal Hospital, Nawan Lahore, involving 38 participants with forward head posture. Participants were randomly allocated to either group A or group B. Group A received elongation longitudinaux articular vertebral and columnar decoaption osteo articulaire, also known as ELDOA, and group B received upper thoracic mobilization treatment. The intervention was given for thrice a week for 6 weeks, and outcomes were measured, including cervical range of motion, Targus to wall test, numeric pain rating scale, neck disability index, and craniovertebral angle. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA and a t-test. Both groups showed significant improvement; however, experimental group demonstrated greater reduction in symptoms (p<0.05) at the 6th week. Results: It showed that Group A has a mean age of 34.00 years (SD=7.63) with ages ranging from 22 to 45 years, while Group B has a slightly higher mean age of 34.26 years (SD=7.37) with ages ranging from 20 to 45 years. Both groups experienced a reduction in pain levels over time, with Group B reporting higher pain levels at baseline but showing a similar trend in pain reduction compared to Group A. Conclusion: Elongation longitudinaux articular vertebral and columnaire decoaption osteo-articulaire is more effective than upper thoracic mobilization in the reduction of forward head symptoms.