Effect of Muscle Energy Technique to Respiratory Accessory Muscles on Breathing Dysfunction in Individuals with Forward Head Posture

Abstract Introduction: The forward head posture (FHP) leads to frequent adaptation of poor postures, ultimately leading to unequal length-tension relationships between the corresponding muscles. This eventually leads to breathing dysfunction (BD) as the muscles involved above also play an accessory role in the breathing mechanism. Muscle energy technique (MET) is one of the manual techniques well known to release the tension in shortened muscles and strengthen the muscles as well, but there are very few studies that observed the effect of MET on BD in individuals with FHP. Aim: The aim of the present study was to observe and evaluate the effect of MET on BD in individuals with FHP. Methods: A total of 51 participants with FHP and BD were included in this study in the 21–30 years age group. They were allocated into three zones of BD according to the breath holding time at Functional Residual Capacity and total lung capacity. MET was performed on all the individuals in the three groups. Pulmonary Function Test parameters were recorded pre and post immediately on day 1, day 5, and post 1 week as well. Conclusion: A significant improvement was seen in all the groups of BD well. This study helps in analyzing the potential benefits of MET on accessory muscles of dysfunction across all three zones of BD.