COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF THE MCKENZIE TECHNIQUE AND INSTRUMENT-ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION IN FORWARD HEAD POSTURE PATIENTS WITH COEXISTING RESPIRATORY DYSFUNCTION

Forward head posture (FHP) is among the most frequently observed deviations from normal cervical alignment and is associated with measurable changes in the strength and stiffness of the cervical musculature. The condition affects individuals across all age groups, from childhood to old age, and is closely linked to habitual behaviours such as prolonged computer and television use, mobile phone and video-game engagement, and the carrying of heavy backpacks, all of which encourage the body to adopt an abnormal head-forward alignment.Aim: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the McKenzie technique and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in patients presenting with forward head posture and coexisting respiratory dysfunction.Objective: To determine the comparative effectiveness of the McKenzie technique and IASTM in improving cervical alignment, neck function, and respiratory performance in patients with forward head posture accompanied by respiratory dysfunction.Methodology: This experimental comparative study was conducted on 30 participants with forward head posture, aged between 20 and 40 years, who were allocated into two equal groups of 15 (Group A and Group B). Group A received the McKenzie protocol, while Group B was treated with Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.Results: The findings demonstrated that the McKenzie technique produced greater improvement than IASTM in range of motion and forced vital capacity among participants with forward head posture and respiratory dysfunction.Conclusion: Although both interventions resulted in statistically significant improvement, the improvement observed in the group receiving the McKenzie technique was significantly greater than that observed in the group receiving IASTM, indicating that the McKenzie technique may be the more effective option for managing forward head posture in this population.