Year: 2024 | Month: March | Volume: 14 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 30-34
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240306
Effect of Two Weeks Cervical Stabilization Exercises on Forward Head Posture, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Chest Expansion in Smartphone Users
Dr. Sweety Shah1, Tahemeena Momin2
1PT, Ph.D., SBB College of Physiotherapy, VS General Hospital, Ahmedabad, India.
2Postgraduate student, SBB College of Physiotherapy, VS General Hospital, Ahmedabad, India.
Corresponding Author: Tahemeena Momin
ABSTRACT
Aim: To know if there is any effect of cervical stabilization exercises on FHP, PEFR and chest expansion in smartphone users.
Background: The number of smartphone users are increasing worldwide. Prolonged use can lead to a number of health problems, including forward head posture [FHP]. FHP can also have a negative impact on respiratory function. Because of this FHP can compress the chest cavity and restrict lung expansion. As a result, people with FHP may have difficulty breathing deeply and may experience decreased peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR].
Setting & Design: An experimental study was conducted on smartphone users (>1 year) of Ahmedabad. Includes individuals of Forward head [Tragus to wall distance (TWD):>10 cm], mean age: 22.46±2.66, both genders.
Methodology: In this study 30 subjects were divided into 2 groups. An experimental group did cervical stabilization exercises, Thoracic expansion exercise and pectorals stretching. Control group did cervical isometric exercises. Both groups Performed exercises twice a day for two weeks. Pre and post outcome measures was taken: TWD, PEFR, Chest expansion.
Result: The result analyzed by paired T-test. The intervention group showed significant improvements in TWD (11.01±0.34 to 10.05±0.35cm; p<0.05), PEFR (346.66±30.39 to 370.33±24.67lpm; p<0.05) and Chest expansion (4.09±0.29 to 4.72±0.28cm; p<0.05) within the group after the intervention. The control group showed no significant changes in any outcome measures.
Conclusion: Cervical stabilization exercises are effective in improving FHP, PEFR, and chest expansion in smartphone users. These exercises can help to reduce the risk of health problems associated with FHP.
Key words: Cervical stabilization exercises, smartphone users, FHP, PEFR, chest expansion.