Posture correction plus resistive breathing muscle training for COPD with forward head posture

Effects of Combined Posture Correction Exercise and Resistive Respiratory Muscle Training on Dyspnea, Chest Expansion, Craniovertebral Angle and Pulmonary Function Test, in COPD Patients With Forward Head Posture

This study will try posture exercises together with resistive inspiratory and expiratory breathing training to help people aged 40–60 with mild-to-moderate COPD and forward head posture breathe better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Riphah International University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Lahore)
• Trial ID: NCT07293429 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The trial combines targeted posture correction exercises with resistive inspiratory and expiratory muscle training to address forward head posture and respiratory muscle weakness in COPD patients. Participants are adults 40–60 years old with stage 1–2 COPD, a craniovertebral angle below 53°, persistent dyspnea, and specific upper‑chest/neck muscle tightness. Interventions include guided stretching/strengthening for posture and device‑based resisted inhalation and exhalation training, with outcomes likely to include spirometry (FEV1, FEV1/FVC), respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea scores, and posture angle. Patients with unstable cardiorespiratory conditions or significant cervical/shoulder pathology are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 40–60 with stage 1–2 COPD, forward head posture (craniovertebral angle <53°), persistent dyspnea (≥6/10), and measurable pectoral/neck muscle tightness who are medically stable.

Not a fit: Patients with severe COPD complications, recent exacerbations, pulmonary hypertension, significant cardiovascular disease, unstable medical conditions, congenital cervical deformity, or active shoulder/cervical radiculopathy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined approach could reduce breathlessness and improve respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and neck posture in eligible COPD patients.

How similar studies have performed: Inspiratory muscle training has demonstrated benefits for dyspnea and respiratory strength in COPD, and posture exercises show promise for breathing mechanics, but combining posture correction with both resistive inspiratory and expiratory training is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* • Patients of COPD at stage 1 and 2

  * COPD with forward head posture.
  * Craniovertebral angle \< 53 degrees (20)
  * Age 40-60
  * Both genders
  * Spirometric evidence of significant chronic air-flow limitation (ie, FEV1 of 50% of predicted and FEV1/FVC ratio of 70% of predicted) in whom COPD had been diagnosed (21)
  * Persistent dyspnea with a self-rated intensity of ⩾6 (out of 10) on a visual analogue
  * Having muscular tightness (pectoralis major and minor, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid)

Exclusion Criteria:

* • COPD with severe complications (respiratory infections, acute exacerbations, pulmonary hypertension)

  * COPD with cardiovascular complications (Cor Pulmonale, atherosclerosis, risk of venous thromboembolism)
  * Unstable respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions
  * Congenital Cervical/spinal deformity
  * Patients with frozen shoulder, shoulder, cervical radiculopathy)
  * Uncontrolled underlying conditions(22)

Where this trial is running

Lahore

• Riphah International University — Lahore, Pakistan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: wajeeha zia, PP-DPT — Riphah International University
• Study coordinator: Imran amjad, Phd

Conditions COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Forward Head Posture; craniovertebral angle; resistive training; posture correction; dyspnea