Background and Aim: Forward head posture causes shoulder dysfunction and neck pain, and this increased stress can cause musculoskeletal injury or pain. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a course of Graston technique on the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and cervical range of motion in males and females with forward head posture (FHP).
Methods: Thirty male and female employees aged 30 to 45 years who had forward head posture were voluntarily selected according to the entry criteria. The subjects were treated with the Graston technique for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Before and after the therapeutic intervention, rounder shoulder, CVA, and neck range of motion were evaluated. The paired t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to statistically analyze the research hypotheses.
Results: The results of the paired t-test showed that 4 weeks of Graston technique caused significant positive effects on rounder shoulder, CVA, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left neck rotation in men (p˂0.05). Also, the results showed that the Graston technique caused significant positive effects on rounded shoulder, CVA, flexion, extension, right and left lateral bending, and right and left neck rotation in women (p˂0.05); However, the results of the analysis of covariance test showed no difference between the two groups of men and women. (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that the Graston technique significantly improved pain perception, rounded shoulder, craniovertebral angle (CVA), and cervical range of motion in men and women with forward head posture; therefore, the use of this technique is recommended for corrective exercise and rehabilitation specialists.