High Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Ventilatory Function in Forward Head Posture

Introduction
Forward head posture (FHP) causes neck pain, disability, and respiratory problems; both high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and scapular stabilization exercises (SSE) are effective in mitigating musculoskeletal pain and raising functional activities in individuals experiencing neck pain. Accordingly, we aimed to compare the effects of HILT and SSE on ventilatory function in FHP patients.

Material and methods
Sixty male and female FHP patients with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) < 49° and decreased ventilatory function were recruited and allocated randomly to three equal groups (n = 20): traditional exercises (Group A), traditional exercises plus SSE (Group B), and traditional exercises plus HILT (Group C) for three sessions weekly for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment, we measured forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced ventilatory capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), CVA, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), chest expansion, and neck disability index (NDI).

Results
FVC, FEV1, MVV, CVA, and chest expansion demonstrated a significant augmentation in group B contrasted with groups A and C (p < 0.05), with Group C having a significant enhancement compared to group A (p < 0.05). FEV1/FVC did not significantly differ among the three groups post-therapy. VAS and NDI were lower in Group C than in Groups A and B (p < 0.05), whereas Group B showed significant enhancements compared to Group A (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
SSE is more beneficial for improving neck alignment, ventilatory function, and chest expansion, while HILT is more advantageous for mitigating pain and disability in FHP patients.