Background: Adults with forward head posture (FHP) often suffer from thoracic hyperkyphosis and thoracic dysfunction, and including reduction of the craniovertebral angle (CV angle) and tightening of the superficial neck muscles. In order to treat thoracic dysfunction, interventions aimed at improving thoracic mobility are necessary.
Objectives: To examine the effects of maitland manual mobilization therapy on the thoracic spine in adults with FHP. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial.
Methods: Thirty adults with FHP who met the selection criteria were randomized to the thoracic multiple joint mobilization (TMJM; n=15) group and the thoracic general joint mobilization (TGJM; n=15) group. Joint mobilizations were performed for 23 minutes a day for 4 weeks continuously, two times per week. Outcome measures were ImageJ, BTS FREE EMG 1000, neck disability Index (NDI).
Results: Although changes in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and NDI scores over time between the two groups differed, other variables were noted only changes observed over time. Muscle activity in the right sternocleidomastoid increased again in the TGJM group post-intervention and 2 weeks after the end of the experiment, but changes in other variables were retained or improved, confirming the lasting effects of thoracic joint mobilization.
Conclusion: Thoracic multiple joint mobilization may be recommended as a more effective intervention for adults with FHP.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
    Subjects
    Outcome Measures
    Interventions
    Experimental Procedures
    Data and Statistical Analysis
RESULTS
    General characteristics of subjects
    Changes of in the groups before (4 weeks) and afterthe intervention (2 weeks)
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Dajeong Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University)
• Hojung An(Department of Physical Therapy, Dongnam Health University)
• Nyeonjun Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Pohang University)
• Ayeon Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University)
• Geurin Hong(Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University)
• Soonhee Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University)