Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of upper thoracic manipulation (UTM) and proprioceptive training versus proprioceptive training alone on forward head posture (FHP) and cervicocephalic joint position sense (CJPS) in asymptomatic university students during a short interval of time.
Objectives: To evaluate whether the suggested combination would provide greater benefit, and be superior to proprioceptive training alone in improving proprioceptive acuity and head posture. Design: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.
Methods: Thirty-three university student volunteers with asymptomatic FHP were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to a manipulation group (n=16) receiving UTM combined with proprioceptive training or a proprioception group (n=17) receiving proprioceptive training only. The intervention period lasted 5 weeks in total, and consisted of one 15 to 20-minute session per week. FHP and CJPS were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results: A significant pre- to post-intervention decrease in FHP and joint position error was identified in both groups (P<.05). Subjects in the manipulation group demonstrated greater improvements in CJPS and head posture compared to the proprioception group (P<.05). Conclusion: These findings support employing either intervention for treating asymptomatic students with FHP. However, the addition of UTM to proprioceptive training was more effective than proprioceptive training alone in reducing joint position errors and improving head posture.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
    Study groups and design
    Testing procedures
    Forward head posture measurement
    Assessment of cervicocephalic proprioceptive function
    Treatment procedures
    Data analysis
RESULTS
    Study population
    Plumb line posture test
    HRA test
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Grace Battal(Physical Therapy Department, Lebanese University)
• Nibal Ali(Physical Therapy Department, Lebanese University)
• Rima Chamoun(Physical Therapy Department, Lebanese University)
• Berthe Hanna-Boutros(Physical Therapy Department, Lebanese University/Physical Therapy Department, Holy Family University) Correspondence