Comparative Effects of Posture Correction Exercises and Papworth Technique in Asthmatic Forward Head Posture

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, reversible air flow obstruction , and bronchial inflammation, resulting in episodic symptoms such as dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. In addition to airway pathology, respiratory mechanics and postural deviations can significantly influence disease severity and functional capacity. Forward head posture is a common postural dysfunction that alters cervical- thoracic alignment, increase upper chest dominance during breathing, reduces rib cage mobility and compromises diaphragmatic efficiency. Correction of forward head posture is expected to improve thoracic expansion, optimize musculoskeletal alignment, and facilitate more efficient breathing mechanics, thereby reducing the work of breathing and improving ventilatory efficiency in asthmatic individuals. The papworth breathing technique is a structured respiratory retraining approach that emphasizes diaphragmatic breathing, nasal breathing, and relaxation strategies to reduce dysfunctional breathing patterns and hyperventilation. it has been shown to improve ventilatory control and may enhance expiratory efficiency, potenitally improving physiological parameters such as positive end expiratory pressure. This study will compare the effects of these two interventions on pulmonary function, asthma control , and postural alignment in asthmatic patients with forward head posture , aiming to determine their relative efficacy in improving respiratory mechanics and functional outcomes.