Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is a common condition where the head appears to be positioned in front of the vertical midline of the body. FHP is associated with shortening of the neck extensors and pectoral muscles, and the deep neck flexors and shoulder retractors are weakened. FHP is also found to cause decreases in respiratory function. Few clinical trials have investigated the effects of combination treatments to alleviate these problems. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of combination of traditional Thai massage, scapular stabilization exercise, and chest mobilization on forward head angle (FHA), forced vital capacity (FVC), and cervical flexion in subjects with FHP. Methods: Forty-eight subjects with FHP were randomly allocated to a treatment group receiving a Combination of Traditional Thai massage, Scapular stabilization exercise, and Chest mobilization (CTSC group) (n = 24) and a control group (relaxed by lying supine) (n = 24). FHA, FVC, and cervical flexion were measured before and after the four-week intervention (Week 4) and one month after the intervention period (Week 8). Results: The CTSC group showed statistically significantly greater improvement in FHA and cervical flexion than the control group at Week 4 (FHA, mean difference − 6.05; 95% CI − 8.03, − 4.07; cervical flexion, mean difference 6.84; 95% CI 3.14, 10.55) and Week 8 (FHA, mean difference − 4.64; 95% CI ( − 6.71, − 2.58); cervical flexion, mean difference 5.21; 95% CI 0.84, 9.58). There were no significant between-group differences in FVC at week 4 (mean difference 0.09; 95% CI − 0.06, 0.23) and week 8 (mean difference 0.04; 95% CI − 0.11, 0.19). Conclusion: This study showed that CTSC had a positive effect on FHA and cervical flexion in subjects with FHP. Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (Identification number: TCTR20211119001), registered 19 November 2021; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20211119001.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a new therapeutic approach (cassava wax bath: CWB) compared with usual care (paraffin wax bath: PWB) in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Forty patients with PF were recruited into the study (CWB group, n = 20, PWB group, n = 20). Patients in the CWB group received cassava wax bath and patients in the PWB group received usual care (PWB). The primary outcome was pain intensity (PI). The secondary outcomes were the pressure pain threshold (PPT), pain frequency (PFr), foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM), and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM). All outcomes were assessed before and after the five-week intervention, one month, and three months after the intervention period. After the intervention, statistically significant improvement was found in all outcomes after the intervention period and during the one month and three months follow-up study in both groups (P < 0.05). For all outcomes, no between-group differences were seen at any post-assessment time-point, except for PFr (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that CWB was significantly superior to PWB in reducing PFr. For the other outcomes, CWB and PWB were both equally effective in reducing PI and increasing PPT, FAAM, and ADROM in patients with PF. Therefore, CWB might be considered as a novel useful therapeutic option for PF patients.Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (Identification number: TCTR20220128002), First posted date: 28/01/2022.

Background: Chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP) is a widespread musculoskeletal condition affecting individuals across all age groups. Although cervical stabilization exercises (CSE) and Thai self-massage have each demonstrated therapeutic potential, evidence regarding the effectiveness of the combined applications of CSE and Thai self-massage remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combined program of CSE and Thai self-massage (CSTM) on pain intensity (PI), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and neck disability (ND) in young adults with CNNP. Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand. Fifty young adults with CNNP were randomly assigned into two groups. The CSTM group performed CSE integrated with Thai self-massage, whereas the control group practiced stretching exercises exclusively. Both groups engaged in their respective programs three times per week for a duration of four weeks. PI, PPT, and ND were assessed at baseline, after four weeks (Week 4), and at a two-week follow-up (Week 6). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in PI, PPT, and ND (p < 0.05), representing within-group comparisons, at Week 4 and Week 6. Furthermore, between-group comparisons at Week 4 and Week 6 indicated that the CSTM group achieved significantly greater improvements in PI and ND than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A four-week program combining CSE with Thai self-massage was effective in reducing pain intensity and neck disability in young adults with CNNP, with benefits maintained at short-term follow-up. Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20231102008), registered on 2 November 2023.

• This study is the first to verify the effects of traditional Thai massage on young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles. • The application of traditional Thai massage is effective in reducing pain. • Traditional Thai massage can be used as an alternative method for the treatment of latent myofascial trigger points.

Background: Individuals with postacute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) typically exhibit abnormal hemodynamic responses during upright positioning, including orthostatic hypotension and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. The 10-minute NASA lean test (NLT) has been suggested for this condition. However, no comparative study with the head-up tilt table test (HUTT) has been conducted. This study aimed to compare blood pressure and heart rate responses during the 10-minute duration of NLT and HUTT. Methods: Eighty young individuals (aged 22.0 ± 3.1 years) with PACS underwent both tests, with a 30-minute interval between tests. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured every minute, and the differences between supine and upright positions were analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in SBP changes between HUTT and NLT (−7.8 ± 6.2 vs. −7.1 ± 7.5 mmHg) with a mean difference of −0.7 ± 9.0 mmHg. However, DBP changes were significantly lower in HUTT compared to NLT (−0.9 ± 6.4 vs. 1.5 ± 6.9 mmHg for NLT) with a mean difference of −2.4 ± 7.1 mmHg. Maximal HR was significantly lower in HUTT compared to NLT (92.0 ± 11.4 vs. 96.2 ± 10.8 bpm for NLT) with a mean difference of −4.2 ± 6.9 bpm. Additionally, HR changes were significantly lower in HUTT compared to NLT (21.5 ± 8.1 vs. 27.0 ± 9.0 bpm) with a mean difference of −5.4 ± 6.4 bpm. Conclusion: The NLT demonstrated comparability with the HUTT in detecting SBP changes. However, clinical applications should consider differences in measuring DBP and HR changes.

Background: The cough transportability technique reflects changes in mucus rheology. However, the necessity of high airflow rates, such as 8 L/s, to carry out this technique limits its utility, as specialized setups or equipment are required. Objective: This study aims to identify practical alternatives to higher airflow rates and utilize easily accessible equipment, such as mechanical air pumps (2 L/s). Materials and methods: Mucus simulant gel (MSG) of 4 viscoelasticity and sputum from patients with bronchiectasis were collected and prepared. All samples underwent standard airflow cough transport (sCT) and modified cough transport (mCT). Additionally, three rounds of each MSG and two rounds of sputum underwent mCT. Results: A Pearson correlation analysis between mCT and sCT revealed very high (r=0.986, p=0.014) and high (r=0.771, p Conclusion: mCT could be an alternative to sCT, offering a more accessible option for conducting cough transportability