Clinical Research Directory

The Effects of Dynamic Taping Combined With Corrective Exercises on Cervical Proprioception and Muscle Imbalance in Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome

Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a pattern of muscle imbalance that leads to forward head posture, rounded shoulders, or excessive thoracic kyphosis, thereby affecting posture and cervical-shoulder function. Dynamic Taping is a taping technique aimed at enhancing movement control and muscle support through its elastic material and tension, influencing the skin and neuromuscular system. When applied to UCS patients, Dynamic Taping can assist in posture correction, improve posture control, and increase scapular dynamic stability. Additionally, Dynamic Taping can enhance proprioception, helping patients maintain proper posture through sensory feedback. Corrective exercises improve posture and stability by strengthening weakened muscles and stretching tight muscles. Combining these two interventions is expected to help address poor posture.

Comparative Effect of Janda's Approach and Mckenzie Exercises in Patients With Upper Cross Syndrome

This study was conducted compare the effect Janda's Approach and Mckenzie Excercises in patients with Upper Crossed Syndrome

Comparison of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Patient Education in Upper Crossed Syndrome

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of exercises applied using the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) technique on pain, joint range of motion, muscle strength, and posture in individuals with Upper Crossed Syndrome, and to compare these effects with patient education. Individuals diagnosed with Upper Crossed Syndrome will be included in the study and allocated into two groups: a PNF-based exercise combined with patient education group and a patient education-only group. In the PNF group, Stabilizing Reversals for scapular anterior elevation-posterior depression and Replication techniques for posterior depression will be applied. In the patient education group, education including postural awareness and exercise will be provided. Assessments will be conducted at two time points, before and after the intervention. Pain level, joint range of motion, muscle strength and endurance, and postural parameters will be analyzed. This study is expected to provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of PNF approaches targeting scapular control in individuals with Upper Crossed Syndrome and to contribute to the management of postural disorders in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Effect of a Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program With and Without Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Cervical Range of Motion, Muscle Strength, Disability, and Postural Alignment in Individuals With Upper-Crossed Syndrome

This study is a double-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) with and without Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in individuals with Upper-Crossed Syndrome (UCS). UCS is a common postural dysfunction characterized by muscular imbalance, including tightness of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoral muscles, along with weakness of the deep cervical flexors and scapular stabilizers. This imbalance leads to forward head posture, rounded shoulders, neck pain, reduced cervical mobility, and functional limitations, particularly in individuals exposed to prolonged sedentary activities and poor ergonomic conditions. A total of 60 participants aged 18-40 years diagnosed with Upper-Crossed Syndrome will be recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. The control group will receive a structured Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP), while the experimental group will receive the same exercise program combined with Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). Both interventions will be administered three times per week for six weeks under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. Primary outcomes include cervical range of motion, muscle strength assessed by the Deep Neck Flexor endurance test, functional disability measured using the Neck Disability Index, and postural alignment assessed using a plumb line method. The aim of this study is to determine whether the addition of IASTM to a corrective exercise program results in superior improvements in cervical mobility, muscle strength, functional disability, and postural alignment compared to corrective exercise alone. It is hypothesized that the combined intervention will produce greater clinical improvements in individuals with Upper-Crossed Syndrome.

Cervical Position Sense, Core Stability, and Postural Balance in University Students With Upper Crossed Syndrome

This study aims to investigate the relationship between cervical position sense, core stabilization, and postural balance in university students aged 18-30 years with Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS). Upper Crossed Syndrome is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by muscle imbalance, including weakness of the deep cervical flexors, middle and lower trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus anterior, along with tightness of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, and pectoralis major and minor. This condition frequently affects university students due to prolonged sitting, extensive computer use, and poor posture. While previous research has focused on discrete components of UCS such as posture correction or pain management, the combined effects of cervical proprioception, core stability, and postural balance remain poorly understood. A total of 48 participants will be enrolled and divided into two equal groups: 24 students diagnosed with Upper Crossed Syndrome and 24 healthy students as a control group. Assessments include cervical joint position error testing, core stabilization endurance tests (Unilateral Hip Bridge Endurance Test and Sahrmann Five-Level Core Stability Test), static balance evaluation using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and dynamic balance assessment using the Y-Balance Test. Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). This study will help identify neuromuscular and sensory mechanisms underlying these parameters and support evidence-based rehabilitation techniques to improve postural alignment, reduce musculoskeletal dysfunction, and enhance overall functional performance in this population.

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Versus Corrective Exercises in Upper Cross Syndrome

The purpose of the study will be to investigate dynamic neuromuscular stabilization versus National American Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) corrective exercises on pain, functional disability, cranio-vertebral angle, forward shoulder angle, and thoracic kyphosis in upper cross syndrome.

Dry Cupping Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Crossed Syndrome

This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy of combining Dry Cupping therapy with the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) against each intervention applied independently, focusing on three core parameters: Neck Disability Index (NDI), Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), and Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA).

Comparative Effects of Kendall and Feldenkrais Exercise in Upper Crossed Syndrome

Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterized by muscular imbalances and postural dysfunction. Kendall Method and Feldenkrais Method are physiotherapy exercise programs aimed at reducing pain and improving cervical position sense, CV angle and function. This study compares their effects on pain, CV angle, cervical position sense, and disability in individuals with upper cross syndrome. This will be a randomized Controlled trial conducted on 72 participants. Data will be collected from Sikander Medical Complex, Gujranwala by using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Adults aged 20 to 50 years with upper cross syndrome, confirmed by Craniovertebral Angle less than 50 degrees and experiencing symptoms for more than four weeks, will be included in this study. Individuals with cervical spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, disc prolapse, trauma-related cervical injuries, or a history of shoulder surgery will be excluded. Group A will receive Kendall Method along with conservative physiotherapy, while Group B will receive Feldenkrais Method combined with conservative physiotherapy. Each session will last 30 minutes-40 minutes for the primary intervention and 15-20 minutes for conventional therapy-administered three times per week for five weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), CV angle (measured via Image J), Cervical position Sense (assessed via HRE) and functional disability (measured via NDI). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.

Effect of Mat Pilates on Pain and Postural Alignment in School Going Children With Upper Crossed Syndrome.

This randomized control clinical Trial is to evaluate the effect of mat Pilates on postural alignment and pain levels in school-going children with Upper Crossed Syndrome. The study will focus on assessing changes in head, neck, and shoulder alignment, as well as any reduction in musculoskeletal discomfort following a structured Pilates intervention in children of age 8-16.This clinical Trial will be in two groups A) Intervention group B) Control Group. From a total of 28 Participants , 14 will be performing Mat pilates and routine Physical Therapy(Group A) while the other 14 will be performing just routine Physical Therapy exercises (Group B). Data Analysis will be done on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.00.

Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation and Janda's Approach in Patient With Shoudler Girdle Crossed Syndrome

Shoulder girdle crossed syndrome referred as upper crossed syndrome. In this syndrome, tightness of the upper trapezius and levator scapula on the dorsal side crosses with tightness of the pectoralis major and minor. Weakness of the deep cervical flexors, ventrally, crosses with weakness of the middle, lower trapezius and Rhomboids. Janda Approach treatment involves steps i.e Normalize the Periphery, Restore Muscle Balance, Increase afferent input to facilitate reflexive stabilization and increase endurance in muscles.

Effects of Rhomboids Strength Training Regime Among Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome

Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is characterized by weakening of the neck flexors and rhomboids and stiffness in the pectoralis major, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae. Rhomboids major and minor need to be strengthened in order to enhance scapular stability and regain proper posture. The aim of this study is to determine effect of rhomboids strength training regime on pain, craniovertebral angle and disability among patients with upper crossed syndrome.

Scapular Stabilization Exercises Versus Eccentric Muscle Energy Techniques in Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome

This study will be a Randomized Clinical Trial in which Scapular Stabilization Exercises and Eccentric Muscle Energy technique will be applied on the individuals with upper crossed syndrome and changes will be recorded using different method and tools. Convenient sampling technique will be used to collect the data. The sample size of 34 patients will be recruited. Patients will be randomly allocated into two different groups through sealed envelope method. 17 patients will be allocated in each group. Group A will be treated with Scapular Stabilization Exercises along with hot pack; Group B will be treated with Eccentric Muscle Energy Technique along with hot pack. Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used as Data collecting tools.