Upper Cross SyndromeNCT05973682
Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation With Scapular Stabilization Exercises
A study testing Post-isometric relaxation and Conventional treatment and Conventional Physical Therapy in people with Upper Cross Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The levator scapulae is an important postural muscle that tends to shorten or become tight because of overactivity and bad posture, leading to neck and shoulder pain. Levator scapulae syndrome is usually caused by the poor shoulders posture as rounded shoulders as sitting at a computer hunched. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Post-isometric relaxation and Conventional treatment and Conventional Physical Therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 5 Oct 2023to 10 Mar 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both Males and females
- Age range of 18-40 years
- Neck and medial border scapular pain for at least 3months
- Examination - Increased muscle tone and tenderness at neck
- Reduced Side flexion and Rotation of neck
- Positive Levator Scapular length Test
Who cannot join
- Neuropathies
- Vertebral fractures
- Pregnancy
- Previous cognitive and functional disorders
- Traumatic neck injury
- Fibromyalgia
- cancer
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Sharqpur Shareef
Sheikhupura, Punjab Province, 39460
About this study
Official title: Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation With Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability With Levator Scapulae Syndrome
The levator scapulae is an important postural muscle that tends to shorten or become tight because of overactivity and bad posture, leading to neck and shoulder pain. Levator scapulae syndrome is usually caused by the poor shoulders posture as rounded shoulders as sitting at a computer hunched. It is exacerbated by sustained neck postures, neck movements or levator scapulae muscle palpation. The aim of study will be to determine the effects of post isometric relaxation with scapular stabilization exercises on pain, disability and range of motion in patients with levator scapulae syndrome.
Read the detailed description
A Randomized Controlled Trial will be conducted at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Sharqpur Shareef, Sheikhupura through consecutive sampling technique on 30 patients with levator scapulae syndrome which will be allocated using simple random sampling through sealed opaque enveloped into Group A and Group B. Group A will be treated with post isometric relaxation, scapular stabilization exercises along with baseline treatment. Group B will be treated with post isometric relaxation along with baseline treatment. Baseline treatment includes hot pack, TENS, upper trapezius stretch, levator scapular stretch and pectoralis major stretch. Both groups will come thrice per week for a total of 4 weeks. Outcome measures are NPRS, universal goniometer and NDI. Data will be analysed during SPSS software version 25. After assessing normality of data by Shapiro-Wilk test, it will be decided either parametric or non-parametric test will be used within a group or between two groups.
Keywords: Disability, Levator Scapulae, Range of Motion, Pain
- Conditions
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- Being tested
- Post-isometric relaxation and Conventional treatment, Conventional Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Neck muscles, Neck Pain, levator scapulae, Range of Motion
- Medical subject headings
- Oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome type Preus, Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Post-isometric relaxation and Conventional treatmentOther
The term refers to the effect of subsequent relaxation experienced by a muscle or group of muscles, after brief periods during which an isometric contraction has been performed. Post isometric relaxation technique was applied to levator scapulae for 5 repetition using 20% of maximal isometric contraction for 7-10 sec. with complete relaxation of all element, the stretch is maintained for 30 sec.
+ hot pack and TENS at neck area for 10 mint upper trapezius, levator scapulae and pectoralis stretching 3 times with 30 second hold. static stretching exercises two sessions per week for 3 weeks were given to each patient
Conventional Physical TherapyOther
Conventional Physical Therapy; hot pack and TENS at neck area for 10 mint upper trapezius, levator scapulae and pectoralis stretching 3 times with 30-second hold. static stretching exercises, two sessions per week for 3 weeks were given to each patient
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: post isometric relaxation and ConVentional treatment. | Experimental | Post Isometric Relaxation: The term refers to the effect of subsequent relaxation experienced by a muscle or group of muscles, after brief periods during which an isometric contraction has been performed. Post isometric relaxation technique was applied to levator scapulae for 5 repetition using 20% of maximal isometric contraction for 7-10 sec. with complete relaxation of all element, the stretch is maintained for 30 sec. Receives: Other: Post-isometric relaxation and Conventional treatment; Other: Conventional Physical Therapy |
| Group B: Conventional treatment | Active comparator | hot pack and TENS at neck area for 10 mint upper trapezius, levator scapulae and pectoralis stretching 3 times with 30-second hold. static stretching exercises, two sessions per week for 3 weeks were given to each patient Receives: Other: Conventional Physical Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Universal Goniometer (UG)
Universal Goniometer (UG) used to measure ROM of cervical Spine
A goniometer is an instrument that measures the available range of motion at a joint. Physical therapists commonly use a goniometer to measure the range of motion. The therapist can use a goniometer to assess the range of motion at the initial assessment. In this study range of motion of the neck will be measured.
The cervical spine's range of motion is approximately 80° to 90° of flexion, 70° of extension, 20° to 45° of lateral flexion, and up to 90° of rotation to both sides.
Measured: upto 4 weeks
Numeric pain rate scale (NPRS)
The numeric pain rate scale (NPRS) measures the pain at the neck region in patients with mechanical neck pain.
The patient's level of pain will be assessed using this scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 10. 0 indicates "no pain", and 10 indicates "worst pain. NPRS is categorized into mild, moderate and severe pain.
Mild pain value 1 to 3 Moderate pain value 4 to 7 Severe pain value 8 to 10
Measured: upto 4 weeks
Neck Disability index (NDI)
Neck Disability index (NDI) measures the disability of the neck region in patients with mechanical pain.
NDI questionnaire will be used to assess disability. It comprises 10 items; 7 related to daily living activities, 2 related to pain and 1 to concentration. Each item is scored from 0 to 5. The total score is a percentage, with higher scores related to more significant disability.
0 to 4 = no disability 5 to 14 = mild 15 to 24 = moderate 25 to 34 = severe Above 34 = complete
Measured: upto 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Aug 2023
- Study start5 Oct 2023
- Primary completion8 Mar 2024
- Study completion10 Mar 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Upper Cross SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Samrood Akram, Mphil, Principal investigator, Riphah International University,Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05973682
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/23/0127 Kainat
- Status last verified
- Apr 2024
- First submitted
- 27 Jun 2023
- Last updated
- 30 Apr 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Mahmoud NF, Hassan KA, Abdelmajeed SF, Moustafa IM, Silva AG. The Relationship Between Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2019 Dec;12(4):562-577. doi: 10.1007/s12178-019-09594-y.
PubMed 31773477Masaracchio M, Kirker K, States R, Hanney WJ, Liu X, Kolber M. Thoracic spine manipulation for the management of mechanical neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2019 Feb 13;14(2):e0211877. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211877. eCollection 2019.
PubMed 30759118Mendes-Fernandes T, Puente-Gonzalez AS, Marquez-Vera MA, Vila-Cha C, Mendez-Sanchez R. Effects of Global Postural Reeducation versus Specific Therapeutic Neck Exercises on Pain, Disability, Postural Control, and Neuromuscular Efficiency in Women with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Parallel, Clinical Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 12;18(20):10704. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182010704.
PubMed 34682453Gonzalez-Rueda V, Hidalgo-Garcia C, Rodriguez-Sanz J, Bueno-Gracia E, Perez-Bellmunt A, Rodriguez-Rubio PR, Lopez-de-Celis C. Does Upper Cervical Manual Therapy Provide Additional Benefit in Disability and Mobility over a Physiotherapy Primary Care Program for Chronic Cervicalgia? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov 11;17(22):8334. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228334.
PubMed 33187167Henry JP, Munakomi S. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Levator Scapulae Muscles. 2023 Aug 28. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553120/
PubMed 31971759Pecos-Martin D, Ponce-Castro MJ, Jimenez-Rejano JJ, Nunez-Nagy S, Calvo-Lobo C, Gallego-Izquierdo T. Immediate effects of variable durations of pressure release technique on latent myofascial trigger points of the levator scapulae: a double-blinded randomised clinical trial. Acupunct Med. 2019 Jun;37(3):141-150. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2018-011738. Epub 2019 May 7.
PubMed 31060367
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Apr 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation With Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability With Levator Scapulae Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05973682
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/23/0127 Kainat
- Conditions
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- Keywords
- Neck muscles, Neck Pain, levator scapulae, Range of Motion
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 8 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Mar 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The levator scapulae is an important postural muscle that tends to shorten or become tight because of overactivity and bad posture, leading to neck and shoulder pain. Levator scapulae syndrome is usually caused by the poor shoulders posture as rounded shoulders as sitting at a computer hunched. It is exacerbated by sustained neck postures, neck movements or levator scapulae muscle palpation. The aim of study will be to determine the effects of post isometric relaxation with scapular stabilization exercises on pain, disability and range of motion in patients with levator scapulae syndrome.
Detailed description
A Randomized Controlled Trial will be conducted at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Sharqpur Shareef, Sheikhupura through consecutive sampling technique on 30 patients with levator scapulae syndrome which will be allocated using simple random sampling through sealed opaque enveloped into Group A and Group B. Group A will be treated with post isometric relaxation, scapular stabilization exercises along with baseline treatment. Group B will be treated with post isometric relaxation along with baseline treatment. Baseline treatment includes hot pack, TENS, upper trapezius stretch, levator scapular stretch and pectoralis major stretch. Both groups will come thrice per week for a total of 4 weeks. Outcome measures are NPRS, universal goniometer and NDI. Data will be analysed during SPSS software version 25. After assessing normality of data by Shapiro-Wilk test, it will be decided either parametric or non-parametric test will be used within a group or between two groups.
Keywords: Disability, Levator Scapulae, Range of Motion, Pain
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: post isometric relaxation and ConVentional treatment. | Experimental | Other: Post-isometric relaxation and Conventional treatment, Other: Conventional Physical TherapyPost Isometric Relaxation: The term refers to the effect of subsequent relaxation experienced by a muscle or group of muscles, after brief periods during which an isometric contraction has been performed. Post isometric relaxation technique was applied to levator scapulae for 5 repetition using 20% of maximal isometric contraction for 7-10 sec. with complete relaxation of all element, the stretch is maintained for 30 sec. |
| Group B: Conventional treatment | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Physical Therapyhot pack and TENS at neck area for 10 mint upper trapezius, levator scapulae and pectoralis stretching 3 times with 30-second hold. static stretching exercises, two sessions per week for 3 weeks were given to each patient |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Both Males and females
- Age range of 18-40 years
- Neck and medial border scapular pain for at least 3months
- Examination - Increased muscle tone and tenderness at neck
- Reduced Side flexion and Rotation of neck
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Neuropathies
- Vertebral fractures
- Pregnancy
- Previous cognitive and functional disorders
- Traumatic neck injury
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Post-isometric relaxation and Conventional treatmentThe term refers to the effect of subsequent relaxation experienced by a muscle or group of muscles, after brief periods during which an isometric contraction has been performed. Post isometric relaxation technique was applied to levator scapulae for 5 repetition using 20% of maximal isometric contraction for 7-10 sec. with complete relaxation of all element, the stretch is maintained for 30 sec. + hot pack and TENS at neck area for 10 mint upper trapezius, levator scapulae and pectoralis stretching 3 times with 30 second hold. static stretching exercises two sessions per week for 3 weeks were given to each patient | Other | Group A: post isometric relaxation and ConVentional treatment. |
| Conventional Physical TherapyConventional Physical Therapy; hot pack and TENS at neck area for 10 mint upper trapezius, levator scapulae and pectoralis stretching 3 times with 30-second hold. static stretching exercises, two sessions per week for 3 weeks were given to each patient | Other | Group A: post isometric relaxation and ConVentional treatment., Group B: Conventional treatment |
Primary outcome
Universal Goniometer (UG)
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
Universal Goniometer (UG) used to measure ROM of cervical Spine A goniometer is an instrument that measures the available range of motion at a joint. Physical therapists commonly use a goniometer to measure the range of motion. The therapist can use a goniometer to assess the range of motion at the initial assessment. In this study range of motion of the neck will be measured. The cervical spine's range of motion is approximately 80° to 90° of flexion, 70° of extension, 20° to 45° of lateral flexion, and up to 90° of rotation to both sides.
Numeric pain rate scale (NPRS)
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
The numeric pain rate scale (NPRS) measures the pain at the neck region in patients with mechanical neck pain. The patient's level of pain will be assessed using this scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 10. 0 indicates "no pain", and 10 indicates "worst pain. NPRS is categorized into mild, moderate and severe pain. Mild pain value 1 to 3 Moderate pain value 4 to 7 Severe pain value 8 to 10
Neck Disability index (NDI)
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
Neck Disability index (NDI) measures the disability of the neck region in patients with mechanical pain. NDI questionnaire will be used to assess disability. It comprises 10 items; 7 related to daily living activities, 2 related to pain and 1 to concentration. Each item is scored from 0 to 5. The total score is a percentage, with higher scores related to more significant disability. 0 to 4 = no disability 5 to 14 = mild 15 to 24 = moderate 25 to 34 = severe Above 34 = complete
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Apr 2024.
- Background: PubMed 31773477Mahmoud NF, Hassan KA, Abdelmajeed SF, Moustafa IM, Silva AG. The Relationship Between Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2019 Dec;12(4):562-577. doi: 10.1007/s12178-019-09594-y.
- Background: PubMed 30759118Masaracchio M, Kirker K, States R, Hanney WJ, Liu X, Kolber M. Thoracic spine manipulation for the management of mechanical neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2019 Feb 13;14(2):e0211877. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211877. eCollection 2019.
- Background: PubMed 34682453Mendes-Fernandes T, Puente-Gonzalez AS, Marquez-Vera MA, Vila-Cha C, Mendez-Sanchez R. Effects of Global Postural Reeducation versus Specific Therapeutic Neck Exercises on Pain, Disability, Postural Control, and Neuromuscular Efficiency in Women with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Parallel, Clinical Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 12;18(20):10704. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182010704.
- Background: PubMed 33187167Gonzalez-Rueda V, Hidalgo-Garcia C, Rodriguez-Sanz J, Bueno-Gracia E, Perez-Bellmunt A, Rodriguez-Rubio PR, Lopez-de-Celis C. Does Upper Cervical Manual Therapy Provide Additional Benefit in Disability and Mobility over a Physiotherapy Primary Care Program for Chronic Cervicalgia? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov 11;17(22):8334. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228334.
- Background: PubMed 31971759Henry JP, Munakomi S. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Levator Scapulae Muscles. 2023 Aug 28. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553120/
- Background: PubMed 31060367Pecos-Martin D, Ponce-Castro MJ, Jimenez-Rejano JJ, Nunez-Nagy S, Calvo-Lobo C, Gallego-Izquierdo T. Immediate effects of variable durations of pressure release technique on latent myofascial trigger points of the levator scapulae: a double-blinded randomised clinical trial. Acupunct Med. 2019 Jun;37(3):141-150. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2018-011738. Epub 2019 May 7.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Samrood Akram, Mphil principal investigator
Riphah International University,Lahore
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Post-isometric relaxation and Conventional treatment and Conventional Physical Therapy in people with Upper Cross Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Apr 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Universal Goniometer (UG) (time frame: upto 4 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05973682, which also lists 6 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Apr 2024; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 31 Oct 2026.