Upper Cross SyndromeNCT06139146
The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Combined With Strengthening of Deep Neck Flexors With and Without Core Stability Exercise in Upper Cross Syndrome Patients.
A study testing Muscle energy technique (MET) and Core stability exercises: in people with Upper Cross Syndrome and Forward Head Posture, run by Dow University of Health Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Upper cross syndrome (UCS) is a common muscles related postural disorder which is increasing every new day that is affecting the health related quality of life. It is most prevalent amongst the individuals who work at computers or laptops, or on desks. The UCS is caused by poor posture. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Upper Cross Syndrome, Forward Head Posture
- What is being tested?
- Muscle energy technique (MET) and Core stability exercises:
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 20 Jan 2023to 27 Jan 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 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants who were diagnosed or referred with UCS
- The participant with the age of 18 - 45 years old.
- Both male and female.
- Craniovertebral angle less than 48.
- Restricted cervical range of motion.
Who cannot join
- • Participants who were diagnosed with: Inflammatory/Rheumatoid Arthritis , neurological disorders, History of trauma or fracture with cervical spine, Cervical spine surgery or trauma or any spinal Congenital deformities.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Combined With Strengthening of Deep Neck Flexors With and Without Core Stability Exercise in Upper Cross Syndrome Patients. A Randomized Control Trial
Upper cross syndrome (UCS) is a common muscles related postural disorder which is increasing every new day that is affecting the health related quality of life. It is most prevalent amongst the individuals who work at computers or laptops, or on desks.
The UCS is caused by poor posture. Weak core musculature leads to poor body posture causing chronic degenerative changes and disturbing body alignment and body equilibrium. Core stability exercises (CSE) are a good strategy to improve body posture. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of muscle energy technique (MET) combined with the strengthening of deep neck flexors with and without core stability exercise to manage Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) patients.
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences Ojha campus in Karachi, Pakistan. Those patients who fulfill the criteria will be enrolled in physiotherapy OPD and general OPD. Then they will be randomized into two groups as per the random allocation sheet for treatment. Pre- and post-intervention assessment for pain, functional disability, and range of motions will be done by visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and goniometer.
Analysis of pre- and post-intervention measure analysis will be performed using SPSS version 21.The Sampling technique will be Nonprobability purposive sampling with Sample size of 70 participants (35 in each group).
Intervention: The Participant will be divided into two groups as per the random allocation sheet for treatment. In Group A, the control group will receive a moist heat pack for 20 minutes then muscle energy technique (MET) of the upper trapezius, levator scapula, and pectoralis muscles (major and minor) and strengthening exercise of deep neck flexors. In Group B, the experimental group will receive the same treatment session as the control group along with the Core stability exercise. There will be 12 sessions for each patient, 6 sessions regularly in the 1st week and then 3 sessions per week for the next 2 weeks.
- Conditions
- Upper Cross Syndrome, Forward Head Posture
- Being tested
- Muscle energy technique (MET), Core stability exercises:
- Keywords
- core stability, muscle energy technique, core stability exercise, Goniometer, craniovertebral (CV) angle
- Medical subject headings
- Oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome type Preus
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Muscle energy technique (MET)Other
Also called Strengthening of deep neck flexors, Moist heat pack
MET treatment protocol of pectoral major:
The patient's position was supine lying. Starting with the position which took the affected fibres to just short of their restriction barrier, the patient introduced a light contraction involving adduction of the arm against resistance from the therapist for 7-10 seconds. As the patient exhaled the therapist stretched across the new barrier.
MET treatment protocol of upper trapezius:
The patient moved the stabilized shoulder in a shrug motion toward the ear, and the ear toward the shoulder, with a light resistance (20% of possible strength). The contraction was sustained for 7-1 0 seconds MET treatment protocol of levator scapula The patient was in a supine position, with the hand supinated and the arm of the side to be tested extended alongside the trunk.
Strengthening of deep neck flexors: Patient was instructed to his nod head to flatten the neck's curve. 10 reps for 10 sec.
Core stability exercises:Other
Warm up: The cat and camel stretches
Exercises:
- It included Crook lying, abdominal bracing, and 10 second - 20 repetitions (reps).
- Crook lying, abdominal Bracing with leg lifts holding the position for 3 second for 10 reps.
- Crook lying, abdominal Bracing with bridging with 10 reps with a 10 second hold.
- It included a Quadruped position with abdominal bracing for 10 s - 10 reps
- Quadruped position arm lifts with abdominal bracing 10 reps on each side.
- Quadruped position leg lifts with abdominal bracing 10 reps on each side.
- Quadruped position alternate arm and leg lifts with abdominal bracing holding position for 3 s - 10 reps on each side.
- The curl-up in hook lying, Fold arms across the torso. Lift shoulder blades off the ground. 1 to 2 seconds holds - 10 reps.
- Side plank on knees; holding position for 10 s - 5 reps .
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A Control | Experimental | A moist heat pack for 15-20 minutes MET of the upper trapezius, levator scapula and pectoral Major muscles Strengthening exercise of deep neck flexors Receives: Other: Muscle energy technique (MET) |
| Group B Experimental | Experimental | A moist heat pack for 15-20 minutes Core stability exercises MET of the upper trapezius, levator scapula and pectoral Major muscles Strengthening exercise of deep neck flexors Receives: Other: Core stability exercises: |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual analog scale (change is being assessed)
The primary outcome is self-reported neck pain on visual analog scale. VAS validate subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. The VAS consists of a line that is 10 cm long, with two end points that stand for 0 (meaning "no pain") and 10 (meaning "pain as bad as it could be"). VAS is the most reliable among numerical rating scale (NRS) and verbal rating scale (VRS)
Measured: Baseline and 3 weeks.
Secondary outcomes (3)
Craniovertebral angle (change is being assessed)
The craniovertebral angle measure by Goniometric method which is accepted as reliable method. Measurement will be perform in standing position. The intersection of a horizontal line that goes through the C7 spinous process and a line that connects the middle of the tragus of the ear to the skin overlying the C7 spinous process is known as the craniovertebral angle. With inter-rater reliability for the measurements has been found to be good (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.893).
Measured: Baseline and 3 weeks.
Neck Disability Index (change is being assessed)
Neck disability index (NDI) will use to assess how neck pain affected daily living activities. The urdu version of NDI is an easy-to-understand and free to use, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) revealed excellent test-retest reliability for all items with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.90, and good content validity.
Measured: Baseline and 3 weeks.
Cervical range of motions (change is being assessed)
It measure by using Goniometer and goniometric measurements had established validity and reliability. Previous studies found that the intra-tester reliability was greater than the inter-tester reliability in both clinical and research setting.
Measured: Baseline and 3 weeks.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Nov 2023
- Study start20 Jan 2023
- Primary completion27 Jan 2024
- Study completion27 Jan 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- 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
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Dow University of Health Sciences
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, DR. SUNDUS NAZ, Dow University of Health Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06139146
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2695
- Status last verified
- Mar 2024
- First submitted
- 15 Nov 2023
- Last updated
- 21 Mar 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Mar 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Combined With Strengthening of Deep Neck Flexors With and Without Core Stability Exercise in Upper Cross Syndrome Patients. A Randomized Control Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06139146
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2695
- Conditions
- Upper Cross Syndrome, Forward Head Posture
- Keywords
- core stability, muscle energy technique, core stability exercise, Goniometer, craniovertebral (CV) angle
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Dow University of Health SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Jan 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 27 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 27 Jan 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 18 Nov 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.
Upper cross syndrome (UCS) is a common muscles related postural disorder which is increasing every new day that is affecting the health related quality of life. It is most prevalent amongst the individuals who work at computers or laptops, or on desks.
The UCS is caused by poor posture. Weak core musculature leads to poor body posture causing chronic degenerative changes and disturbing body alignment and body equilibrium. Core stability exercises (CSE) are a good strategy to improve body posture. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of muscle energy technique (MET) combined with the strengthening of deep neck flexors with and without core stability exercise to manage Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) patients.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences Ojha campus in Karachi, Pakistan. Those patients who fulfill the criteria will be enrolled in physiotherapy OPD and general OPD. Then they will be randomized into two groups as per the random allocation sheet for treatment. Pre- and post-intervention assessment for pain, functional disability, and range of motions will be done by visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and goniometer.
Analysis of pre- and post-intervention measure analysis will be performed using SPSS version 21.The Sampling technique will be Nonprobability purposive sampling with Sample size of 70 participants (35 in each group).
Intervention: The Participant will be divided into two groups as per the random allocation sheet for treatment. In Group A, the control group will receive a moist heat pack for 20 minutes then muscle energy technique (MET) of the upper trapezius, levator scapula, and pectoralis muscles (major and minor) and strengthening exercise of deep neck flexors. In Group B, the experimental group will receive the same treatment session as the control group along with the Core stability exercise. There will be 12 sessions for each patient, 6 sessions regularly in the 1st week and then 3 sessions per week for the next 2 weeks.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A Control | Experimental | Other: Muscle energy technique (MET)A moist heat pack for 15-20 minutes MET of the upper trapezius, levator scapula and pectoral Major muscles Strengthening exercise of deep neck flexors |
| Group B Experimental | Experimental | Other: Core stability exercises:A moist heat pack for 15-20 minutes Core stability exercises MET of the upper trapezius, levator scapula and pectoral Major muscles Strengthening exercise of deep neck flexors |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Participants who were diagnosed or referred with UCS
- The participant with the age of 18 - 45 years old.
- Both male and female.
- Craniovertebral angle less than 48.
- Restricted cervical range of motion.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- • Participants who were diagnosed with: Inflammatory/Rheumatoid Arthritis , neurological disorders, History of trauma or fracture with cervical spine, Cervical spine surgery or trauma or any spinal Congenital deformities.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle energy technique (MET)Also: Strengthening of deep neck flexors, Moist heat packMET treatment protocol of pectoral major: The patient's position was supine lying. Starting with the position which took the affected fibres to just short of their restriction barrier, the patient introduced a light contraction involving adduction of the arm against resistance from the therapist for 7-10 seconds. As the patient exhaled the therapist stretched across the new barrier. MET treatment protocol of upper trapezius: The patient moved the stabilized shoulder in a shrug motion toward the ear, and the ear toward the shoulder, with a light resistance (20% of possible strength). The contraction was sustained for 7-1 0 seconds MET treatment protocol of levator scapula The patient was in a supine position, with the hand supinated and the arm of the side to be tested extended alongside the trunk. Strengthening of deep neck flexors: Patient was instructed to his nod head to flatten the neck's curve. 10 reps for 10 sec. | Other | Group A Control |
| Core stability exercises:Warm up: The cat and camel stretches Exercises: * It included Crook lying, abdominal bracing, and 10 second - 20 repetitions (reps). * Crook lying, abdominal Bracing with leg lifts holding the position for 3 second for 10 reps. * Crook lying, abdominal Bracing with bridging with 10 reps with a 10 second hold. * It included a Quadruped position with abdominal bracing for 10 s - 10 reps * Quadruped position arm lifts with abdominal bracing 10 reps on each side. * Quadruped position leg lifts with abdominal bracing 10 reps on each side. * Quadruped position alternate arm and leg lifts with abdominal bracing holding position for 3 s - 10 reps on each side. * The curl-up in hook lying, Fold arms across the torso. Lift shoulder blades off the ground. 1 to 2 seconds holds - 10 reps. * Side plank on knees; holding position for 10 s - 5 reps . | Other | Group B Experimental |
Primary outcome
Visual analog scale (change is being assessed)
Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks.
The primary outcome is self-reported neck pain on visual analog scale. VAS validate subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. The VAS consists of a line that is 10 cm long, with two end points that stand for 0 (meaning "no pain") and 10 (meaning "pain as bad as it could be"). VAS is the most reliable among numerical rating scale (NRS) and verbal rating scale (VRS)
3 secondary outcomes
Craniovertebral angle (change is being assessed)
Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks.
Neck Disability Index (change is being assessed)
Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks.
Cervical range of motions (change is being assessed)
Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks.
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 21 Mar 2024.
- 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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Muscle energy technique (MET) and Core stability exercises: in people with Upper Cross Syndrome and Forward Head Posture, run by Dow University of Health Sciences 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 5 inclusion and 1 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 21 Mar 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?
Visual analog scale (change is being assessed) (time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 21 Mar 2024.