Cross SyndromeNCT06766955
Prevalence of Lower Cross Syndrome Among Female College Students and Its Relation With Dysmenorrhea
An observational study of Cross Syndrome, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
The purpose of the study is to find out the prevalence of lower cross syndrome among female college students and its relation with dysmenorrhea. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Cross Syndrome
- How many people
- 140 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 10 Jan 2025to 13 Mar 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 25 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Medical and Non-Medical Female students participated in this study. They were selected randomly from Cairo University and private universities in Cairo.
Who may be able to join
- They were virgin, healthy female college students.
- They had regular menstruation (3-8 days in duration, with 21-35 days in-between).
- Their ages ranged from 18 to 25 years old.
- Their body mass index (BMI) will range from 18 to 24.9 Kg/m2.
- Their waist- hip ratio was less than (0.8).
Who cannot join
- History of back or lower limb surgery
- Trauma to back or lower extremity
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spinal deformity such as kyphosis and scoliosis.
- Any neurological disease
- Uncooperative volunteers.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
The purpose of the study is to find out the prevalence of lower cross syndrome among female college students and its relation with dysmenorrhea.
Read the detailed description
In individuals with lower cross syndrome (LCS), there is often a notable tightness in the hip flexors and the lower back musculature, which is typically accompanied by a corresponding weakness in the abdominal muscles and the gluteus maximus. This imbalance is not merely a matter of discomfort; it fundamentally disrupts the normal distribution of biomechanical forces within the lower back. When the muscles that support the pelvis and spine are not functioning optimally, it can lead to altered movement patterns and increased strain on the lumbar region.
The positioning of the uterus can also be adversely affected by this muscular imbalance. Anterior or posterior displacement of the uterus can occur as a result of the altered pelvic alignment associated with LCS. This displacement can create additional tension within the surrounding soft tissues and muscles, leading to a cascade of physiological responses.
One notable consequence of this tension is the excessive secretion of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that play a key role in the regulation of inflammation and pain. Elevated levels of prostaglandins are often linked to dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, which can further exacerbate discomfort and impact the daily lives of those affected.
To date, there is only one previous study in India investigating the prevalence of LCS among female college students and its relation with dysmenorrhea. There is lack of literature evidence, which can show the prevalence of LCS among female college students in Egypt. So, this study aims to fill a critical gap in existing literature by providing valuable insights into the prevalence and associated factors of LCS in this population in Egypt.
- Conditions
- Cross Syndrome
- 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.
Other
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| female college students | 140 Medical and Non-Medical Female students participated in this study. They were selected randomly from Cairo University and the British university in Egypt. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Measurement of iliopsoas muscle length
The Thomas test is used to assess the hip flexion Tightness. Position: The measurement of iliopsoas muscle length involved the subject lying supine on a plinth with one thigh protruding while the examiner checks for excessive lordosis. The non-tested hip is flexed and held close to the chest to stabilize the pelvis and flatten the lumbar spine. Using a universal goniometer, the examiner measures the iliopsoas length on the opposite side. The fulcrum is placed above the greater trochanter, the movable arm parallel to the femoral shaft, and the stationary arm parallel to the plinth. If the hip flexion angle exceeds 15 degrees, the patient's straight leg rises off the table and a muscle stretch end feel will be felt, the iliopsoas is considered tight.
Measured: 6 weeks
Measurement of length of spinal extensors muscle
The length of the spinal extensor muscles will be measured by modified Schober test while a female college student standing and her back facing the examiner. A reference line is marked at the intersection of the Venus dimples (Posterior superior iliac spine PSIS) on her lower back, with additional lines drawn 10 cm above and 5 cm below this point. The student then bends forward, and the examiner measured the increase in distance between these points using a measuring tape. The outcome measure is calculated by determining the differences between these points
Measured: 6 weeks
Measurement of strength of abdominal muscle
In this procedure, females are placed in a supine position with different arm placements based on the grade. The examiner stands beside the table at the chest level to ensure the scapula clears the table. The patient is asked to assume the end position by flexing their trunks fully, curling up until the scapula is off the table. They were guided with the instruction, "Tuck your chin and lift your head, shoulders, and arms off the table, as if doing a sit-up and hold it." (Magee, 2002).
The gradings of this test are:
Normal 5= Hands behind neck, until scapulae clear table 20-30sec hold. Good 4= Arms crossed over chest, until scapulae clear table 15-20sec hold. Fair 3= Arms straight, until scapulae clear table 10-15 sec held. Poor 2= Arms extended, towards knees, until top of scapulae lift from table 1-10 sec hold.
Trace 1= Unable to raise more than head off table.
Measured: 6 weeks
Measurement of gluteus Maximus strength
The subject is placed in prone with the hips straight and the knee flexed to 90 degrees. The student is asked to extend the hip, keeping the knee flexed. Anterior force is applied to the posterior thigh. The pelvis is stabilized during the movement. Both legs are tested.
The grading of this test are:
Normal 5 = indicates that the individual achieves complete hip extension and can maintain the end position against maximal resistance.
Good 4 = signifies that hip extension is achievable and can be sustained against heavy to moderate resistance.
Fair 3 = denotes the ability to complete full hip extension and maintain the end position, although no resistance is applied.
Poor 2 = reflects the capacity to perform the full range of hip extension while in a side-lying position.
Trace 1 = is characterized by palpable contractions of the gluteus maximus, which manifest as a narrowing of the gluteal crease, without any observable movement at the joint.
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Assessment of menstrual symptoms
The Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) includes 25 items that cover symptoms related to menstruation, such as pain, discomfort, psychological or cognitive changes, and gastrointestinal issues. It evaluates the impact of these symptoms on daily functioning and quality of life during the menstrual phase and compares their frequency to the intermenstrual and premenstrual phases. The MEDI-Q provides scores for specific symptoms and four overall indices for a comprehensive assessment of menstrual distress. The MEDI-Q is a valid and reliable tool for assessing menstrual distress and its impact on psychological well-being. The items include subtitles ranging from 0 to 3. The total score ranges from 0 to 125. Lower score indicates lower menstrual symptoms and vice versa.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Jan 2025
- Study start10 Jan 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion25 Feb 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion13 Mar 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cross SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 140 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Farida Bakr Mohamed, Cairo University
- Investigators
- Amir A Gabr, Professor, Study director, Cairo UniversityDalia M. Kamel, Professor, Study chair, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06766955
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/005378
- Status last verified
- Jan 2025
- First submitted
- 4 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 9 Jan 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Jan 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Prevalence of Lower Cross Syndrome Among Female College Students and Its Relation With Dysmenorrhea
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06766955
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- P.T.REC/012/005378
- Conditions
- Cross Syndrome
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 140 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Jan 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 25 Feb 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 13 Mar 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Jan 2025 (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 purpose of the study is to find out the prevalence of lower cross syndrome among female college students and its relation with dysmenorrhea.
Detailed description
In individuals with lower cross syndrome (LCS), there is often a notable tightness in the hip flexors and the lower back musculature, which is typically accompanied by a corresponding weakness in the abdominal muscles and the gluteus maximus. This imbalance is not merely a matter of discomfort; it fundamentally disrupts the normal distribution of biomechanical forces within the lower back. When the muscles that support the pelvis and spine are not functioning optimally, it can lead to altered movement patterns and increased strain on the lumbar region.
The positioning of the uterus can also be adversely affected by this muscular imbalance. Anterior or posterior displacement of the uterus can occur as a result of the altered pelvic alignment associated with LCS. This displacement can create additional tension within the surrounding soft tissues and muscles, leading to a cascade of physiological responses.
One notable consequence of this tension is the excessive secretion of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that play a key role in the regulation of inflammation and pain. Elevated levels of prostaglandins are often linked to dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, which can further exacerbate discomfort and impact the daily lives of those affected.
To date, there is only one previous study in India investigating the prevalence of LCS among female college students and its relation with dysmenorrhea. There is lack of literature evidence, which can show the prevalence of LCS among female college students in Egypt. So, this study aims to fill a critical gap in existing literature by providing valuable insights into the prevalence and associated factors of LCS in this population in Egypt.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| female college students | – | –140 Medical and Non-Medical Female students participated in this study. They were selected randomly from Cairo University and the British university in Egypt. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Medical and Non-Medical Female students participated in this study. They were selected randomly from Cairo University and private universities in Cairo.
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- They were virgin, healthy female college students.
- They had regular menstruation (3-8 days in duration, with 21-35 days in-between).
- Their ages ranged from 18 to 25 years old.
- Their body mass index (BMI) will range from 18 to 24.9 Kg/m2.
- Their waist- hip ratio was less than (0.8).
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- History of back or lower limb surgery
- Trauma to back or lower extremity
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spinal deformity such as kyphosis and scoliosis.
- Any neurological disease
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Other | female college students |
Primary outcome
Measurement of iliopsoas muscle length
Time frame: 6 weeks
The Thomas test is used to assess the hip flexion Tightness. Position: The measurement of iliopsoas muscle length involved the subject lying supine on a plinth with one thigh protruding while the examiner checks for excessive lordosis. The non-tested hip is flexed and held close to the chest to stabilize the pelvis and flatten the lumbar spine. Using a universal goniometer, the examiner measures the iliopsoas length on the opposite side. The fulcrum is placed above the greater trochanter, the movable arm parallel to the femoral shaft, and the stationary arm parallel to the plinth. If the hip flexion angle exceeds 15 degrees, the patient's straight leg rises off the table and a muscle stretch end feel will be felt, the iliopsoas is considered tight.
Measurement of length of spinal extensors muscle
Time frame: 6 weeks
The length of the spinal extensor muscles will be measured by modified Schober test while a female college student standing and her back facing the examiner. A reference line is marked at the intersection of the Venus dimples (Posterior superior iliac spine PSIS) on her lower back, with additional lines drawn 10 cm above and 5 cm below this point. The student then bends forward, and the examiner measured the increase in distance between these points using a measuring tape. The outcome measure is calculated by determining the differences between these points
Measurement of strength of abdominal muscle
Time frame: 6 weeks
In this procedure, females are placed in a supine position with different arm placements based on the grade. The examiner stands beside the table at the chest level to ensure the scapula clears the table. The patient is asked to assume the end position by flexing their trunks fully, curling up until the scapula is off the table. They were guided with the instruction, "Tuck your chin and lift your head, shoulders, and arms off the table, as if doing a sit-up and hold it." (Magee, 2002). The gradings of this test are: Normal 5= Hands behind neck, until scapulae clear table 20-30sec hold. Good 4= Arms crossed over chest, until scapulae clear table 15-20sec hold. Fair 3= Arms straight, until scapulae clear table 10-15 sec held. Poor 2= Arms extended, towards knees, until top of scapulae lift from table 1-10 sec hold. Trace 1= Unable to raise more than head off table.
Measurement of gluteus Maximus strength
Time frame: 6 weeks
The subject is placed in prone with the hips straight and the knee flexed to 90 degrees. The student is asked to extend the hip, keeping the knee flexed. Anterior force is applied to the posterior thigh. The pelvis is stabilized during the movement. Both legs are tested. The grading of this test are: Normal 5 = indicates that the individual achieves complete hip extension and can maintain the end position against maximal resistance. Good 4 = signifies that hip extension is achievable and can be sustained against heavy to moderate resistance. Fair 3 = denotes the ability to complete full hip extension and maintain the end position, although no resistance is applied. Poor 2 = reflects the capacity to perform the full range of hip extension while in a side-lying position. Trace 1 = is characterized by palpable contractions of the gluteus maximus, which manifest as a narrowing of the gluteal crease, without any observable movement at the joint.
1 secondary outcome
Assessment of menstrual symptoms
Time frame: 6 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Jan 2025.
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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.
Amir A Gabr, Professor study director
Cairo University
Dalia M. Kamel, Professor study chair
Cairo University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Cross Syndrome, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
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 6 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Jan 2025. 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 Egypt. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Farida B Mohamed, Master (+201273059799, faridabakr2019@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Measurement of iliopsoas muscle length (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. 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 9 Jan 2025.