Upper Cross SyndromeIASTM UCSNCT07372391
Comparative Effects of Janda and IASTM on UCS
A study testing Janda's Approach and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in people with Upper Cross Syndrome, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a widespread muscle imbalance defined by tightness in the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, and sternocleidomastoid, coupled with weakness in deep neck flexors, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 44 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Janda's Approach and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to 30 Dec 2025
- 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 19 to 44 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants aged between 19-44 years (Adults), both genders
- Pectoralis major and Upper trapezius tightness, Serratus anterior and Lower trapezius weakness
- Forward Head Posture (developed within 6 weeks or more than 3 months)
- Reported neck, upper back, or shoulder pain or discomfort
- Pain 5 or above on NPRS for at least 3 months
- Fatigue score of 4 or above on Fatigue Severity Scale
Who cannot join
- Congenital anomalies
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Inflammatory disorders
- Headache due to any cause (migraine, disc bulge)
- Postural defects (Torticollis, Scoliosis)
- Malignancy
- Fracture of cervical spine and clavicle
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
About this study
Official title: Effects of Janda's Approach Versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Fatigue and Posture Among Individuals With Upper Cross Syndrome
Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a widespread muscle imbalance defined by tightness in the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, and sternocleidomastoid, coupled with weakness in deep neck flexors, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior. It is usually triggered by sustained faulty posture, predominantly in computer users, drivers, or other prolonged forward head and trunk flexion positions, resulting in pain, fatigue, limited ROM and functional limitations.
On a global scale, estimates suggest that UCS affects between 11% and 60% of individuals, spanning various age groups and cultural backgrounds. Individuals who engage in prolonged slouching, such as desk workers, teachers, drivers, IT professionals, students, and laundry workers, demonstrate prevalence rates of approximately 32.4%, 16.2%, 26.4%, 67%, 37.1%, and 28% respectively.
Read more
Janda's approach, aims to restore or normalize muscle balance and refine posture by combining stretching of tight and overactive muscles with strengthening of weak and inhibited muscles, in sequence. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) enhances ROM and alleviates pain by directing myofascial restrictions. As adjuncts, hot packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are frequently used to reduce discomfort and prepare tissues for further therapeutic interventions.
Although numerous intervention techniques are offered for UCS but limited research has compared Janda's approach and IASTM, especially with respect to their impact on fatigue. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of these interventions on pain, fatigue, and posture in adults with UCS.
- Conditions
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- Being tested
- Janda's Approach, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Keywords
- Janda's Approach, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS), Pain, Fatigue, Posture
- Medical subject headings
- Oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome type Preus, Pain, Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Janda's ApproachOther
All programs will be performed 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will be of 45 minutes. 15 minutes warm up, 10 minutes cool down with 20 minutes stretching and isometrics along with sensorimotor training. Static stretching will be performed holding the stretch for at least 15 sec. and isometric exercise will be conducted three times in a maximum contraction mode for 3 sec under the supervision of a certified expert. Sensorimotor training includes following tasks chin tuck ins, scapular setting, wall alignment drills, diagonal arm patterns.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Other
It will be performed 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each treatment session will be of 45 minutes. 15 minutes Warm up and 10 minutes cool down period and 20 mins application of IASTM assisted by gel or oil to make it friction free. Icing will be applied at end of each session to reduce post treatment inflammation.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Janda Group | Experimental | Participants in this arm received Janda's Approach that specifically targets functional muscular imbalance through stretching, strengthening and sensorimotor training. Receives: Other: Janda's Approach |
| IASTM Group | Active comparator | Participants in this arm received Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization through graston tool. Receives: Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale rating from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention 2 weeks, Post-intervention 4 weeks
Fatigue
Fatigue assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a 9-item self-report questionnaire in which each item is scored on a 7-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity.
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention 2 weeks, Post-intervention 4 weeks
Posture
REEDCO Posture Assessment Scale was employed to evaluate postural alignment in individuals with Upper Crossed Syndrome, focusing specifically on the head, shoulder, and upper back regions. These items were selected as they directly correspond to the primary postural deviations associated with the syndrome, namely forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and increased thoracic kyphosis. Scoring was based on established REEDCO criteria, a score of 10 (normal alignment or good posture), a score of 5 (minimal to moderate deviation or fair posture), and a score of 0 (marked or severe deviation or poor posture)
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention 2 weeks, Post-intervention 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Jul 2025
- Primary completion30 Dec 2025
- Study completion30 Dec 2025
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.
- More trials run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesThe 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr. Khizra Hamid, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07372391
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- DPT/ERB/36
- Other IDs
- U1111-1334-3140
- Acronym
- IASTM UCS
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 20 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Janda's Approach Versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Fatigue and Posture Among Individuals With Upper Cross Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07372391
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IASTM UCS / DPT/ERB/36
- Conditions
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- Keywords
- Janda's Approach, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS), Pain, Fatigue, Posture
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 28 Jan 2026 (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 Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a widespread muscle imbalance defined by tightness in the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, and sternocleidomastoid, coupled with weakness in deep neck flexors, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior. It is usually triggered by sustained faulty posture, predominantly in computer users, drivers, or other prolonged forward head and trunk flexion positions, resulting in pain, fatigue, limited ROM and functional limitations.
On a global scale, estimates suggest that UCS affects between 11% and 60% of individuals, spanning various age groups and cultural backgrounds. Individuals who engage in prolonged slouching, such as desk workers, teachers, drivers, IT professionals, students, and laundry workers, demonstrate prevalence rates of approximately 32.4%, 16.2%, 26.4%, 67%, 37.1%, and 28% respectively.
Janda's approach, aims to restore or normalize muscle balance and refine posture by combining stretching of tight and overactive muscles with strengthening of weak and inhibited muscles, in sequence. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) enhances ROM and alleviates pain by directing myofascial restrictions. As adjuncts, hot packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are frequently used to reduce discomfort and prepare tissues for further therapeutic interventions.
Although numerous intervention techniques are offered for UCS but limited research has compared Janda's approach and IASTM, especially with respect to their impact on fatigue. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of these interventions on pain, fatigue, and posture in adults with UCS.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Janda Group | Experimental | Other: Janda's ApproachParticipants in this arm received Janda's Approach that specifically targets functional muscular imbalance through stretching, strengthening and sensorimotor training. |
| IASTM Group | Active comparator | Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Participants in this arm received Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization through graston tool. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 44 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Participants aged between 19-44 years (Adults), both genders
- Pectoralis major and Upper trapezius tightness, Serratus anterior and Lower trapezius weakness
- Forward Head Posture (developed within 6 weeks or more than 3 months)
- Reported neck, upper back, or shoulder pain or discomfort
- Pain 5 or above on NPRS for at least 3 months
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Congenital anomalies
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Inflammatory disorders
- Headache due to any cause (migraine, disc bulge)
- Postural defects (Torticollis, Scoliosis)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Janda's ApproachAll programs will be performed 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will be of 45 minutes. 15 minutes warm up, 10 minutes cool down with 20 minutes stretching and isometrics along with sensorimotor training. Static stretching will be performed holding the stretch for at least 15 sec. and isometric exercise will be conducted three times in a maximum contraction mode for 3 sec under the supervision of a certified expert. Sensorimotor training includes following tasks chin tuck ins, scapular setting, wall alignment drills, diagonal arm patterns. | Other | Janda Group |
| Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)It will be performed 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each treatment session will be of 45 minutes. 15 minutes Warm up and 10 minutes cool down period and 20 mins application of IASTM assisted by gel or oil to make it friction free. Icing will be applied at end of each session to reduce post treatment inflammation. | Other | IASTM Group |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention 2 weeks, Post-intervention 4 weeks
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale rating from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Fatigue
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention 2 weeks, Post-intervention 4 weeks
Fatigue assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a 9-item self-report questionnaire in which each item is scored on a 7-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity.
Posture
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention 2 weeks, Post-intervention 4 weeks
REEDCO Posture Assessment Scale was employed to evaluate postural alignment in individuals with Upper Crossed Syndrome, focusing specifically on the head, shoulder, and upper back regions. These items were selected as they directly correspond to the primary postural deviations associated with the syndrome, namely forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and increased thoracic kyphosis. Scoring was based on established REEDCO criteria, a score of 10 (normal alignment or good posture), a score of 5 (minimal to moderate deviation or fair posture), and a score of 0 (marked or severe deviation or poor posture)
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 28 Jan 2026.
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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 Janda's Approach and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in people with Upper Cross Syndrome, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied 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 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 28 Jan 2026. 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?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention 2 weeks, Post-intervention 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?
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 28 Jan 2026.