Upper Crossed SyndromeNCT07578831
Comparative Effects of Kendall and Feldenkrais Exercise in Upper Crossed Syndrome
A study testing Kendall Exercise Method (KM) and Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM) in people with Upper Crossed Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Upper Crossed Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Kendall Exercise Method (KM) and Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 72 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Jan 2026to 15 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- 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 20 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male subjects between 20-50 years
- Female subjects between 20-50 years
- Cranio-vertebral angle less than 50 degrees
- Subjects who had been experiencing neck pain for more than 3 months
- Slouched sitting for more than four hours per day
- Usage of handheld devices while reading, working, and travelling
Show all 9Show fewer
- Pain intensity score between 4 to 10 on NPRS
- NDI>10 scores between 10 and 34
- Tight pectoralis major muscle
Who cannot join
- Surgeries of the cervical spine within past 1 year
- Surgeries or fracture to the shoulder joint
- Cervical instability
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Neurological disorders such as cervical spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, disc prolapse and rheumatic disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Rabiya Noor
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
iqbal Tariq, 03338236752, iqbal.tariq@riphah.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Kendall and Feldenkrais Exercise on Pain, Cervical Position Sense, Craniovertebral Angle and Function 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.
- Conditions
- Upper Crossed Syndrome
- Being tested
- Kendall Exercise Method (KM), Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM)
- Keywords
- Postural Disorders, Neck pain, Muscle weakness
- Medical subject headings
- Oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome type Preus, Neck Pain, Muscle Weakness
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kendall Exercise Method (KM)Other
Strengthening of deep cervical flexors Procedure: Positioning supine with the chin tucked in and lifting the head for 2 to 8 s. Stretching of cervical extensors Procedure: Maintaining a sitting posture, with hands on the occipital region, and flexed spine while moving head downwards to stretch cervical extensors. Strengthening of retractors Procedure: Maintaining an upright posture, keep the resistance band circling with strong support and stretching it with the upper limbs of both sides so that there is full retraction of the scapula
Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM)Other
Shoulder 1 minute (2) Relaxation (2) Lift and lower one shoulder slowly Key Focus Focus on small range of motion and awareness Neck Rolls head from one side to the other gently 1 minute Reduce tension, no strain, smooth motion Ear-to-Shoulder (Static) Lower ear to shoulder, return to center 1 minute Observe full-body involvement Ear-to-Shoulder with Shoulder Lift Alternate ear-to-shoulder and shoulder-to-ear 1 minute Gentle coordination of ]head and shoulder Upper Body Rotation (Step 1) Sit forward on chair; rotate upper body right slightly 6-10 Reps Relaxed turning, observe visual range Eyes Fixed with Body Rotation Fix eyes forward, turn upper body right 6-10 Reps Notice effect of eye fixation on motion
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kendall Exercise Method (KM) | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Kendall Exercise Method (KM) |
| Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM) | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Neck pain and diability index
The NDI is used to measure functional impairment and pain because to its high reliability and validity. A higher NDI score indicates a more severe impairment; the ten parts of the NDI are rated from zero to fifty. With a maximum score of 50, each item may be assessed on a scale from 0 (no disability) to 5 (total impairment). The maximum possible score for each part is 5.
If the first statement is marked as true, the section score is 0, and if the final statement is recorded as true, the score is 5. No neck impairment is considered to exist with a score of 0 4, mild disability from 5-14, moderate disability from 15-24, severe disability from 25-34, and full disability from scores over 34(11). The Neck Disability Index exhibited excellent reliability (ICC = 0.92; [95 % CI: 0.46-0.97]).(27)
Measured: 6th week
Head Repositioning Error Test
The Arc tangent of the distance between the reference and target points divided by the distance between reference point and the laser pointer was considered as HRE.This method was first described by Revel et al. Each participant performed three trials. The average amount of three HRE was used for data analysis. No discomfort or complication was reported by participants after HRE test. The CVA and HRE were measured by two different physiotherapists.(29)
Measured: 6th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 May 2026
- Study start15 Jan 2026
- Primary completion15 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Jun 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Upper Crossed SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Aiman Hameed, MSPT(CP), Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578831
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0108
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 11 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- 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 11 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Kendall and Feldenkrais Exercise on Pain, Cervical Position Sense, Craniovertebral Angle and Function in Upper Crossed Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578831
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0108
- Conditions
- Upper Crossed Syndrome
- Keywords
- Postural Disorders, Neck pain, Muscle weakness
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 May 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 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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kendall Exercise Method (KM) | Experimental | Other: Kendall Exercise Method (KM) |
| Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM) | Active comparator | Other: Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Male subjects between 20-50 years
- Female subjects between 20-50 years
- Cranio-vertebral angle less than 50 degrees
- Subjects who had been experiencing neck pain for more than 3 months
- Slouched sitting for more than four hours per day
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Surgeries of the cervical spine within past 1 year
- Surgeries or fracture to the shoulder joint
- Cervical instability
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Neurological disorders such as cervical spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, disc prolapse and rheumatic 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kendall Exercise Method (KM)Strengthening of deep cervical flexors Procedure: Positioning supine with the chin tucked in and lifting the head for 2 to 8 s. Stretching of cervical extensors Procedure: Maintaining a sitting posture, with hands on the occipital region, and flexed spine while moving head downwards to stretch cervical extensors. Strengthening of retractors Procedure: Maintaining an upright posture, keep the resistance band circling with strong support and stretching it with the upper limbs of both sides so that there is full retraction of the scapula | Other | Kendall Exercise Method (KM) |
| Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM)Shoulder 1 minute (2) Relaxation (2) Lift and lower one shoulder slowly Key Focus Focus on small range of motion and awareness Neck Rolls head from one side to the other gently 1 minute Reduce tension, no strain, smooth motion Ear-to-Shoulder (Static) Lower ear to shoulder, return to center 1 minute Observe full-body involvement Ear-to-Shoulder with Shoulder Lift Alternate ear-to-shoulder and shoulder-to-ear 1 minute Gentle coordination of ]head and shoulder Upper Body Rotation (Step 1) Sit forward on chair; rotate upper body right slightly 6-10 Reps Relaxed turning, observe visual range Eyes Fixed with Body Rotation Fix eyes forward, turn upper body right 6-10 Reps Notice effect of eye fixation on motion | Other | Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM) |
Primary outcome
Neck pain and diability index
Time frame: 6th week
The NDI is used to measure functional impairment and pain because to its high reliability and validity. A higher NDI score indicates a more severe impairment; the ten parts of the NDI are rated from zero to fifty. With a maximum score of 50, each item may be assessed on a scale from 0 (no disability) to 5 (total impairment). The maximum possible score for each part is 5. If the first statement is marked as true, the section score is 0, and if the final statement is recorded as true, the score is 5. No neck impairment is considered to exist with a score of 0 4, mild disability from 5-14, moderate disability from 15-24, severe disability from 25-34, and full disability from scores over 34(11). The Neck Disability Index exhibited excellent reliability (ICC = 0.92; [95 % CI: 0.46-0.97]).(27)
Head Repositioning Error Test
Time frame: 6th week
The Arc tangent of the distance between the reference and target points divided by the distance between reference point and the laser pointer was considered as HRE.This method was first described by Revel et al. Each participant performed three trials. The average amount of three HRE was used for data analysis. No discomfort or complication was reported by participants after HRE test. The CVA and HRE were measured by two different physiotherapists.(29)
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 11 May 2026.
- 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.
Aiman Hameed, MSPT(CP) principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kendall Exercise Method (KM) and Feldenkrais Exercise Method (FM) in people with Upper Crossed 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 9 inclusion and 5 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 May 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?
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 Rabiya Noor, phd (03344355660, Rabiya.Noor@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Neck pain and diability index (time frame: 6th week). The study lists 2 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 11 May 2026.