Effect of Release of Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line Versus Myofascial Release With IASTM on Patients With Upper Cross Syndrome

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Upper Cross Syndrome

• Registration Number: NCT06907459
• Lead Sponsor: Cairo University

Brief Summary

this study will be conducted to compare the effect of release of upper track of deep front facial line versus myofascial release with IASTM on patients with Upper Cross Syndrome.

Detailed Description

Upper cross syndrome is a postural dysfunction that can cause a variety of upper-body musculoskeletal problems. Early detection and physiotherapy can help to prevent further complications. Maintaining bad posture over an extended duration can cause postural dysfunction and misalignment.

The first and most obvious sign of upper crossed syndrome is the characteristic postural dysfunction of protracted scapulae, medially rotated humeri, hyperkyphotic upper thoracic spine, and a protracted/ anteriorly held head, which is created by hypo lordosis or even kyphosis (excessive flexion) of the lower cervical spine, hyper lordosis of the upper cervical spine and head, and anterior translation of the head upon the atlas.

The available treatments for upper cross syndrome are Stretching, strengthening, myofascial release, postural relaxation exercise, electrical stimulations, and deep neck flexors activations are the most used techniques. Numerous studies have highlighted various benefits in terms of time efforts, and prognosis. Those are corrective exercise, Kinesio taping, scapular stabilization exercise, and PNF techniques.

Studies have demonstrated the role of fascia in various musculoskeletal dysfunctions as the fascial tissues connect the skeletal muscles forming a body-wide web in a pattern called myofascial meridians. As fascia is able to modify its tensional state, strain transmission along the meridians might occur in response to changes in muscle activity.

Deep fascia tends to be highly vascularized and contain well developed lymphatic channels. In some instances, deep fascia can even contain free encapsulated nerve endings, such as Ruffini and Pacinian corpuscles. It is present in our body in different tissue planes and in different forms with specific function and the musculoskeletal fascial system can be affected by various localized disorders with variable time course and prognosis.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-26
• Study Start: 2025-04-01
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-01
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-02
• Primary Completion: 2025-07-01
• Study Completion: 2025-07-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 90

Inclusion Criteria

• Age between 18-40 years old
• All participants had forward head, craniovertebral angle < 50.
• All participants had rounded back (kyphosis angle ≥ 42°)
• Based on assessment of upper cross syndrome by photogrammetric analysis.
• The subjects were chosen from both genders.

Exclusion Criteria

• History of trauma or surgery in cervical region.
• Bone fractures or acute soft tissue injuries.
• Osteoporosis.
• Heart attack.
• Unstable angina pectoris -Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator- -Cancer-
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Connective tissue disease: This includes diseases such as osteomyelitis, lupus and scleroderma -Neurological conditions-

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
neck disability	up to four weeks	The neck disability assessment will be performed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire - it contains ten items that refer to neck pain (intensity) and the level of ability to manage daily living activities (personal care, reading, lifting, headache, work, concentration, driving, sleep and recreation). The NDI score is interpreted as 0-4=no disability, 5-14=mild disability, 15-24=moderate disability, 25-34=severe disability, and over 34= total disability, where a score of 50 converted to percentiles represents 100%. NDI score is calculated as follows: total score/total possible score, transformed to percentage multiplied by 100=% points

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
craniovertebral angle	up to four weeks	craniovertebral angle will be measured by Photogrammetry method. A CVA below 48-50 degrees indicates FHP
pain intensity	up to four weeks	he subject was in a relaxed position then gave him the appendix which contains VAS. The subject was instructed to place a vertical mark on the line to indicate his/her pain. the line has two ends; one with no pain (zero) and the other extreme pain (100 mm) at the other end
kyphosis angle	up to four weeks	kyphosis angle will be measured by Photogrammetry method.
upper chest expansion	up to four weeks	tape measurements will be used to measure upper chest expansion
lower chest expansion	up to four weeks	ape measurements will be used to measure lower chest expansion
cervical range of motion	up to four weeks	cervical range of motion device will be used to measure cervical range of motion