Efficacy of Muscle Energy Technique with stretching versus Muscle Energy Technique with myofascial release in upper cross syndrome

A comparative study on population with upper cross syndrome. Cervical pain is the most common musculoskeletal disorder which further leads to secondary complications if left untreated. Secondary complications further include upper cross syndrome. This condition most commonly affects persons with sedentary lifestyles, computer users, and people who sit in slouch positions for long periods. The prevalence of upper cross syndrome in the general population is 15 – 44% per year whereas in office workers prevalence is up to 50 to 60 %. The prevalence of upper cross syndrome among college-going students is around 48.7%. management of this condition includes manual therapy that includes stretching, strengthening, muscle energy technique, myofascial release, and postural corrective exercises. Subjects will be screened for upper cross syndrome using inclusion criteria. Informed consent will be taken for participation in the study. Participants will be allocated in two groups. Treatment protocol for group A – hot packs (10-15 minutes); muscle energy technique (4 repetitions with stretch hold for 8-10 seconds); stretching(4 repetitions stretch hold for 20 seconds). Treatment protocol for group B- hot packs (10-15 minutes); muscle energy technique(4 repetitions with stretch hold for 8-10 seconds); myofascial release( given to trigger points with the help of knuckles, fingers, or elbow). Treatment will be given for 3 weeks on alternate days. Data would be recorded 4 times including at day 0, at the end of the 1st week, at the end of the 2nd week, and at the end of the 3rd week.