Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Combined With Postural Education in Upper Cross Syndrome

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Upper Cross Syndrome
• Interventions: Other: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with postural education; Other: Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises

• Registration Number: NCT06605456
• Lead Sponsor: Gulf Medical University

Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of PNF and conventional neck stretching, combined with a postural education program in improving forward head posture in students with clinical signs and symptoms of UCS. The study included a sample of undergraduate Gulf Medical University students with clinical signs and symptoms of UCS. A total of 24 samples were divided into two groups of 12. Group A received PNF pattern neck stretching and self-resisted neck PNF pattern, whereas Group B received Conventional neck stretches along with isometric strengthening of the neck muscles. Both groups were given a common postural education program. The intervention duration was 5 days per week for 4 weeks.

Detailed Description

Collegiate students are prone to adopt slouched posture and develop muscular imbalance which is considered as a causative factor for the development of UCS. Studies have shown that students in medical universities have a higher risk of developing UCS. Even though PNF is considered to be simple and effective to improve inter and intramuscular coordination, its application to collegiate students with UCS is limited. Application of PNF combined with postural education programs may benefit the students to reduce UCS-associated clinical problems such as reduced forward head posture, pain intensity and improving muscle strength etc. Our current study might open the door of simple and effective management of UCS among collegiate students. Therefore, our study was conducted to find out the effect of PNF and active muscle stretching, both in combination with postural education programs, on forward head posture of the students with upper crossed syndrome.

Objectives:

● To compare the effect of PNF with active muscle stretching, both in combination with postural education programs on forward head posture of students with upper cross syndrome.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-02-16
• Primary Completion: 2023-06-15
• Study Completion: 2023-07-15
• Study First Submitted: 2024-09-18
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-09-18
• Study First Posted: 2024-09-20
• Status Verified: 2024-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-11-24
• Last Update Posted: 2024-11-27

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 24

Inclusion Criteria

• Students of Gulf Medical University.
• Both genders.
• Age between 18 - 30 years.
• Presence of clinical signs and symptoms of UCS.
• Presence of FHP with CVA of 49 degrees and below.

Exclusion Criteria

• Musculoskeletal disorder such as strain, sprain, scoliosis.
• Students participating in any other interventions.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Unwilling participate.
• Degenerative joint disorder
• Neurologically unstable individuals

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Group A: PNF with postural education	Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with postural education	PNF neck pattern intervention with a rhythmic initiation technique implemented. This exercise intervention consisted of a two-phase exercise set: stretching the muscles and strengthening them
Group B: Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises	Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises	Active neck muscle stretching and self-isometric strengthening exercises, targeting all cervical muscle groups.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Forward Head Posture	Day one before the treatment, Four weeks post treatment.	Measured by using a mobile phone app (physio master) and have taken craniovertebral angle, sagittal head tilt, and, head shoulder angle to identify a forward head posture.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Trigger point tenderness	Day one before the treatment, Four weeks post treatment.	The manual palpation method was applied to specific muscle groups associated with UCS, including the upper trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapulae, and sternomastoid (STM). The grading scale involved four grades: grade 1, where the patient complains of pain; grade 2, where the patient winces on palpation; grade 3, where the patient withdraws from palpation; and grade 4, where the patient is not allowed to be touched.
Cervical spine range of motion	Day one before the treatment, Four weeks post treatment.	To assess the range of motion (ROM) of the cervical muscle groups, an Acumar single \& Dual inclinometer (Lafayette instrument, models ACU001 \& ACU002) was utilized. For neck flexion, the inclinometer was placed on the top of the student\'s head, and the other end of the inclinometer was positioned on the T1 vertebra while the student was seated. The same method was applied for measuring neck extension and left/right lateral flexion. To measure left/right rotation, the participants were asked to be in a supine position, and the inclinometer was placed on the forehead as the main reference point. During each measurement, three trials were conducted, and the mean value of the three trials was calculated to determine the ROM for each specific movement.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Gulf Medical University; 🇦🇪 Al Jurf, Ajman, United Arab Emirates