Combined Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Biofeedback Strengthening With and Without Kinesio Taping on Pain, Muscle Performance and Functional Status in Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 尚未招募
- 入组人数
- 58
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Numeric Pain Rating Scale - NPRS
研究概览
简要总结
This randomised controlled trial will aim to evaluate the combined effects of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and biofeedback strengthening, with and without Kinesiotaping (KT), on pain, posture, deep neck flexor strength, and functional status in individuals with Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS). A total of 58 participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive MET and biofeedback strengthening, while Group B will receive the same intervention with the addition of KT. Treatments will be administered three times per week over a four-week period. Outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), craniovertebral angle (CVA), rounded shoulder posture (RSP), and cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT) using a pressure biofeedback unit. It is hypothesised that the addition of KT will result in greater improvements in pain reduction and postural correction compared to MET and biofeedback alone.
详细描述
This study will be a single-blinded, two-arm randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of combining Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and biofeedback-based strengthening exercises, with and without Kinesiotaping (KT), on pain intensity, postural correction, muscle performance, and functional status in individuals diagnosed with Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS). UCS is a common postural dysfunction resulting from muscle imbalances in the upper quadrant, often associated with forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and neck pain, particularly in individuals with sedentary lifestyles.
A total of 58 participants between the ages of 18 and 40 years will be recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling from Horizon Hospital, Lahore. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into two groups using computer-generated randomisation. Group A will receive MET and biofeedback strengthening via cranio-cervical flexion exercises. Group B will receive the same interventions with the addition of Kinesiotaping applied to the shoulder girdle. Interventions will be administered three times per week for a duration of four weeks, for a total of 12 sessions. Both groups will receive standard physiotherapy care, including heat application, therapeutic ultrasound, neck isometric exercises, and stretches for superficial neck muscles.
The primary outcomes will include pain measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and postural parameters including craniovertebral angle (CVA) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) assessed with a goniometer and measuring tape respectively. Deep neck flexor strength will be measured using the cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT) with a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU).
Statistical analysis will be conducted using SPSS v25.0. The normality of the data will be assessed via the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test) will be used to evaluate within-group and between-group differences, respectively. The level of significance will be set at p < 0.05.
It is hypothesised that the group receiving MET and biofeedback strengthening with Kinesiotaping will demonstrate greater improvements in pain relief, postural alignment, deep neck flexor strength, and functional status compared to the group receiving MET and biofeedback strengthening alone.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 40 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Age group between 18-40 years
- •Both males and females
- •NPRS score <7 for more than 2 months
- •NDI score between 15-34
- •Forward neck posture (confirmed by craniovertebral angle <48-50° measured by goniometer)
- •Rounded shoulders posture (confirmed by supine lying test; if the distance between posterior aspect of acromion and plinth is >1 inch or 2.5 cm)
- •Reduced deep neck flexors strength (confirmed by cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT))
排除标准
- •Age less than 18 or more than 40
- •Recent trauma and/or hyper-flexibility
- •History of cervical surgery in the last year
- •History of infection (local or systemic), any dermatological condition tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy
- •History of cervical fracture in the last year
- •Radiating pain
- •Positive upper limb tension tests
研究组 & 干预措施
MET + Biofeedback Strengthening + Kinesiotaping
Participants in this group will receive the same treatment protocol as Arm 1 (MET and biofeedback strengthening), with the addition of Kinesiotaping (KT) applied across the shoulder girdle. KT will be applied with 50-70% stretch from the anterior acromion to the opposite scapula, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The tape will be worn for 14-16 hours per application. Standard physiotherapy (heat, ultrasound, neck isometrics, and stretching) will also be administered as part of the protocol.
干预措施: MET + Biofeedback Strengthening + Kinesiotaping (Other)
MET + Biofeedback Strengthening
Participants in this group will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor using post-isometric relaxation technique. Additionally, they will perform biofeedback-based cranio-cervical flexion exercises using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU). The intervention will be administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks, with a total of 12 sessions. Standard physiotherapy (heat application, ultrasound, neck isometrics, and stretching exercises) will also be provided.
干预措施: MET + Biofeedback Strengthening (Other)
结局指标
主要结局
Numeric Pain Rating Scale - NPRS
时间窗: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention
Pain intensity will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a validated 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will self-report their pain levels at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention.
Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)
时间窗: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention
Cervical posture will be assessed using the craniovertebral angle (CVA), measured with a universal goniometer. A greater angle indicates improved head posture. Measurements will be taken at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention.
Rounded Shoulder Posture (RSP) Rounded Shoulder Posture (RSP) Rounded Shoulder Posture (RSP)
时间窗: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention
Rounded shoulder posture will be evaluated by measuring the distance from the posterior acromion to the plinth in a supine position using a measuring tape. A decrease in distance reflects improved shoulder alignment.
Deep Neck Flexor Strength (CCFT Score)
时间窗: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention
Deep neck flexor strength will be measured using the Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT) with a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU). Pressure will be increased in 2 mmHg increments from 20 mmHg to 30 mmHg. The maximum pressure level held for 10 seconds without superficial muscle compensation will be recorded.
Neck Disability Index - NDI
时间窗: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to evaluate functional disability related to neck pain. It includes 10 sections rated 0-5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Scores will be recorded at baseline and 4 weeks.
次要结局
未报告次要终点