Cervical position sense, core stability, and balance in university students with upper crossed syndrome
Official title: Relationship Between Cervical Position Sense, Core Stabilization, and Postural Balance in University Students Aged 18 to 30 Years With Upper Crossed Syndrome
Run by Istinye University · NCT07577492 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test if students aged 18–30 with upper crossed syndrome have poorer neck position sense, weaker core stability, and worse postural balance than students without the condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istinye University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Topkapi) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07577492 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are university students aged 18–30 who have a clinical diagnosis of Upper Crossed Syndrome with forward head posture (CVA < 49°), rounded shoulders (>2.5 cm), chronic neck pain, and impaired cervical position sense.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior cervical spine surgery, neurological or vestibular disorders, recent acute musculoskeletal injury, significant visual impairment affecting balance, pregnancy, or recent participation in another interventional trial are excluded and would not benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional comparison enrolling 48 university students (24 with Upper Crossed Syndrome and 24 healthy controls) who will complete a single standardized assessment session at Istinye University’s Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Laboratory. Trained personnel will measure cervical position sense, core stabilization function, and postural balance using a battery of clinical and instrumental tests. Participants are recruited from campus via flyers, social media, emails, and on-site screening. All data collection occurs in one visit under consistent conditions to limit variability between participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could clarify which proprioceptive and core deficits most relate to poor posture and neck pain, guiding targeted rehabilitation for affected students.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has reported benefits from posture correction or pain-focused interventions, but combining cervical proprioception, core stability, and balance in a single comparison is relatively novel and not well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * University students aged 18-30 years. * Diagnosis of Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) confirmed by postural assessment. * Forward Head Posture with Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) less than 49 degrees. * Rounded Shoulder Posture greater than 2.5 cm. * Presence of chronic neck pain. * Impaired cervical position sense. Exclusion Criteria: * History of cervical spine surgery. * Neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease). * Acute musculoskeletal injury to the neck, back, or upper extremities within the past 3 months. * Previous traumatic injuries to the neck or back. * Any diagnosed vestibular or balance disorder. * Visual impairment that affects balance. * Pregnancy. * Participation in another interventional clinical trial within the past 30 days.
Where it's running
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Istinye Uni
Istanbul, Topkapi, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nalan Soydaş Engin, Phd — Istinye University
- Study coordinator: abdelrahman borham, Msc
- Email: 2433095036@stu.istinye.edu.tr
- Phone: 05359411681
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Kendall vs McKenzie Exercises for Upper Crossed Syndrome
A 6-week test compares Kendall and McKenzie exercise programs to see which better reduces pain and improves function for people with Upper Crossed Syndrome.
-
Kendall versus Feldenkrais exercises for upper crossed posture
This project will test whether Kendall or Feldenkrais exercise programs better reduce neck pain and improve posture and neck function in adults with upper crossed syndrome.
-
Mat Pilates to reduce pain and improve posture in schoolchildren with upper crossed syndrome
This trial will test whether adding mat Pilates to routine physical therapy helps schoolchildren aged 8–16 with upper crossed syndrome reduce pain and improve head, neck, and shoulder alignment.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.