Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 20 to 45

Comparing GPR versus NASM corrective exercises for upper-cross posture and neck pain

Official title: Comparative Effects of Global Postural Re-education and NASM-based Corrective Exercises in Patients With Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS)

Run by Superior University · NCT07528248 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This tests whether Global Postural Re-education or NASM-based corrective exercises better reduce pain and disability and improve neck endurance and posture in adults aged 20–45 with upper cross syndrome.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages20 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
Enrollment46 (estimated)
SponsorSuperior University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Okāra, Punjab Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 5, 2026
Main results expectedMay 10, 2026
Study endsMay 10, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 14, 2026
Trial IDNCT07528248 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 20–45 with neck and upper back pain, rounded shoulders, a craniovertebral angle under 47°, and willingness/ability to attend supervised sessions three times per week are ideal candidates.

Probably not a fit

People with prior spinal surgery, neurological deficits, severe scoliosis, or active cervical spine disease are excluded and would not be expected to benefit from these protocols within this trial.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with upper cross syndrome (craniovertebral angle <47°) will be assigned to receive either Global Postural Re-education (GPR) or NASM-based corrective exercises three times per week for eight weeks. Pain, disability, muscle endurance, and craniovertebral angle will be measured at baseline, at four weeks, and at the end of the eight-week program. Each intervention consists of therapist-led, posture-focused exercise sessions designed to correct muscle imbalances and improve alignment. The trial compares the two active exercise programs to see if one produces greater improvements in symptoms and posture.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could guide clinicians toward the more effective exercise program to reduce pain and improve posture and neck endurance for people with upper cross syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: Previous physiotherapy research indicates posture-focused and corrective-exercise programs can reduce neck/shoulder pain and improve posture, but direct head-to-head comparisons of GPR versus NASM approaches are limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 20-45 years
2. Pain in the upper back and neck region.
3. Both male and female patients
4. Rounded shoulders
5. Craniovertebral angle less than 47 degrees
6. Willingness to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of spinal surgery
2. Neurological deficits (radiculopathy, myelopathy, disc herniation)
3. Severe scoliosis or structural deformity
4. Active cervical spine pathology (spondylosis, stenosis and fracture)

Where it's running

  • District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) Okara
    Okāra, Punjab Province, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.