Dynamic Taping with Corrective Exercises for Upper Crossed Syndrome

The Effects of Blood Flow Restriction-based Abdominal draw-in Maneuver on Activation of Abdominal Core Muscles in Patients With Non-specific Low Back Pain

This project will test whether adding Dynamic Taping to corrective exercises helps adults with Upper Crossed Syndrome improve neck posture, shoulder alignment, and muscle control.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 35 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: China Medical University Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Taichung, Beitun)
• Trial ID: NCT07182461 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults aged 20 and older with Upper Crossed Syndrome will receive a combined intervention of Dynamic Taping and guided corrective exercises, with measurements taken before and after the program. Outcomes include craniovertebral angle, sagittal shoulder angle, thoracic kyphosis, subacromial space, coracoid-humeral distance, cervical proprioception, muscle strength of key neck and scapular muscles, and EMG of selected muscles. The protocol uses in-person physical therapy sessions and objective instrumentation (EMG and angle measurements) to quantify changes. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA will be used to compare effects over time and between conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 20 with Upper Crossed Syndrome who meet the specified angle criteria (CVA <48°, sagittal acromial angle <52°, or thoracic kyphosis >42°), have BMI between 18 and 25, and no major spine or limb misalignments are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with allergies to taping materials, BMI outside 18–25, significant spinal or limb misalignment, prior relevant surgeries or fractures, inherited muscle or joint diseases, or inability to follow instructions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve posture, enhance neck proprioception, and correct muscle imbalances, potentially reducing pain and functional problems.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials of taping or targeted corrective exercises have shown short-term posture and proprioception improvements, but evidence is mixed and combining Dynamic Taping with corrective exercise remains relatively understudied.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: \>20years
2. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) of \<48
3. Sagittal plane acromial angle of \<52°
4. Thoracic kyphosis angle of \>42° Meeting any one of these three angle conditions qualifies for inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Allergic reactions to dynamic taping
2. Bodyweight outside the normal range (BMI between 18 and 25)
3. Any evident misalignment in the cervical spine, pelvis, or lower/upper limbs
4. Trunk rotation exceeding 5°during forward bending tests due to scoliosis
5. History of inherited muscle diseases, soft tissue lesions, or joint diseases involving the spine, scapulae, shoulders, abdomen, or pelvis
6. History of fractures or surgeries.
7. Inability to understand instructions

Where this trial is running

Taichung, Beitun

• Department of Physical Therapy of China Medical University — Taichung, Beitun, Taiwan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yueh-Ling Hsieh, PHD

Conditions: Upper Crossed Syndrome, posture, muscle imbalance, proprioception