Effects of IASTM and Corrective Exercises on Upper Cross Syndrome

Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique Along With Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program in Upper Cross Syndrome.

NA · Riphah International University · NCT06302972

This study tests if a combination of a special massage technique and corrective exercises can help young adults with chronic neck pain and poor posture feel better and move more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University (other)
Locations1 site (Islamabad, Federal)
Trial IDNCT06302972 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) combined with a comprehensive corrective exercise program on patients suffering from Upper Cross Syndrome. It aims to assess improvements in pain levels, cervical range of motion, and postural alignment among participants. The trial includes both male and female patients aged 18-40 with chronic neck pain and specific postural abnormalities. Participants will be divided into two groups, one receiving IASTM along with exercises and the other receiving only the exercise program, with assessments conducted at various intervals throughout the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-40 diagnosed with Upper Cross Syndrome and experiencing chronic neck pain for over three months.

Not a fit: Patients with previous surgeries, infections, or other contraindications such as diabetes or psychological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-surgical treatment options for patients suffering from Upper Cross Syndrome, potentially alleviating pain and improving posture.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on IASTM and corrective exercises separately, this specific combination approach in a mixed-gender population is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age 18-40 years.

* Diagnosed patients with the upper crossed syndrome who have chronic neck
* pain for more than 3 months.
* Having neck pain scoring more than 3 on the Numeric Pain Scale were included
* in this study.
* Any abnormality in the position and rhythm of the scapula, as measured by the Scapular dyskinesis test, having postural changes such as excessive thoracic kyphosis (≥42°), forward head (≥44°) or round shoulder (≥49°) as measured by Flexicurve and photogrammetry.
* Both male and female population will be included

Exclusion Criteria:

The subjects with any previous surgery, any type of Infection Hypersensitive skin Diabetes Mellitus type II Having Traumatic Injury Psychological disorder Manual Therapy contraindication like osteoporosis, infection, Disc- Herniation acute Inflammation, burn scars, closed /non-complicated fractures and open wound.

Where this trial is running

Islamabad, Federal

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Upper Cross Syndrome, Forward head angle, Pain, ROM, Rounded Shoulder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.