Maitland mobilization plus Kendall exercises vs Kendall exercises alone for upper cross syndrome

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial compares two physical therapy approaches for adults with Upper Cross Syndrome: (1) Kendall exercises combined with Maitland mobilization and (2) Kendall exercises alone. Participants have neck or upper thoracic pain for more than six weeks and meet objective criteria for UCS, including forward head posture and rounded shoulders. Outcomes include pain intensity, craniovertebral angle, thoracic kyphosis, and rounded shoulder posture to gauge changes in posture and discomfort. The study is conducted at Ibadat International University in Islamabad, involving adults aged 18–45. It is designed to determine if adding Maitland mobilization provides additional benefit beyond standard Kendall exercises.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 to 45 years
* Neck and/or upper thoracic pain for a duration of \> 6 weeks
* Pain Severity: VAS \> 5 (Afzal, Noor, Mumtaz, Bashir, \& Saqulain, 2023)
* Pain exacerbated by prolonged postures
* Adults diagnosed with Upper Cross Syndrome
* Diagnostic criteria: Upper Cross Syndrome will be diagnosed when individuals demonstrate: thoracic kyphosis \> 40°, craniovertebral angle \< 50°, and acromion-to-couch distance \> 2.5 cm based on established normative values.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of neck or shoulder surgery or trauma
* Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
* Pregnancy
* Neurological conditions affecting upper limb function, and
* Cardiovascular Problems
* Congenital issues i.e.; torticollis, and scoliosis
* Disc prolapse and other spine issues
* Currently taking any medication or taking physical therapy

Where it's running

• Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)
  Peshawar, Kpk, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Naeem Ullah, DPT, MS-PT MSK
• Email: naeemphysio58@gmail.com
• Phone: +923308088558

Similar studies

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

• Kendall exercises with and without positional release therapy for upper crossed syndrome

  This study tests Kendall exercises with and without positional release therapy to see if they reduce neck and shoulder pain and improve posture in adults with upper crossed syndrome.

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• Breathing and manual therapy to improve function in college students with upper cross syndrome

  In college students with upper cross syndrome, adding a specific breathing technique (ujjayi pranayama) to manual therapy is being tested to see if it helps spinal alignment relate to better functional performance.

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• Kendall vs Janda’s Approach with Diaphragmatic Breathing for Upper Crossed Syndrome

  This trial tests whether Kendall exercises with diaphragmatic breathing help reduce pain and disability in people with Upper Crossed Syndrome compared with Janda’s approach plus diaphragmatic breathing.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Sialkot, Punjab Province · NCT07724574

• Egoscue vs Feldenkrais for Upper Cross Syndrome

  This trial compares two exercise approaches, Egoscue and Feldenkrais, to see if one can reduce neck and shoulder pain and improve posture in adults with upper cross syndrome.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07628413

• Rib mobilization with postural correction exercises for Upper Crossed Syndrome

  This will test whether adding rib mobilization to postural correction exercises helps people aged 20–45 with Upper Crossed Syndrome reduce neck pain and improve posture and thoracic mobility.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Chak Six Hundred Twenty-four, Khyber Pakhtunkhwat · NCT07573553

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

  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.

  Recruiting Superior University · Okāra, Punjab Province · NCT07528248

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.