Mat Pilates to reduce pain and improve posture in schoolchildren with upper crossed syndrome
Effect of Mat Pilates on Pain and Postural Alignment in School Going Children 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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07244068 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 28 schoolchildren (ages 8–16) diagnosed with upper crossed syndrome at Ittefaq Hospital, Lahore and randomly assign them to two equal groups. The intervention group will receive a 30-minute session of mat Pilates plus routine physical therapy, while the control group will receive routine physical therapy alone, with sessions conducted several times per week as specified. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include craniovertebral angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, and musculoskeletal pain, using Kinovea software for angle analysis. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26 to compare pre- and post-intervention changes between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Schoolgoing children aged 8–16 with upper crossed syndrome who meet the protocol's posture criteria (craniovertebral angle under 48° and thoracic kyphosis angle <20° or >40°).
Not a fit: Children with recent injuries, significant systemic disorders, or physical or sensory deficits (who are excluded from the trial), and those with normal posture measurements, are unlikely to benefit from this intervention in this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding mat Pilates could reduce pain and improve postural alignment in affected children, offering a nonpharmacologic option to enhance routine therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Pilates-based programs have shown promise for posture and pain in adults and adolescents, but randomized controlled evidence specifically in school-aged children with upper crossed syndrome is limited, so this approach is relatively novel in this exact population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * School going children * Children of the age 8-16. * Children having Thoracic Kyphosis angle under 20° and over 40 °,and Craniovertebral angle under 48° Exclusion Criteria: * Children with systemic disorders. * Children with recent history of injury. * Physical or sensory defecit(16)
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Ittefaq Hospital (TRUST) — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Musfera Iqbal, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.