Muscle energy technique versus cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises for upper crossed syndrome
Effects of Muscle Energy Technique Versus Cervical and Scapulothoracic Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Disability and Craniovertebral Angle in Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome
This trial will test whether muscle energy technique helps adults (18–65) with neck pain from upper crossed syndrome have less pain, better posture, and improved neck function compared with stabilization exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07025993 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, parallel-group clinical trial enrolling 40 adults (age 18–65) with subacute neck pain attributed to upper crossed syndrome at clinical sites in Daska and Lahore, Pakistan. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups; both groups receive moist hot packs, cervical segmental mobilizations, and active neck range-of-motion exercises, while one group receives eccentric muscle energy technique and the other receives cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises. Outcomes include pain measured by the Numeric Rating Pain Scale (NRPS), function measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and posture measured by craniovertebral angle, with measures taken at baseline and after the intervention period. Non-probability consecutive sampling is used and informed consent is required.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 diagnosed with upper crossed syndrome who have 4–12 weeks of neck pain and report NRPS pain >6/10, and who can attend clinic visits and provide written consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with chronic systemic or structural conditions (e.g., long-standing tuberculosis, carcinoma, severe osteoporosis, cervical stenosis, neurologic compromise), ongoing chemo/radiotherapy or steroid/anticoagulant therapy, hyperflexibility, open sores, or hot-pack allergy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding muscle energy technique could reduce neck pain and improve posture and daily neck function for people with upper crossed syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Manual therapy and targeted exercise approaches for neck pain and postural syndromes have shown mixed but often positive results in prior studies, though direct head-to-head comparisons for this exact question are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Both gender diagnosed with upper crossed syndrome * Patient having neck pain of 4 to 12 weeks * Pain reported on NRPS score ˃6/10 in the neck region * Subjects agree to sign the written consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria Patients were excluded if they were diagnosed with the following conditions for ˃6 months * Tuberculosis, carcinoma, heart disease, and osteoporosis * Neural disorders due to prolapsed intervertebral disc * Any trauma or localized infection in neck region * Upper motor neuron disease, cervical stenosis, and metabolic diseases in bone and joint * Hyper flexibility * Open sores * Ongoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, steroid therapy, or anticoagulants * Psychiatric diseases such as phobia/obsession and depression * Allergy to hot pack
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Danish Hassan, PhD — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD
- Email: shakil.urrehman@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: +92 345 7946009
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.