Rib mobilization with postural correction exercises for Upper Crossed Syndrome
Effectiveness of Rib Mobilization Combined With Postural Correction Exercises in Individuals With 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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chak Six Hundred Twenty-four, Khyber Pakhtunkhwat) |
| Trial ID | NCT07573553 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 64 adults with clinically diagnosed Upper Crossed Syndrome and forward head posture to compare two treatment approaches. Participants will be randomly assigned to either rib mobilization plus postural correction exercises or postural correction exercises alone, receiving three sessions per week for 4–6 weeks. Primary outcomes include pain (VAS), cervical posture measured by inclinometer (craniovertebral angle), and rib/thoracic mobility measured by tape measure, with data analyzed in SPSS version 26. The trial aims to determine whether combining manual rib mobilization with postural exercises yields greater pain relief and mobility improvements than exercises alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 20–45 years old with clinically diagnosed Upper Crossed Syndrome, forward head posture (craniovertebral angle <50°), moderate neck pain (VAS 3–6), and no contraindications to manual therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with cervical or thoracic structural deformities, neurological deficits, recent similar therapy, pregnancy, or ongoing use of pain medications or muscle relaxants may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined approach could reduce neck and upper back pain and improve posture and chest/thoracic mobility for people with Upper Crossed Syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown benefits for rib mobilization or postural correction when used alone, but evidence for their combined use is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 20 to 45 years * Forward head posture (craniovertebral angle \< 50°) * Cervical pain or discomfort for ≥4 weeks * Moderate pain intensity (VAS 3-6) * Willingness to participate and provide informed consent * Clinically diagnosed Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) * Meets Asian Fitness Society diagnostic criteria for UCS Exclusion Criteria: * History of trauma or surgery to cervical/thoracic spine * Cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, or neurological deficits * Structural deformities (scoliosis, Scheuermann's disease) * Systemic musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) * Vestibular, balance, or visual disorders * Recent similar therapy within 3 months * Pregnancy or contraindication to manual therapy * Ongoing use of pain medications or muscle relaxants
Where this trial is running
Chak Six Hundred Twenty-four, Khyber Pakhtunkhwat
- District Headquater Haripur — Chak Six Hundred Twenty-four, Khyber Pakhtunkhwat, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Attiq Ur Rehman, MS — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Altamash Hussain Khan, DPT
- Email: altamash.hussain1@icloud.com
- Phone: +92 3088805119
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.