Rib mobilization with postural correction exercises for Upper Crossed 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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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

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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

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

  This trial tests whether adding Maitland mobilization to Kendall exercises helps reduce neck/upper back pain and improve posture in adults with Upper Cross Syndrome.

  Recruiting Ibadat International University, Islamabad · Peshawar, KPK · NCT07588061

• 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.