Comparative Effects of Janda and IASTM on UCS (IASTM UCS)

Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Status: Completed

Conditions: Upper Cross Syndrome

Treatments: Other: Janda's Approach; Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07372391

DPT/ERB/36

U1111-1334-3140 (Registry Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a widespread muscle imbalance defined by tightness in the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, and sternocleidomastoid, coupled with weakness in deep neck flexors, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior. It is usually triggered by sustained faulty posture, predominantly in computer users, drivers, or other prolonged forward head and trunk flexion positions, resulting in pain, fatigue, limited ROM and functional limitations.

On a global scale, estimates suggest that UCS affects between 11% and 60% of individuals, spanning various age groups and cultural backgrounds. Individuals who engage in prolonged slouching, such as desk workers, teachers, drivers, IT professionals, students, and laundry workers, demonstrate prevalence rates of approximately 32.4%, 16.2%, 26.4%, 67%, 37.1%, and 28% respectively.

Janda's approach, aims to restore or normalize muscle balance and refine posture by combining stretching of tight and overactive muscles with strengthening of weak and inhibited muscles, in sequence. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) enhances ROM and alleviates pain by directing myofascial restrictions. As adjuncts, hot packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are frequently used to reduce discomfort and prepare tissues for further therapeutic interventions.

Although numerous intervention techniques are offered for UCS but limited research has compared Janda's approach and IASTM, especially with respect to their impact on fatigue. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of these interventions on pain, fatigue, and posture in adults with UCS.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 19 to 44 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Participants aged between 19-44 years (Adults), both genders
• Pectoralis major and Upper trapezius tightness, Serratus anterior and Lower trapezius weakness
• Forward Head Posture (developed within 6 weeks or more than 3 months)
• Reported neck, upper back, or shoulder pain or discomfort
• Pain 5 or above on NPRS for at least 3 months
• Fatigue score of 4 or above on Fatigue Severity Scale

Exclusion criteria

• Congenital anomalies
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Inflammatory disorders
• Headache due to any cause (migraine, disc bulge)
• Postural defects (Torticollis, Scoliosis)
• Malignancy
• Fracture of cervical spine and clavicle

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Janda Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm received Janda's Approach that specifically targets functional muscular imbalance through stretching, strengthening and sensorimotor training.

Treatment:

Other: Janda's Approach

IASTM Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this arm received Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization through graston tool.

Treatment:

Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)