Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Combined With Post Facilitation Stretch in Patients With Upper Cross Syndrome: A Randomized Control Trial

Foundation University Islamabad

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Upper Cross Syndrome

Treatments: Procedure: Electrotherapy and physical agents; Procedure: Scapular Stabilization Exercise; Procedure: Post Facilitation Stretch

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06534736

FUI/CTR/2024/19

Details and patient eligibility

About

Upper Cross Syndrome is characterized by the postural deviation of head , neck , shoulders and altered muscular muscular activation which included weakness of rhomboids , middle and lower trapezius and serratus anterior and tightness of upper trapezius , pectorallis and levator scapulae . It is a combinaton of scapular dyskinesia , forward head posture , rounded shoulder and thoracic kyphosis.This study aims to assess the enduring effects scapular stabilization exercises along with post facilitation stretch on Upper Cross Syndrome with the goal of preventing its reoccurrence over time, If there are improved results by the combination of both treatments than any of them alone , then it can used in combination for better results on patients

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Aged 18 to 45 with neck pain for more than 3 months
• Both genders males and females
• NPRS scoring of greater than or equal to 4 points
• No History of serious pathology or recent neck trauma
• Diagnosed Upper Cross Syndrome cases using Janda approach

Exclusion Criteria

• Known Scapular or shoulder pathology
• Cervical and thoracic fractures , dislocations or surgeries or whiplash injury

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

Post Facilitation Stretch Group

Experimental group

Description:

Treatment protocol given to both groups will be carried out for 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. It will comprise of hot pack for 10 minutes, Tens for 10 minutes. Participants will be instructed to maintain the contraction for 6 to 10 seconds and then relax the muscles as quickly as possible.The stretch will be held for 15 seconds in an attempt to lengthen the shortened facscial structures.The muscles which will be targeted are Levator Scapular Upper Trapezius Sternocleidomastoid scalene Pectoralis Muscles

Treatment:

Procedure: Post Facilitation Stretch

Procedure: Electrotherapy and physical agents

Stabilization Exercises along with the PFS Group

Experimental group

Description:

It will comprise of hot pack for 10 minutes, Tens for 10 minutes. Participants will be instructed to maintain the contraction for 6 to 10 seconds and then relax the muscles as quickly as possible.The stretch will be held for 15 seconds in an attempt to lengthen the shortened facscial structures.The muscles which will be targeted are Levator Scapular Upper Trapezius Sternocleidomastoid scalene Pectoralis Muscles Scapular Stabilization exercises protocol will be carried out in 4 weeks , 3 sessions per week. Scapular wall slide exercise will be carried out with body weight .Scapular retraction with body weight. Wall Ball Circle exercise with body weight for the first two weeks and then with dumbbells for the next two weeks. Scapular Squeeze again with the body weight and dumbbells. Wall press ups will be performed. Post Facilitation stretch of the targeted muscles also will be carried out during the sessions

Treatment:

Procedure: Post Facilitation Stretch

Procedure: Scapular Stabilization Exercise

Procedure: Electrotherapy and physical agents