Health TrialsbyHealthPanel

Effectiveness of Rib Mobilization Combined With Postural Correction Exercises in Individuals With Upper Crossed Syndrome

ConditionUpper Cross Syndrome
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age20-45
SponsorRiphah International University

About this trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of rib mobilization combined with postural correction exercises in reducing pain, improving cervical posture, and enhancing rib and thoracic mobility among individuals with Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS). A total of 64 participants aged 20-45 years will be recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (rib mobilization + postural correction) and Group B (postural correction only). Intervention will be provided for 4-6 weeks, three sessions per week. Outcomes will include pain (VAS), cervical posture (inclinometer), and rib/thoracic mobility (tape measure). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

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)

Disqualifiers

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)

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Rib Mobilization and Postural Correction Exercises

    Behavioral

    Participants will receive Grade I-III rib mobilizations at the costovertebral and costotransverse joints (ribs 2-6) along with thoracic central posterior-anterior mobilizations. In addition, postural correction exercises including scapular retraction, deep neck flexor training, pectoralis stretching, and thoracic extension exercises will be performed. Each session will last 30-40 minutes, three times per week for 4-6 weeks.

  • Postural Correction Exercises Only

    Other intervention

    Participants will perform only postural correction exercises, including scapular retraction, deep neck flexor training, pectoralis stretching, and thoracic extension exercises. Sessions will last 30-40 minutes, three times per week for 4-6 weeks.

Treatment groups

64 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: Intervention groupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Control groupActive comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Pain Intensity

1\. Pain Intensity - Measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).

Time frame
1 year
2

Cervical Posture

Cervical Posture - Measured using an inclinometer to determine the craniovertebral angle.

Time frame
1 year
3

Rib/Thoracic Mobility

Rib/Thoracic Mobility - Measured using a tape measure and inclinometer to assess rib cage expansion and thoracic extension.

Time frame
1 year

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

Riphah International University

Lead sponsor

Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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