Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 20Years - 45Years
All Genders
ID07573553

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

Led by Riphah International University · Updated on 2026-05-07

64

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate how well rib mobilization combined with postural correction exercises works for people with Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS), a condition caused by poor posture that leads to muscle imbalance and pain in the upper body. UCS is marked by forward head posture, abnormal spine curves, tight upper muscles, and weak lower muscles, which can limit rib and thoracic movement and cause chronic neck and back pain. The study compares combined therapy to postural exercises alone to find the best approach for reducing pain and improving posture and mobility. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive rib mobilization along with postural correction exercises, and the other group will do only postural correction exercises. Rib mobilization involves gentle movements of ribs 2-6 at specific joints and thoracic spine mobilizations, while postural exercises focus on stretching and strengthening muscles to restore balance. Each session lasts 30 to 40 minutes, three times per week, over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. During the study, participants will have their pain levels measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), cervical posture assessed with an inclinometer, and rib and thoracic mobility measured with a tape measure over one year. Researchers will analyze the data to see the effects of the treatments on these outcomes. The study includes follow-ups to monitor progress and safety, ensuring complete evaluation of the interventions' impact on UCS symptoms.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

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

Who Can Participate

Age: 20Years - 45Years
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Age between 20 to 45 years
  • Forward head posture (craniovertebral angle < 50°)
  • Cervical pain or discomfort for at least 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
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • History of trauma or surgery to cervical or thoracic spine
  • Cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, or neurological deficits
  • Structural deformities like scoliosis or Scheuermann's disease
  • Systemic musculoskeletal disorders such as 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

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

1
2
3
+1

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Outpatient Treatment

Duration - 4 to 6 weeks

Participants receive rib mobilization combined with postural correction exercises or postural correction exercises only to improve posture, reduce pain, and enhance thoracic mobility.

3 visits per week, each lasting 30-40 minutes

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

District Headquater Haripur

Chak Six Hundred Twenty-four, Khyber Pakhtunkhwat, Pakistan, 22620

Actively Recruiting

Loading map...

Research Team

A

Altamash Hussain Khan, DPT

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

SINGLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

2

Similar Trials

Effects of Neuromuscular Reeducation Versus Post Facilitatio...

Upper Cross Syndrome

Actively Recruiting

1 location

Comparative Effect of Maitland Mobilization Combined With Ke...

Upper Cross Syndrome

Actively Recruiting

1 location

Comparative Effects of Egoscue and Feldenkrais Exercises on ...

Upper Cross Syndrome

Actively Recruiting

1 location

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support

Not the Right Trial for You?

Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Already have an account? Log in here

Published Research Related To This Trial

The effect of various therapeutic exercises on forward head posture, rounded shoulder, and hyperkyphosis among people with upper crossed syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Simin Sepehri, Rahman Sheikhhoseini, Hashem Piri...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38302926

Exercise interventions to improve postural malalignments in head, neck, and trunk among adolescents, adults, and older people: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Mohammad Bayattork, Margrethe Bordado Sköld, Emil Sundstrup...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32161733

Effects of an 8-week selective corrective exercises program on electromyography activity of scapular and neck muscles in persons with upper crossed syndrome: Randomized controlled trial.

Rasoul Arshadi, Gholam Ali Ghasemi, Hadi Samadi

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30928841