Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Combined With Postural Education in Upper Cross Syndrome

NCT06605456 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: IRB/COHS/STD/16/FEB-2023
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 24
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of PNF and conventional neck stretching, combined with a postural education program in improving forward head posture in students with clinical signs and symptoms of UCS. The study included a sample of undergraduate Gulf Medical University students with clinical signs and symptoms of UCS. A total of 24 samples were divided into two groups of 12. Group A received PNF pattern neck stretching and self-resisted neck PNF pattern, whereas Group B received Conventional neck stretches along with isometric strengthening of the neck muscles. Both groups were given a common postural education program. The intervention duration was 5 days per week for 4 weeks.

Conditions

Upper Cross Syndrome

Keywords

Upper cross syndrome; Postural correction; Neck pain; Upper back pain; Neuromuscular facilitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Forward Head Posture

  Measured by using a mobile phone app (physio master) and have taken craniovertebral angle, sagittal head tilt, and, head shoulder angle to identify a forward head posture.

  Day one before the treatment, Four weeks post treatment.

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Trigger point tenderness

  Day one before the treatment, Four weeks post treatment.

• Cervical spine range of motion

  Day one before the treatment, Four weeks post treatment.

Study Arms (2)

Group A: PNF with postural education

EXPERIMENTAL

PNF neck pattern intervention with a rhythmic initiation technique implemented. This exercise intervention consisted of a two-phase exercise set: stretching the muscles and strengthening them

Other: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with postural education

Group B: Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Active neck muscle stretching and self-isometric strengthening exercises, targeting all cervical muscle groups.

Other: Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises

Interventions

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with postural education OTHER

Phase 1: Active Rhythmic Initiation The exercise was demonstrated to the students in a seated position, as sitting is considered the functional position for neck motion and stability. Then, the exercises was passively practiced on the students using tactile input. After passive demonstration, students were asked to perform the same exercise actively and verbal commands were used to guide and correct them. Phase 2: Resisted Rhythmic Initiation "Modified" The investigators applied resistance by placing the palm of one hand on the right side of the chin to strengthen the muscles. Then, resisted scapular posterior depression PNF exercise also employed. Also received a comprehensive postural education program to emphasize the importance of proper posture. The program was divided into three sections, which focused on the effects of good and bad posture, as well as practical demonstration.

Group A: PNF with postural education

Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises OTHER

Phase 1: Active Muscle Stretching In this phase, participants were instructed on performing active muscle stretching exercises for all cervical muscles, including neck flexors, extensors, lateral flexors and neck rotators. Each stretch was held for a period of 25-30 seconds and repeated three times. Phase 2: Self-Isometric Strengthening Participants were provided with a demonstration of self-isometric strengthening exercise for the neck muscles. The exercises involved six movement patterns: cervical flexion, cervical extension, right/left lateral flexion and right/left rotation. For each exercise the participants were required to apply resistance against the direction of movement using their hand without allowing any motion in the neck. Also received a comprehensive postural education program to emphasize the importance of proper posture. The program was divided into three sections, which focused on the effects of good and bad posture, as well as practical demonstration.

Group B: Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Students of Gulf Medical University.
• Both genders.
• Age between 18 - 30 years.
• Presence of clinical signs and symptoms of UCS.
• Presence of FHP with CVA of 49 degrees and below.

You may not qualify if:

• Musculoskeletal disorder such as strain, sprain, scoliosis.
• Students participating in any other interventions.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Unwilling participate.
• Degenerative joint disorder
• Neurologically unstable individuals

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gulf Medical University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gulf Medical University

Al Jurf, Ajman Emirate, 4184, United Arab Emirates

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome type Preus; Neck Pain; Back Pain

Interventions

Muscle Stretching Exercises

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Ramprasad Muthukrishnan, PhD

  Gulf Medical University

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The outcome assessor was blinded to the randomization of subjects into the intervention groups
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Group A, who were assigned the PNF neck pattern intervention, a rhythmic initiation technique was implemented. Group B were assigned active neck muscle stretching as well as self-isometric strengthening exercises, targeting all cervical muscle groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 18, 2024
• First Posted: September 20, 2024
• Study Start: February 16, 2023
• Primary Completion: June 15, 2023
• Study Completion: July 15, 2023
• Last Updated: November 27, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

AE (1)