Effects of Muscle Energy Technique Versus Cervical and Scapulothoracic Stabilization Exercises in Upper Crossed Syndrome

Launched by RIPHAH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · Jun 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different types of physical treatments to help people with Upper Crossed Syndrome, a condition that often causes neck pain and poor posture. The goal is to see which treatment—either a special muscle technique called Muscle Energy Technique or specific neck and shoulder exercises—works better to reduce pain and improve neck movement and posture over four weeks.

People between 18 and 65 years old who have had neck pain for 4 to 12 weeks, with moderate to severe pain (rated above 6 out of 10), and who have been diagnosed with Upper Crossed Syndrome may be eligible to join. If chosen, participants will receive common treatments like warm moist heat and gentle neck movements, plus either the muscle energy technique or stabilization exercises, depending on the group they are assigned to. Their pain levels, neck function, and posture will be checked before and after the 4-week treatment period. Those with serious health issues, infections, recent neck injuries, or certain medical treatments will not be able to join. If you or a family member fit these criteria and want to learn more, this study is currently recruiting patients at select hospitals and clinics.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Both gender diagnosed with upper crossed syndrome
• • Patient having neck pain of 4 to 12 weeks
• • Pain reported on NRPS score ˃6/10 in the neck region
• • Subjects agree to sign the written consent form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Exclusion criteria Patients were excluded if they were diagnosed with the following conditions for ˃6 months
• • Tuberculosis, carcinoma, heart disease, and osteoporosis
• • Neural disorders due to prolapsed intervertebral disc
• • Any trauma or localized infection in neck region
• • Upper motor neuron disease, cervical stenosis, and metabolic diseases in bone and joint
• • Hyper flexibility
• • Open sores
• • Ongoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, steroid therapy, or anticoagulants
• • Psychiatric diseases such as phobia/obsession and depression
• • Allergy to hot pack