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Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Combined With Postural Education in Upper Cross Syndrome

NCT ID: NCT06605456

Last Updated: 2024-11-27

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

24 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2023-02-16

Study Completion Date

2023-07-15

Brief Summary

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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.

Detailed Description

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Collegiate students are prone to adopt slouched posture and develop muscular imbalance which is considered as a causative factor for the development of UCS. Studies have shown that students in medical universities have a higher risk of developing UCS. Even though PNF is considered to be simple and effective to improve inter and intramuscular coordination, its application to collegiate students with UCS is limited. Application of PNF combined with postural education programs may benefit the students to reduce UCS-associated clinical problems such as reduced forward head posture, pain intensity and improving muscle strength etc. Our current study might open the door of simple and effective management of UCS among collegiate students. Therefore, our study was conducted to find out the effect of PNF and active muscle stretching, both in combination with postural education programs, on forward head posture of the students with upper crossed syndrome.

Objectives:

● To compare the effect of PNF with active muscle stretching, both in combination with postural education programs on forward head posture of students with upper cross syndrome.

Conditions

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Upper Cross Syndrome

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

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.
Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors
The outcome assessor was blinded to the randomization of subjects into the intervention groups

Study Groups

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Group A: PNF with postural education

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

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with postural education

Intervention Type 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 B: Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises

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

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises

Intervention Type 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.

Interventions

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Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with postural education

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.

Intervention Type OTHER

Active neck muscle stretching and strengthening exercises

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.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* 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.

Exclusion Criteria

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

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

30 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Gulf Medical University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Ramprasad Muthukrishnan, PhD

Role: STUDY_CHAIR

Gulf Medical University

Locations

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Gulf Medical University

Al Jurf, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Site Status

Countries

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United Arab Emirates

Other Identifiers

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IRB/COHS/STD/16/FEB-2023

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id