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NCT Number: NCT06996002

Effects of Rhomboids Strength Training Regime Among Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome

Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is characterized by weakening of the neck flexors and rhomboids and stiffness in the pectoralis major, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae. Rhomboids major and minor need to be strengthened in order to enhance scapular stability and regain proper posture. The aim of this study is to determine effect of rhomboids strength training regime on pain, craniovertebral angle and disability among patients with upper crossed syndrome.

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Key information

Conditions

Upper Crossed Syndrome Neurologic Manifestations Oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome type Preus Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in Haleema Surgical Hospital, Shorkot city. Non-probability convenient sampling will be used to collect the data. Sample size of 38 subjects with age group between 20-45 years will be taken. Data will be collected from the patients having present complaint of upper crossed syndrome pain. Outcome measures will be taken using Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) for pain, craniovertebral angle, and neck disability index questionnaire for disability. An informed consent will be taken. Subjects will be selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and will be equally divided into two groups by computer-generated stratified randomization. The study will be a single-blind assessor. Both the Groups will receive Hot Pack, TENS, posture training and stretching exercises while group A will receive rhomboids strengthening exercises additionally. Outcome measures will be measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Data analysis will be done by SPSS version 25.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age group between 20 and 45 years
  • Both gender male and female
  • Subject with head neck angle less than 50 degrees(for forward head posture).
  • Subject with positive JANDAS upper crossed syndrome tests .
  • Population with occupation tailor, computer users and students.

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 upper back region

Treatment and study plan

Rhomboids Strengthening Exercise

Other
  • Seated Bent Row in Sitting position,3 sets of the exercise program with 12 repetitions per set, 3 times per week.
  • Bent Over Row in standing position, 3 sets, 12 repetitions, 3 times per week.
  • Lat Pull Down in sitting position with 12 repetitions per set, 3 times per week.
  • Shoulder Horizontal Abduction in lying position with 3 sets of the exercise program with 12 repetitions per set, 3 times per week.
  • Band pull apart performed 4sets, 12 repetitions, and 10 seconds rest for 2 mints, 3 times per week.
  • Prone lateral raise with 3 sets of the exercise program with 12 repetitions per set, 3 times per week.

Conventional treatment Modalities:

Trans-cutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Hot pack, postural exercises and stretching exercises

conventional exercises

Other

Conventional Treatment

  • hot pack for 10 min,
  • Trans-cutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) will be applied, with pulse duration of 250 microseconds at a frequency of 80 Hz for 15 min in the sub occipital region and the trapezius bilaterally.
  • Stretching exercises of tight muscles 2 sets of 15 min.
  • Posture correction exercises:

releasing muscles of anterior part of the trunk, neck, shoulder.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    Time frame: upto 4 weeks

    Patient level of pain will be assessed using this scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 10.

    0 indicates "no pain" 1-3 indicate "Mild pain" 4-6 indicate "Moderate pain" 7-10 indicate "worst pain". NPRS have shown high test-retest reliability (r = 0.96 and 0.95, respectively)

  2. Neck Disability Index (NDI_

    Time frame: upto 4 weeks

    The NDI is a 10-item, 50-point index that evaluates many facets of day-to-day functioning in individuals with neck pain. The NDI evaluates two items pertaining to discretionary daily living activities (personal care, reading), four items pertaining to activities of daily living (lifting, work, driving, and recreation), and four items related subjective symptoms (pain intensity, headache, concentration, and sleeping). The scores are interpreted as follows:

    0-4: No disability 5-14: Mild disability 15-24: Moderate disability 25-34: Severe disability 35-50: Complete disability. For the NDI, test-retest reliability was good

  3. Craniovertebral Angle

    Time frame: upto 4 weeks

    Anatomically speaking, the degree of forward head posture is measured using the craniovertebral angle (CVA), which is a measurement of the head and neck posture. It is the angle created by a horizontal line running from the C7 vertebra and the line joining the tragus of the ear to the vertebra (the seventh cervical vertebra).

    In order to calculate the craniovertebral angle:

    • Indicate the C7 vertebra and the tragus of the ear.
    • Draw an imaginary line that connects the C7 vertebra to the tragus.
    • Sketch a line that extends horizontally from the vertebra C7.
    • Calculate the angle that these two lines form. More than 50 degrees is the normal CVA. Head tilt slightly forward, between 40 and 50 degrees. A somewhat forward head posture, between 30 and 40 degrees. Head Posture Severe Forward when it is less than 30 degrees. CVA is a trustworthy measure of head and neck posture

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Bisma Batool, MSPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

03347191694

Samrood Akram, PhD Scholar

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324806143

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Rhomboids Strength Training Regime on Pain, Craniovertebral Angle and Disability Among Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 30, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 4, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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