Prevalence of Lower Cross Syndrome Among Female College Students and Its Relation With Dysmenorrhea

The Thomas test is used to assess the hip flexion Tightness. Position: The measurement of iliopsoas muscle length involved the subject lying supine on a plinth with one thigh protruding while the examiner checks for excessive lordosis. The non-tested hip is flexed and held close to the chest to stabilize the pelvis and flatten the lumbar spine. Using a universal goniometer, the examiner measures the iliopsoas length on the opposite side. The fulcrum is placed above the greater trochanter, the movable arm parallel to the femoral shaft, and the stationary arm parallel to the plinth. If the hip flexion angle exceeds 15 degrees, the patient's straight leg rises off the table and a muscle stretch end feel will be felt, the iliopsoas is considered tight.

The length of the spinal extensor muscles will be measured by modified Schober test while a female college student standing and her back facing the examiner. A reference line is marked at the intersection of the Venus dimples (Posterior superior iliac spine PSIS) on her lower back, with additional lines drawn 10 cm above and 5 cm below this point. The student then bends forward, and the examiner measured the increase in distance between these points using a measuring tape. The outcome measure is calculated by determining the differences between these points

In this procedure, females are placed in a supine position with different arm placements based on the grade. The examiner stands beside the table at the chest level to ensure the scapula clears the table. The patient is asked to assume the end position by flexing their trunks fully, curling up until the scapula is off the table. They were guided with the instruction, "Tuck your chin and lift your head, shoulders, and arms off the table, as if doing a sit-up and hold it." (Magee, 2002).

The gradings of this test are:

Normal 5= Hands behind neck, until scapulae clear table 20-30sec hold. Good 4= Arms crossed over chest, until scapulae clear table 15-20sec hold. Fair 3= Arms straight, until scapulae clear table 10-15 sec held. Poor 2= Arms extended, towards knees, until top of scapulae lift from table 1-10 sec hold.

Trace 1= Unable to raise more than head off table.

The subject is placed in prone with the hips straight and the knee flexed to 90 degrees. The student is asked to extend the hip, keeping the knee flexed. Anterior force is applied to the posterior thigh. The pelvis is stabilized during the movement. Both legs are tested.

The grading of this test are:

Normal 5 = indicates that the individual achieves complete hip extension and can maintain the end position against maximal resistance.

Good 4 = signifies that hip extension is achievable and can be sustained against heavy to moderate resistance.

Fair 3 = denotes the ability to complete full hip extension and maintain the end position, although no resistance is applied.

Poor 2 = reflects the capacity to perform the full range of hip extension while in a side-lying position.

Trace 1 = is characterized by palpable contractions of the gluteus maximus, which manifest as a narrowing of the gluteal crease, without any observable movement at the joint.

The Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) includes 25 items that cover symptoms related to menstruation, such as pain, discomfort, psychological or cognitive changes, and gastrointestinal issues. It evaluates the impact of these symptoms on daily functioning and quality of life during the menstrual phase and compares their frequency to the intermenstrual and premenstrual phases. The MEDI-Q provides scores for specific symptoms and four overall indices for a comprehensive assessment of menstrual distress. The MEDI-Q is a valid and reliable tool for assessing menstrual distress and its impact on psychological well-being. The items include subtitles ranging from 0 to 3. The total score ranges from 0 to 125. Lower score indicates lower menstrual symptoms and vice versa.