The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Combined With Strengthening of Deep Neck Flexors With and Without Core Stability Exercise in Upper Cross Syndrome Patients.

The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Combined With Strengthening of Deep Neck Flexors With and Without Core Stability Exercise in Upper Cross Syndrome Patients. A Randomized Control Trial

Upper cross syndrome (UCS) is a common muscles related postural disorder which is increasing every new day that is affecting the health related quality of life. It is most prevalent amongst the individuals who work at computers or laptops, or on desks.

The UCS is caused by poor posture. Weak core musculature leads to poor body posture causing chronic degenerative changes and disturbing body alignment and body equilibrium. Core stability exercises (CSE) are a good strategy to improve body posture. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of muscle energy technique (MET) combined with the strengthening of deep neck flexors with and without core stability exercise to manage Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) patients.

This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences Ojha campus in Karachi, Pakistan. Those patients who fulfill the criteria will be enrolled in physiotherapy OPD and general OPD. Then they will be randomized into two groups as per the random allocation sheet for treatment. Pre- and post-intervention assessment for pain, functional disability, and range of motions will be done by visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and goniometer.

Analysis of pre- and post-intervention measure analysis will be performed using SPSS version 21.The Sampling technique will be Nonprobability purposive sampling with Sample size of 70 participants (35 in each group).

Intervention: The Participant will be divided into two groups as per the random allocation sheet for treatment. In Group A, the control group will receive a moist heat pack for 20 minutes then muscle energy technique (MET) of the upper trapezius, levator scapula, and pectoralis muscles (major and minor) and strengthening exercise of deep neck flexors. In Group B, the experimental group will receive the same treatment session as the control group along with the Core stability exercise. There will be 12 sessions for each patient, 6 sessions regularly in the 1st week and then 3 sessions per week for the next 2 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants who were diagnosed or referred with UCS
• The participant with the age of 18 - 45 years old.
• Both male and female.
• Craniovertebral angle less than 48.
• Restricted cervical range of motion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Participants who were diagnosed with: Inflammatory/Rheumatoid Arthritis , neurological disorders, History of trauma or fracture with cervical spine, Cervical spine surgery or trauma or any spinal Congenital deformities.