Effects of Segmental and Pursed Lip Breathing Exercises on Upper Cross Syndrome

Effects of Segmental and Pursed Lip Breathing Exercises on Neck Pain, Functional Disability and Quality of Life in Upper Cross Syndrome

Upper cross syndrome is relative prevalent 67% musculoskeletal disorder among general population due to increased usage of smart gadgets and poor postural habits. Upper cross syndrome is known for initiating malfunction of cervical and upper back muscles also associated with respiration. Individuals with upper cross syndrome may present with relaxed supine positioning, they may having normal respiratory mechanics but might be converted to accessory muscles activated pattern. Neck pain is the most common type of pain in non-traumatic conditions, affecting about 75.7% of people. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of segmental and pursed lip breathing exercises on pain, functional disability and quality of life in population with upper cross syndrome.

Current study will be randomized controlled trial conducted at Ismail Medicare Jhang, 40 patients according to inclusion criteria will be included in the study. They will be allocated into 2 groups by non-probability purposive sampling technique. Group A (control group) will receive conventional physical therapy treatment (hot pack, electrical stimulation, myofascial release, ROM and strengthening exercises) while Group B (experimental group) receive conventional physical therapy treatment with segmental and pursed lip breathing exercises. Outcome measures are Pain Numeric Scale, Quality of life (SF 36) and Functional disability (neck disability index). These tools will measure neck function and neck pain intensity. Treatment time will be 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, each session will be 45 minutes long, and measurements will be taken after 4 weeks. Data will be analyzed by SPSS version 25. After assessing normality of data by Shapiro - wilk test, it will be decided either parametric or non-parametric test will be used within a group or between two groups analysis.

Key Words: Breathing Exercises, Cervical Pain, Disability, Upper Cross

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both Gender >25-40 years
• Diagnosed with Upper Cross Syndrome, having neck pain intensity more than 5 on numeric pain rating scale and having pain from more than 3 months
• Positive Janda cervical flexion Test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient with other musculoskeletal disorder e.g cervicogenic headache excluded
• Neck pain with whiplash or headache disorder were not included
• Patients had any history of previous head and neck surgery excluded
• Any history of Infection in the cervical spine were not included
• Trigger points of trapezius were excluded