Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Combined With Postural Education in Upper Cross Syndrome

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Combined With Postural Education on Pressure Pain Threshold in Upper Back Among Students With Upper Cross Syndrome: an Experimental Study

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.

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.

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