Longitudinal Effects of Myofascial Release with and Without 8-Week Corrective Exercises in Correcting Upper Cross Syndrome

Author(s):

Komal Ahmed, Rabiya Noor*, Alina Shaukat, Sadia Khalid, Zaib-un-nisa and Sohaib Tahir

Objective: Longitudinal effects of myofascial release with and without 8-week corrective exercises in correcting upper cross syndrome.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. 24 subjects were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were allocated to Group A and B. Assessment of pain, function, Cranio-vertebral angle, Rounded shoulder posture, Pectorilis Minor Index, Levator Scapulae Index was taken using NPRS, NDI, vernier caliper and photogrammetric method. Group-A received treatment with hot pack, postural correction and myofascial release therapy. Group-B received hot pack, postural correction myofascial release therapy and corrective exercises. Three sessions per week for eight weeks were given to each patient. The two groups were reassessed after 8 weeks of treatment. Follow up was taken 4 weeks after completion of treatment. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 21.

Results: Findings revealed that the differences among groups were statistically significant as p<0.05 and also statistically significant difference were observed within group analysis (p<0.05) with respect to pain, function, cervical and shoulder angles and muscle length in correcting UCS.

Conclusion: The study concluded that both Myofascial release therapy and Myofascial release therapy with corrective exercises were effective in reducing pain and functional disability, increasing cervical range of motion, and developing better posture. Whereas, rounded shoulder angle which reduced more in Myofascial release with 8-Week Corrective exercises group. Clinical trial number: Iranian registry of Clinical Trial reference no. IRCT20200512047409N1.