Abstract
BackgroundUpper crossed syndrome (UCS) refers to specific altered muscle activation and changed movement patterns along with some postural deviations in the upper quarter of the body. This syndrome might contribute to the dysfunction of the cervicothoracic and glenohumeral joints.ObjectivesThe present study will aim to investigate the effectiveness of a comprehensive corrective exercises program (CCEP) and subsequent detraining on alignment, muscle activation and movement pattern in men with UCS.Methods/designThis is a parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Participants will be 22 men aged 18 to 28 years who are suffering from UCS. Participants in the intervention group will conduct CCEP (three times a week for 8 weeks), followed by 4 weeks of detraining. The control group will do their daily activities. Participants will be randomized (1:1) into the intervention or the control group. The primary outcome will be upper trapezius activations. Secondary outcomes consist of electromyography of middle and lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles, scapular dyskinesis test, forward head and shoulder angles, thoracic kyphosis angle, and neck flexion pattern test.DiscussionWe propose to evaluate the effectiveness of a randomized controlled trial of a CCEP in men with UCS on their alignment, selected muscle activations, and relevant movement patterns. Results from our trial may provide new insights into the effects of exercise not only on the alignment but also on muscle activation and movement patterns that are important outcomes for people with postural malalignments and, if successful, could assist therapists in evidence-based clinical decision-making.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20181004041232N1. Registered on 26 October 2018.
Highlights
Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) refers to specific altered muscle activation and changed movement patterns along with some postural deviations in the upper quarter of the body
Study objectives The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive corrective exercise program (CCEP) in young men with UCS for 8 weeks, as measured by alignment, electromyography activity of selected muscles, and specific movement patterns
Since the scapulae are the keystone in UCS, participants who have any abnormality in the position and rhythm of the scapula, as measured by the scapular dyskinesis test, will be recruited
Summary
Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) refers to specific altered muscle activation and changed movement patterns along with some postural deviations in the upper quarter of the body. Previous studies showed that these pains might be associated with abnormal alignments [4, 5] One of these malalignments is the upper crossed syndrome (UCS), which was defined as a muscular imbalance pattern by Vladimir Janda MD (1923–2002) [6]. Due to kinetic and muscular chains, there are altered scapular movement patterns (scapular dyskinesis) and specific postural changes, including forward head and shoulder posture and increased thoracic kyphosis [7, 9] These changes can lead to reduction in the stability of the glenohumeral joint and to various musculoskeletal symptoms in the head, neck, and shoulder [7, 8, 10]
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