Upper Crossed Syndrome Research Articles

Comparing the Effects of a Series of Ischaemic Compression Therapy and Muscle Energy Techniques on Pain Threshold and Muscle Tension in People with Upper Crossed Syndrome

Introduction: Myofascial pain syndromes and upper crossed syndrome (UCS) are common phenomena observed in society. The main reasons for their formation are postural defects and chronic muscle overload. Trigger points (TP) develop within the affected muscles, generating pain and other symptoms that worsen quality of life. A popular method of therapy is ischaemic compression (IC) of trigger points and muscle energy techniques (MET). However, in literature on the subject, there is a lack information on the effects of a series of therapies with these techniques on the reduction of pain and muscle tension. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the optimal myofascial technique in the treatment of patients with UCS presenting with pain and excessive tension in the trapezius muscle. Material and methods: In the study, 45 people with UCS with TP in the trapezius back muscle were qualified for the trial. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Group A underwent a series of 5 IC trigger point treatments, while group B received a series of 5 MET treatments. Group C was a control group not subjected to any therapeutic intervention. Changes in pain threshold and muscle resting electrophysiological values after the completion of the 5-week therapy intervention were assessed. The Statistica 13 program was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: A significant increase in pain threshold on both sides of the body was demonstrated in groups A and B, but not in group C. Comparison of pain changes between the right and left sides showed no significant differences between groups. There was a significant decrease regarding tension in group C on both sides of the body and its increase in group A on the right side, however, in each case, these values were within the physiological norms. Conclusions: A series of 5 ischaemic compression treatments and muscle energy techniques are effective in reducing pain caused by latent trigger points in people with UCS but are not associated with changes in resting tension beyond physiological norms.

Effectiveness of Eight Weeks of Corrective Exercises in Water on Postural Status of Young Men With Upper Crossed Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Aim Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a musculoskeletal disorder leading to postural deformities such as forward head posture (FHP), rounded shoulder posture (RSP) and hyper kyphosis. This abnormality has spread among people in the community due to modern lifestyle and excessive use of communication technologies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the eight -week comprehensive corrective exercises carried out in water on forward head, rounded shoulder, and hyper kyphosis as well as pain correction in men with UCS. Materials and Methods: In the current randomized controlled clinical trial, The minimum number of samples was determined using G.Power 3.1 sample size estimation software, 30 people. After initial screening 200 students using the posture screen, including a possible drop of 5% in the research process, 34 men with upper crossed syndrome, with mean age of 23 ± 0.80 years, weight 71.61 ± 2.2 kg, height of 171.75 ± 1.24 Cm And body mass index of 23.60 ±.67 Kg / m2), they were purposefully selected. These individuals were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (n = 17) and control (n = 17). The case group experienced comprehensive corrective exercises carried out in water for eight weeks and the control group received no intervention during this period. Before and after the intervention, measurements were performed to measure the forward head and rounded shoulder angles by imaging and angular analysis was done by AutoCAD software and kyphosis angle was determined by flexible ruler. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and the significance level was considered 0.05. Paired t-test was used to compare within the group and independent t-test was used to compare the mean differences between the groups. Results: The results showed that the experimental group had significant improvement in in terms of the kyphosis (P= 0.001), FHP (P=0.001) and RSP (P=0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, Eight weeks of corrective exercises in the water environment can be significantly effective in reducing the angle of the head forward, round shoulder and hyper kyphosis in people with upper cross syndrome, and it can be recommended to specialists as a treatment.

The effectiveness of a multimodal approach in the treatment of patients with upper crossed syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesConsidering the multitude of contributing factors to upper crossed syndrome (UCS), a multimodal treatment may be an effective therapeutic option. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the multimodal approach, including muscle energy technique (MET), cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises, and postural correction training with ergonomic advice, in the treatment of patients with UCS. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial randomly assigned 40 patients with UCS aged 30–55 years to either group A (intervention group, n = 20) who received the multimodal approach or group B (control group, n = 20) who received MET only. The trial evaluated the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and sagittal shoulder angle (SSA) measured by photogrammetry, pain intensity estimated using the visual analog scale (VAS), and functional disability evaluated using the Arabic version of the neck disability index (ANDI) pretreatment and four weeks after intervention. ResultsThe within-group analysis demonstrated a substantial decrease in VAS and ANDI and an increase in CVA post-intervention (P < 0.001). Only the multimodal group exhibited a significant change in SSA (P < 0.0001). Between-group differences were noteworthy, favoring the multimodal intervention (P < 0.0001). ConclusionsA 4-week multimodal approach that comprises MET, cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises, and postural correction training with ergonomic advice has remarkable improvements in CVA, SSA, pain intensity, and functional disability in patients with UCS, highlighting it as a superior choice.

Corrective exercises administered online vs at the workplace for pain and function in the office workers with upper crossed syndrome: randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of online-supervised versus workplace corrective exercises on neck–shoulder pain (NSP), sick leave, posture, workability, and muscular activity among office workers with the upper crossed syndrome (UCS).MethodsWe performed a parallel-group randomized control trial at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran, assigning 36 office workers to online-supervised, workplace, and control groups (mean (SD) age 38.91 ± 3.87, 38.58 ± 7.34, 37.00 ± 8.12). Inclusion criteria were alignment alteration (forward head (≥ 45°), rounding shoulder (≥ 52°), rounding back (≥ 42°), and pain intensity ≥ 3 in neck and shoulder. The two intervention groups performed 8-week exercise program, while the control group continued usual activities. Primary (NSP and sick leave) and secondary outcomes [postural angles, workability, and muscular activity were measured by VAS, outcome evaluation questionnaire (OEQ), photogrammetry, workability index, and EMG, respectively, at the baseline and an 8-week follow-up].ResultsANCOVA results revealed improvements for the online-supervised group versus control for NSP (P = 0.007), postural angles (P = 0.000, P = 0.001, P = 0.005), workability (P = 0.048, P = 0.042), and upper trapezius activation (P = 0.024, P = 0.016), respectively. Using paired t tests, both intervention groups improved from baseline to follow-up for NSP (P = 0.000, P = 0.002), forward head posture (P = 0.000, P = 0.000), round shoulders (P = 0.001, P = 0.031), and round back (P = 0.034, P = 0.008), respectively. Related parameters of workability (P = 0.041, P = 0.038), upper trapezius (P = 0.005, P = 0.005, P = 0.022), and serratus anterior (P = 0.020, P = 0.015) changed only in the online-supervised group.ConclusionOnline-supervised corrective exercise seems to improve a range of parameters related to work performance. These findings are highly applicable in light of the ongoing COVID pandemic; many workers have to work from home.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UPPER CROSSED SYNDROME IN FEMALES OF AGE 25-50 YEARS: A POPULATION-BASED CASE CONTROL STUDY

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors associated with upper crossed syndrome (UCS) in females of age 25-50 years. METHODS: This population based case controlled study was conducted from May to August 2019. Total of 210 females including 105 cases (participants who had upper neck pain for at least one month) and 105 controls (participants who didn't had upper neck pain), aging 25-50 years were selected through non-probability convenient sampling technique from the population of Gujrat, Punjab Pakistan. Data was collected through a pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS software (version 21.0). Universal goniometer used to assess cervical ranges. Neck disability index (NDI) was used for functional disability and visual analog scale (VAS) was applied to assess the degree of pain. RESULTS: Majority (n=88; 41.90%) of females were in age group of 25-30 years and were housewives (n=147; 70 %). Females who used handheld devices, unsupported back chairs, read, worked, travelled for more than 3 hours had 63.91, 9.127, 3.568, 3.301, 2.068 folds risk of developing UCS respectively as compared to those who did the same for less than 3 hours. Similarly, females who were fetal sleeper had 2.032 times more risk of than front sleeper. All risk factors were statistically significant (p&lt; 0.005). CONCLUSION: Usage of handheld devices while reading, working, and travelling for &gt;3 hours, sleeping with curved spine and in fetal position and unsupported back chair increase the risk of UCS.

Upper Crossed Syndrome: Trends and Recent Advances in the Physiotherapy Treatment a Narrative Review

Background: How does it affect the quality of life of the patient?&#x0D; Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is also discussed as proximal or shoulder crossed syndrome. According to Vladimir Janda, UCS is characterized by the tightness of the levator scapulae muscle, upper trapezius muscle, on dorsal sides crosses with tightness of pectoralis major muscle and minor muscle. Weakness of the deep cervical flexors ventrally crosses along with weakness of the middle and the lower trapezius. The weakness and tightness lead to postural imbalance. In addition to this, it creates postural patterning of rounded shoulder forward head posture, loss of cervical lordosis, and increased kyphosis. These can lead to postural adjustment in the upper quarter of the body.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Out of 17 articles screened 8 studies are included in this review according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria are forward head posture, articles from the year 2011 to 2021, patient age between 20-50 years, article published in English languages, articles available in full text, and RCT’S. The exclusion criteria are, articles published before 2011, age less than 20 years and more than 50 years old, articles published other than English language, and articles not available with full text. Relevant studies were retrieved through Cochrane, PubMed, CINHAL, and Embase databases from the year 2011 to 2021.&#x0D; Results: All the physiotherapeutic treatments including conventional and recent trends showed a beneficial effect on patient with upper crossed syndrome or postural abnormalities.&#x0D; Conclusion: All physiotherapy interventions like strengthening and stretching, resistance exercises, postural correction exercises, and ROM exercises has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of upper crossed syndrome. Also, recent trends like dry needling, yoga therapy, myofascial trigger release, eccentric muscle energy technique, Kinesio taping, and IFT and EMG activity has also shown positive result in UCS.

Online supervised versus workplace corrective exercises for upper crossed syndrome: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background and objectiveMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) including upper crossed syndrome (UCS) are considered as the leading cause of work-related issues worldwide among office workers. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of workplace-based versus online-supervised home-based corrective exercises among office workers with UCS.Methods and designTo this end, 45 subjects within the age range of 30–45 years are randomly assigned to three groups in the present parallel-group, randomized control trial using a pretest-posttest design. These groups include the subjects who receive online-supervised exercise and workplace exercise containing three sessions of intervention for 8 weeks and the control group receives no intervention while performing routine activities. The primary outcome variables are neck-shoulder pain (NSP) and consequent sick leave due to NSP, followed by alignment, workability, and the surface electromyography of upper, middle, and lower trapezius (UT, MT, and LT), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and serratus anterior (SA) as the secondary variables.DiscussionThe present study seeks to assess the effect of workplace versus online-supervised corrective exercise interventions among 45 office workers suffering from UCS. It is expected to improve and reduce the related symptoms including postural malalignment and imbalance muscles after 8 weeks of corrective exercises. If effective, the findings may lead to adherence and work performance among the office workers, and individuals subjected to UCS can use the benefits of an online-supervised intervention. In addition, the findings may be useful in different workplaces as the evidence for employers to benefit from the reduction in the related costs and side effects of work-related neck/shoulder disorders including work disability, productivity loss, time expense, social insurance, work absenteeism, and treatment costs. Finally, clinicians and corrective exercise therapists can consider it as a clinical based-evidence intervention for their further actions.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20200729048249N1. Registered on 5 October 2020 (https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/49992/view)

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Iyengar Yoga With an Emphasis on Spine and Shoulder Exercises on the Upper Cross Syndrome in Middle-aged Women

Introduction: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a combination of forward head, rounded shoulder, and hyperkyphosis deformities. Yoga is a non-competitive physical exercise with the potential to correct postural imbalances in the human body. Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga. Materials and Methods: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effect of Iyengar yoga with an emphasis on spine and shoulder exercises on the UCS in middle-aged women. In this quasi-experimental applied research, 15 subjects were purposefully recruited out of middle- aged women affected with UCS. The participants performed Iyengar yoga exercises with an emphasis on the spine and shoulder. The photogrammetry method was used to measure UCS. Results: At the end of 8 weeks exercises, there was a significant increase in the cervical (P&lt;0.001) and shoulder angles (P&lt;0.005), and a significant decrease in thoracic flexion angle (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: All relevant coaches and therapists are recommended considering Iyengar yoga as an alternative for training programs in middle-aged women affected by UCS.

Prevalence of Upper Cross Syndrome in Different Occupations

Upper crossed syndrome is caused by weak lower and middle trapezius, tight upper trapezius and levator scapulae, weak deep-neck flexors, tight sub occipital muscles and sternocleidomastoid, weak serratus anterior, and tight pectoralis major and minor&#x0D; Objective: To find prevalence of upper cross syndrome in different occupations&#x0D; Methodology: In this cross sectional study data was collected from department of physical therapy Hamza Medical Centre, Islamabad. Study was conducted in 6 months (June 2019 to December 2019).Sample size was 37 that was collected through Epitool calculator. Participants were made aware of the study Pectoralis major contracture test was performed to check the pectoral muscles tightness. After that, trapezius weakness test was performed. In this test weakness of middle and lower trapezius muscle was assessed Verbal consent form was taken. Data collection tools were Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and Neck disability index (Pain).Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20.&#x0D; Results: Total 37 participants were recruited for this The mean age for the participants was 32.11+ 5.606.There were 54.5% male participants and 45.95 female participants.%. Prevalence of upper cross syndrome in desk workers was (12)32.43%.Pravalence of Upper Cross syndrome in Drivers was (9)924.325.Pravalence of upper cross syndrome in House wives was (10)27.035.Pravalence of Upper cross syndrome in teachers was (6)16.22%.&#x0D; Conclusion: This research concluded that there is prevalence of upper cross syndrome in different occupations. This study also concluded that rest and medicine are reliving factors for upper cross syndrome participants

IMPACT OF STRETCHING WITH AND WITHOUT STABILIZATION EXERCISES ON NECK PAIN AND DISABILITY IN SUBJECTS WITH UPPER CROSSED SYNDROME

IMPACT OF STRETCHING WITH AND WITHOUT STABILIZATION EXERCISES ON NECK PAIN AND DISABILITY IN SUBJECTS WITH UPPER CROSSED SYNDROME

Comprehensive corrective exercise program improves alignment, muscle activation and movement pattern of men with upper crossed syndrome: randomized controlled trial

Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) refers to the altered muscle activations and movement patterns in scapulae along with some abnormal alignment in the upper quarter, which may contribute to the dysfunction of the cervicothoracic and glenohumeral joints. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a comprehensive corrective exercise program (CCEP) and subsequent detraining on alignment, muscle activation, and movement pattern in men with the UCS. This randomized controlled trial included 24 men. The intervention group conducted CCEP (8 weeks), followed by four weeks of detraining and the control group maintained normal daily activities. Electromyography of selected muscles, scapular dyskinesis test, head, shoulder, and thoracic spine angle were measured at baseline, post-test, and follow-up. There were significant differences for Group x time interaction and also for within-group from pre-test to post-test and follow-up in all outcomes. Also, significant differences were observed in three outcomes at post-test and follow-up between the CCEP and control group in favor of the CCEP. In Conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the CCEP for individuals with UCS is feasible and effective, improving muscle activation imbalance, movement patterns, and alignment. Importantly, these improvements were maintained after four weeks of detraining, suggesting lasting neuromuscular re-training adaptations.

Stretching Training Can Change Shoulder And Neck Function In Middle-aged Women With Upper Crossed Syndrome

PURPOSE: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a syndrome of abnormal movement patterns of the upper limbs. To judge the improvement of shoulder and neck function, the changes in shoulder joint function and shoulder cervical spine angle after 8 weeks of stretching training was observed in middle-aged women with. METHODS: 12 middle-aged women (Table 1) were selected for a detailed assessment of upper crossover syndrome included in Acromion height test, the distance from the medial margin of the inferior angle of scapula to the spine, measurement of range of motion of shoulder joint, cervical the vertebra and stretching training program. RESULTS: 1. The angles related to the range of motion of the cervical vertebrae were measured and the results were shown in Table 2. It was found that the average range of movement of the cervical spine after training was significantly higher than that before training, and the difference was significant before and after training. 2. The angle related to the range of motion of the shoulder was measured, and the results shown in Table 3. It found that the average amplitudes of shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and abduction and horizontal abduction in patients with superior crossover syndrome after training was significantly higher than those before training, and there was a significant difference before and after training (P < 0.05). 3. The height of the acromion and the distance between the inferior angle of the scapula and the spine before and after training was compared (Table 4), and the results were shown in Table 3 CONCLUSION: A long-term sedentary lifestyle may lead to muscle imbalance, weakening the primary motor function of the body, and increasing the risk of soft tissue injury. Stretching training has a significant effect on the shoulder and neck function of patients with UCS. The right joint function sequence can reduce the asymmetry of the body, prevent and reduce bone and joint wear.Table 1: Subject characteristic.Table 2: Comparison of ROM of cervical before and after training.Table 3: Comparison of ROM of shoulder joint before and after training.Table 4: Comparison of acromial height and distance from the inferior angle of the scapula to the spine before and after training.

Therapeutic observation of manipulation plus exercise therapy in treating upper crossed syndrome postures of primary school students

To observe the therapeutic efficacy of sinew-bone balancing manipulation plus exercise therapy in treating postures of primary school students with upper crossed syndrome (UCS). Sixty pupils with UCS were divided into an exercise group and a combination group using the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The combination group received treatments of sinew-bone balancing manipulation plus exercise therapy, while the exercise group received exercise therapy alone. The two groups received interventions once every other day, for a total of 1 month. The sagittal static posture assessment total score, forward head angle (FHA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA) were compared before and after treatment; the sagittal static assessment total score, FHA and FSA were compared between the exercise group and the combination group. Before treatment, there were no significant differences comparing the sagittal static posture assessment total score, FHA and FSA between the two groups (all P>0.05); after treatment, the sagittal static posture assessment total score, FHA and FSA decreased in the two groups, with intra-group statistical significance (all P<0.01), and were lower in the combination group than in the exercise group, with inter-group statistical significance (all P<0.01). Sinew-bone balancing manipulation plus exercise therapy can notably improve the FHA and FSA and reduce the sagittal static posture total score in pupils with UCS, so as to correct the bad postures and adjust UCS physique. It can produce more significant efficacy compared with exercise therapy alone.

The Effect of 8 Weeks National Academy of Sports Medicine Exercises Training on Posture, Shoulder Pain, and Functional Disability in Male with Upper Cross Syndrome -

Background: Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) points to a special malalignment in the upper quarter of the body, including forward head, forward shoulder, and hyper kyphosis posture. We proposed performing an Effect of 8 weeks National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Exercises training on posture, shoulder pain, and functional disability in males with UCS among employees of the Sport and Youth Administration of Karbala province, Iraq. Methods: We involved 30 male volunteers in this pretest-posttest study design. The evaluation of the Forward head (FH), forward shoulder (FSH), thoracic kyphosis (TK), shoulder pain (SHP), and functional disability (FD) were done each participant in random order before and after eight weeks. They were divided into two equal groups of traditional and NASM exercises. Protocols (three times a week, for eight weeks) were performed. So, to compare the mean between pre and posttest data in both groups, independent samples t-test was used. The significance level was established at P < 0.05. Results: According to the findings independent samples t-test, the forward head angle (t= -4.053, p= 0.000), forward shoulder angle (t= -5.067, p= 0.000) and hyperkyphosis angle (t= 5.187, p= 0.000), shoulder pain (t= -3.807, p= 0.001), and functional disability (t= -3.969, p= 0.001) outcomes are presented significant difference after 8 weeks of NASM with traditional exercises. Conclusion: Using the NASM exercises can lead to a reduction in the UCS among employees of the Sport and Youth Administration of Karbala province, Iraq was significantly more than traditional exercises.

The Effect of Selected Corrective Exercises With Physioball on the Posture of Female Computer Users With Upper Crossed Syndrome

Objective Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a type of musculoskeletal system involvement that results in shortening of anterior muscles and weakening of posterior muscles. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of selected corrective exercises with physioball on the postural status of female computer users with UCS. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 24 female students with UCS who were selected using a purposive sampling method. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=12) and control (n=12). The exercise group performed exercises for 6 weeks. Photogrammetry method was used to measure the angle of the forward head and round shoulder. A flexible ruler was used to measure the angle of kyphosis, and tape measure was used to measure the chest expansion. These measurements were performed before and after intervention. The collected data were analyzed using paired t-test and ANOVA at the significance level of P&lt;0.05. Results There was a significant difference in mean values of kyphosis (P=0.001), round shoulder (P=0.001), forward head (P=0.002) and chest expansion (P=0.003) before and after exercise. Conclusion Improvement in forward head, round shoulder and thoracic kyphosis angles and chest expansion showed the effectiveness of applied exercise program. Therefore, it is recommended to use this exercise program in computer users with UCS.

The Effect of Eight-Week Corrective Exercises Carried out in Water on Pain, Neck Flexors Endurance and Upper Extremity Range of Motion in Patient with Upper Crossed Syndrome

Introduction: Lifestyle and the constant use of communication technologies have led to the upper crossed syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate of the effect of comprehensive corrective exercises carried out in water on pain, neck flexors muscles endurance and neck and upper extremity Range of Motion (ROM) in the patients with upper crossed syndrome (UCS). Methods: In this semi-experimental study, after initial screening, 30 students with upper crossed syndrome were selected and assigned randomly into experimental (n=14) and control (n=16) groups. Before and after the intervention, measurements performed to measure the level of pain by VAS scale, neck and shoulder ROM by inclinometer and neck flexors endurance by deep neck flexors endurance test. To analyze the data, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL; version 18 software was used. The significance level was 0.05. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the mean of the pretest to posttest and independent t-test was used to compare the differences between groups. Results: The experimental group had significant improvement for endurance of neck flexors (P&lt; 0.0001), neck ROM (P&lt; 0.0001), shoulder ROM (P&lt; 0.0001) and neck pain (P&lt; 0.0001). Moreover, the results showed that there were significant differences for endurance of neck flexors (P&lt; 0.0001), neck ROM (P&lt; 0.0001), shoulder ROM (P&lt; 0.0001), and neck pain (P&lt; 0.0001) between groups. Conclusion: According to the results, we can say using water-based corrective exercises could have additional effect on increasing muscles endurance, upper extremity ROM and pain reduction in the patients with upper crossed syndrome, and could be as an effective method for the specialist

Preliminary analysis on X-ray in youth neck type of cervical spondylosis with upper crossed syndrome

To analyze the X-ray characteristics in youth neck type of cervical spondylosis with upper crossed syndrome(UCS). The patients who had a neck type of cervical spondylosis with or without UCS were selected from January to October 2017, 20 cases in each group, and 10 normal volunteers were chosen in the study. X-ray examination of lateral and hyperextension-hyperflexion of cervical spine were performed to observe cervical spine angle, angular displacement and adjacent vertebral body slip. The cervical spine angle was (-0.40±9.64)° in the UCS group, significantly less than (14.35±9.01)° in the normal group and (12.34±5.65)° in the non-UCS group(P<0.05). The change of angular displacement of the upper cervical vertebra in anterior flexion and posterior extension was (8.18±4.81)° in UCS group, which was also significantly less than (12.14±3.48)° in the normal group and (12.34±5.65)° in the non-UCS group(P<0.05). The slippage of the vertebral posterior margin of the lower cervical spine in the anterior flexion was 15.41±2.21 in the UCS group, which was significantly greater than 13.26±2.42 in normal group(P<0.05), and was not obviously different from 15.64±2.07 in non-UCS group(P>0.05). In young patients who has a neck type of cervical spondylosis with UCS, the cervical curvature prone to straighten or reverse, the upper cervical flexion and extension are limited, while the lower cervical is in a flexion.

Effects of an 8-week selective corrective exercises program on electromyography activity of scapular and neck muscles in persons with upper crossed syndrome: Randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesPostural disorders disturb muscle activity and lead to joint dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week selective corrective exercises program on electromyography activity of scapular and neck muscles in persons with upper crossed syndrome (UCS). DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingExercise evaluation was conducted in a laboratory setting. ParticipantStudy recruited 30 healthy males with UCS from university students, who were then randomly divided into the control group (age = 20.14 ± 1.71 years; height = 176.86 ± 4.7 cm; BMI = 21.20 ± 1.96 kg/m2) and the exercise group (age = 21.44 ± 2.06 years; height = 174.2 ± 4.0 cm; BMI = 20.62 ± 3.9 kg/m2). Main outcome measuresElectromyography activity of upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), serratus anterior (SA), and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) was recorded before and after 8-week exercise program. ResultsT-test results revealed that baseline activity of SA (P < 0.05), had increased while UT (P < 0.05) and SCM (P < 0.05) activity as well as UT/SA (P < 0.05) and UT/LT (P < 0.05) ratios had decreased. In connection with these finding the effect sizes were large. ConclusionEight week corrective exercises balance muscles activity and can be used to manage developing upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders in person with UCS.

Correlation between Functional Disorders of Temporomadibular Joint and Upper Crossed Syndrome

Research background. The imbalance between the jaw and neck muscle activity occurs as a compensatory mechanism in order to stabilize the jaw and neck structural parts in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (Ries et al., 2008). Changes occur in posture control system if any biomechanical unit varies (Ritzel et al., 2007). One system compensates the unusually active other body system in upper cross syndrome (UCS) (Tharcher et al., 2011). This syndrome is characterized by shortened upper trapezius, pectoralis major and romboids and week middle and lower trapezius, serratus anterior and deep neck flexors (Moore, 2004; Tharcher et al., 2011). Thus, it is believed that there may be a direct link between the upper cross syndrome and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Purpose. Explore relationship between temporomandibular joint dysfunction and upper crossed syndrome in women. Methods. Thirty female volunteers participated in the study, and they were divided into groups according to trigger points in the shoulder and neck muscles: group 1 – painful shoulder and neck muscles (32.65 ± 12.34 years), group 2 – painless shoulder and neck muscles (34.5 ± 10.95 years). Survey was carried out assessing TMJ function during observation, palpation, evaluation of the sagittal craniovertebral angle, the neck and shoulder muscle length, strength, pain and deep neck muscle endurance was examined. Results. It was found that TMJ function was strongly associated with the UCS: trapezius pain as well as upper trapezius and scalenus length. TMJ disorders were associated with headache in both groups. Weak connection between deep neck muscle endurance and TMJ dysfunction was identifed. Conclusions. TMJ mobility is partly related to UCS, and TMJ functional disorders related to headache and sagittal craniovertebral angle. UCS specifc changes, such as pectoralis muscle length changes and impaired deep neck muscle endurance are not related to TMJ dysfunction.Keywords: temporomandibular joint, the upper crossed syndrome, muscle length, headache.

PO-254 Progression in rehabilitation of Upper Crossed Syndrome

PO-254 Progression in rehabilitation of Upper Crossed Syndrome