Efficacy of various exercises in the management of upper crossed syndrome

Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is characterised by distortion or imbalances of various muscles that put tension on the nearby tendons, bones, and joints leads to muscle weakness, tiredness, sore shoulder blades, headache and limitation of movements. The rationale of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of various exercises (McKenzie and TheraBand exercises) on posture, pain and strength in patients suffering with upper crossed syndrome. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1 (McKenzie group, n=15) and Group 2 (exercise group, n=15). Outcome measures were pain and disability using SPADI questionnaire and muscle strength using manual muscle testing. Group I received McKenzie exercises for 3 weeks, 5 sessions per week, whereas Group II received TheraBand exercises for 3 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Data analysis was done by using paired t-test for within group comparison and unrelated t-test to evaluate the between group differences in each outcome variable. The results indicated a statistically significant improvement in pre-/post values of pain & disability in the McKenzie group (t=7.60 and P=0.0001), and in the exercise group (t=8.25 and P=0.0001). Results also suggested a statistically significant improvement in the strength of serratus anterior (t=4.52 and P=0.0001), cervical flexors (t=4.12 and P=0.001), and rhomboids (t=4.14 and P=0.001) in the McKenzie group and strength of serratus anterior (t=5.17 and P=0.0001), cervical flexors (t=4.18 and P=0.001), rhomboids (t=4.18 and P=0.001) in the exercise group. Results indicated that the exercise group showed better improvement as compared to McKenzie group in terms of pain and disability. Results also stated that both groups were equally effective in improving muscle strength.