Upper Cross SyndromeUCSNCT06907459
Effect of Release of Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line Versus Myofascial Release With IASTM on Patients With Upper Cross Syndrome
A study testing upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese, Myofascial Release With IASTM and supervised corrective exercises in people with Upper Cross Syndrome, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
this study will be conducted to compare the effect of release of upper track of deep front facial line versus myofascial release with IASTM on patients with Upper Cross Syndrome. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese, Myofascial Release With IASTM and supervised corrective exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2025to 1 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 18-40 years old
- All participants had forward head, craniovertebral angle < 50.
- All participants had rounded back (kyphosis angle ≥ 42°)
- Based on assessment of upper cross syndrome by photogrammetric analysis.
- The subjects were chosen from both genders.
Who cannot join
- History of trauma or surgery in cervical region.
- Bone fractures or acute soft tissue injuries.
- Osteoporosis.
- Heart attack.
- Unstable angina pectoris -Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator- -Cancer-
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Connective tissue disease: This includes diseases such as osteomyelitis, lupus and scleroderma -Neurological conditions-
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
this study will be conducted to compare the effect of release of upper track of deep front facial line versus myofascial release with IASTM on patients with Upper Cross Syndrome.
Read the detailed description
Upper cross syndrome is a postural dysfunction that can cause a variety of upper-body musculoskeletal problems. Early detection and physiotherapy can help to prevent further complications. Maintaining bad posture over an extended duration can cause postural dysfunction and misalignment.
The first and most obvious sign of upper crossed syndrome is the characteristic postural dysfunction of protracted scapulae, medially rotated humeri, hyperkyphotic upper thoracic spine, and a protracted/ anteriorly held head, which is created by hypo lordosis or even kyphosis (excessive flexion) of the lower cervical spine, hyper lordosis of the upper cervical spine and head, and anterior translation of the head upon the atlas.
The available treatments for upper cross syndrome are Stretching, strengthening, myofascial release, postural relaxation exercise, electrical stimulations, and deep neck flexors activations are the most used techniques. Numerous studies have highlighted various benefits in terms of time efforts, and prognosis. Those are corrective exercise, Kinesio taping, scapular stabilization exercise, and PNF techniques.
Studies have demonstrated the role of fascia in various musculoskeletal dysfunctions as the fascial tissues connect the skeletal muscles forming a body-wide web in a pattern called myofascial meridians. As fascia is able to modify its tensional state, strain transmission along the meridians might occur in response to changes in muscle activity.
Deep fascia tends to be highly vascularized and contain well developed lymphatic channels. In some instances, deep fascia can even contain free encapsulated nerve endings, such as Ruffini and Pacinian corpuscles. It is present in our body in different tissue planes and in different forms with specific function and the musculoskeletal fascial system can be affected by various localized disorders with variable time course and prognosis.
- Conditions
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- Being tested
- upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese, Myofascial Release With IASTM, supervised corrective exercises
- Keywords
- upper cross syndrome, IASTM, Release of Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line
- Medical subject headings
- Oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome type Preus
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realeseOther
The MFR techniques were applied to the designated regions, with soft, steady pressure lasting 90 to 120 seconds postural correction exercises The upper track of deep front facial line release procedures were applied. Hyoid mobilization; Larynx mobilization; Sternal oscillations; and Barral's Transversus Thoracis mobilization. The thoracic inlet releasing ; intrathoracic fascia elongation; scalene releasing and diaphragm relaxation
Myofascial Release With IASTMOther
The instrument is designed to mobilize soft tissues. Facilitation approaches were employed to break apart adhesions. Emollient Gel/Lubrication Gel (Hawk Grips product) was also used to lubricate the skin and allow the instrument to move more easily. The tool has two sides: one for therapy and the other for holding plus postural correction exercises
supervised corrective exercisesOther
The exercise program included cervical stabilization exercises performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions with a 10-second maintenance, scapular stabilization exercises plus stretching of cervical muscles.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese | Experimental | Thirty subjects received release of upper track of deep front facial line in addition supervised corrective exercises three times a week for four weeks. Receives: Other: upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese; Other: supervised corrective exercises |
| Myofascial Release With IASTM | Experimental | thirty subjects received myofascial release with IASTM in addition supervised corrective exercises three time a week for four weeks Receives: Other: Myofascial Release With IASTM; Other: supervised corrective exercises |
| supervised corrective exercises | Active comparator | thirty subjects received supervised corrective exercises three time a week for four weeks Receives: Other: supervised corrective exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
neck disability
The neck disability assessment will be performed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire - it contains ten items that refer to neck pain (intensity) and the level of ability to manage daily living activities (personal care, reading, lifting, headache, work, concentration, driving, sleep and recreation). The NDI score is interpreted as 0-4=no disability, 5-14=mild disability, 15-24=moderate disability, 25-34=severe disability, and over 34= total disability, where a score of 50 converted to percentiles represents 100%. NDI score is calculated as follows: total score/total possible score, transformed to percentage multiplied by 100=% points
Measured: up to four weeks
Secondary outcomes (6)
pain intensity
he subject was in a relaxed position then gave him the appendix which contains VAS. The subject was instructed to place a vertical mark on the line to indicate his/her pain. the line has two ends; one with no pain (zero) and the other extreme pain (100 mm) at the other end
Measured: up to four weeks
craniovertebral angle
craniovertebral angle will be measured by Photogrammetry method. A CVA below 48-50 degrees indicates FHP
Measured: up to four weeks
kyphosis angle
kyphosis angle will be measured by Photogrammetry method.
Measured: up to four weeks
upper chest expansion
tape measurements will be used to measure upper chest expansion
Measured: up to four weeks
lower chest expansion
ape measurements will be used to measure lower chest expansion
Measured: up to four weeks
cervical range of motion
cervical range of motion device will be used to measure cervical range of motion
Measured: up to four weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Apr 2025
- Study start1 Apr 2025
- Primary completion1 Feb 2026
- Study completion1 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Upper Cross SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- release upper track of frontal line facia and IASTM
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Al Shaymaa Shaaban Abd El Azeim, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06907459
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/005666
- Acronym
- UCS
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 12 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Release of Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line Versus Myofascial Release With IASTM on Patients With Upper Cross Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06907459
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UCS / P.T.REC/012/005666
- Conditions
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- Keywords
- upper cross syndrome, IASTM, Release of Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
this study will be conducted to compare the effect of release of upper track of deep front facial line versus myofascial release with IASTM on patients with Upper Cross Syndrome.
Detailed description
Upper cross syndrome is a postural dysfunction that can cause a variety of upper-body musculoskeletal problems. Early detection and physiotherapy can help to prevent further complications. Maintaining bad posture over an extended duration can cause postural dysfunction and misalignment.
The first and most obvious sign of upper crossed syndrome is the characteristic postural dysfunction of protracted scapulae, medially rotated humeri, hyperkyphotic upper thoracic spine, and a protracted/ anteriorly held head, which is created by hypo lordosis or even kyphosis (excessive flexion) of the lower cervical spine, hyper lordosis of the upper cervical spine and head, and anterior translation of the head upon the atlas.
The available treatments for upper cross syndrome are Stretching, strengthening, myofascial release, postural relaxation exercise, electrical stimulations, and deep neck flexors activations are the most used techniques. Numerous studies have highlighted various benefits in terms of time efforts, and prognosis. Those are corrective exercise, Kinesio taping, scapular stabilization exercise, and PNF techniques.
Studies have demonstrated the role of fascia in various musculoskeletal dysfunctions as the fascial tissues connect the skeletal muscles forming a body-wide web in a pattern called myofascial meridians. As fascia is able to modify its tensional state, strain transmission along the meridians might occur in response to changes in muscle activity.
Deep fascia tends to be highly vascularized and contain well developed lymphatic channels. In some instances, deep fascia can even contain free encapsulated nerve endings, such as Ruffini and Pacinian corpuscles. It is present in our body in different tissue planes and in different forms with specific function and the musculoskeletal fascial system can be affected by various localized disorders with variable time course and prognosis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- release upper track of frontal line facia and IASTM
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese | Experimental | Other: upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese, Other: supervised corrective exercisesThirty subjects received release of upper track of deep front facial line in addition supervised corrective exercises three times a week for four weeks. |
| Myofascial Release With IASTM | Experimental | Other: Myofascial Release With IASTM, Other: supervised corrective exercisesthirty subjects received myofascial release with IASTM in addition supervised corrective exercises three time a week for four weeks |
| supervised corrective exercises | Active comparator | Other: supervised corrective exercisesthirty subjects received supervised corrective exercises three time a week for four weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age between 18-40 years old
- All participants had forward head, craniovertebral angle < 50.
- All participants had rounded back (kyphosis angle ≥ 42°)
- Based on assessment of upper cross syndrome by photogrammetric analysis.
- The subjects were chosen from both genders.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- History of trauma or surgery in cervical region.
- Bone fractures or acute soft tissue injuries.
- Osteoporosis.
- Heart attack.
- Unstable angina pectoris -Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator- -Cancer-
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realeseThe MFR techniques were applied to the designated regions, with soft, steady pressure lasting 90 to 120 seconds postural correction exercises The upper track of deep front facial line release procedures were applied. Hyoid mobilization; Larynx mobilization; Sternal oscillations; and Barral's Transversus Thoracis mobilization. The thoracic inlet releasing ; intrathoracic fascia elongation; scalene releasing and diaphragm relaxation | Other | Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese |
| Myofascial Release With IASTMThe instrument is designed to mobilize soft tissues. Facilitation approaches were employed to break apart adhesions. Emollient Gel/Lubrication Gel (Hawk Grips product) was also used to lubricate the skin and allow the instrument to move more easily. The tool has two sides: one for therapy and the other for holding plus postural correction exercises | Other | Myofascial Release With IASTM |
| supervised corrective exercisesThe exercise program included cervical stabilization exercises performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions with a 10-second maintenance, scapular stabilization exercises plus stretching of cervical muscles. | Other | Myofascial Release With IASTM, Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese, supervised corrective exercises |
Primary outcome
neck disability
Time frame: up to four weeks
The neck disability assessment will be performed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire - it contains ten items that refer to neck pain (intensity) and the level of ability to manage daily living activities (personal care, reading, lifting, headache, work, concentration, driving, sleep and recreation). The NDI score is interpreted as 0-4=no disability, 5-14=mild disability, 15-24=moderate disability, 25-34=severe disability, and over 34= total disability, where a score of 50 converted to percentiles represents 100%. NDI score is calculated as follows: total score/total possible score, transformed to percentage multiplied by 100=% points
6 secondary outcomes
pain intensity
Time frame: up to four weeks
craniovertebral angle
Time frame: up to four weeks
kyphosis angle
Time frame: up to four weeks
upper chest expansion
Time frame: up to four weeks
lower chest expansion
Time frame: up to four weeks
cervical range of motion
Time frame: up to four weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Feb 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line realese, Myofascial Release With IASTM and supervised corrective exercises in people with Upper Cross Syndrome, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
neck disability (time frame: up to four weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Feb 2026.