Postpartum ComplicationNCT07576296
Effects of Scapular Posterior Tilt Exercises and Cross-Body Stretching in Postpartum Women With Rounded Shoulders
A study testing Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises and Cross-Body Stretching in people with Postpartum Complication, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the effects of scapular posterior tilt exercises and cross-body stretching on breastfeeding efficiency, latch quality, and posture in postpartum women with rounded shoulders. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 35 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Postpartum Complication
- What is being tested?
- Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises and Cross-Body Stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to 1 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 20 to 35 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Mutiparous females.
- previous cesarean section deliveries
- Postpartum women between 2 weeks and 6 months postpartum.
- Experiencing shoulder discomfort or poor posture
Who cannot join
- History of recent trauma or surgery such a Arthroscopy for Impingement Syndrome, Shoulder Replacement that affecting the shoulder complex.
- Mother with history of breast cancer and hepatitis
- History of shoulder surgery, trauma, or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the upper back/shoulder (Trapezius muscles train, Levator scapulae and rhomboid overuse)
- Severe postnatal complications (e.g., mastitis, postpartum depression, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Sheikh Zaid Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 6400
hina G gul, PhD*, 03214979172, hina.gul@riphah.edu.pk
Ramisha Saeed, MSPT(WH)
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Scapular Posterior Tilt Exercises and Cross-Body Stretching on Breastfeeding Efficiency Latch Quality and Posture in Postpartum Women With Rounded Shoulders
This study aims to compare the effects of scapular posterior tilt exercises and cross-body stretching on breastfeeding efficiency, latch quality, and posture in postpartum women with rounded shoulders.
Read the detailed description
This randomized clinical study will include 30 postpartum women (2 weeks to 6 months postpartum) who will meet the inclusion criteria for rounded shoulders and will be actively breastfeeding. The study will be conducted at Sheik Zaid Hospital and will include multiparous women. Participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups: Group A, which will perform scapular posterior tilt exercises, and Group B, which will engage in cross-body stretching exercises. Both groups will undergo their respective intervention protocols three times per week over a period of four weeks. All participants will receive standardized ergonomic education focused on proper breastfeeding posture. The tools that will be used for assessment include the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (BBAT) for latch quality, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) for breastfeeding efficiency, and a posture analysis using the AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System (APECS). Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention. Data will be entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.
- Conditions
- Postpartum Complication
- Being tested
- Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises, Cross-Body Stretching
- Keywords
- Female, Shoulder, Breastfeeding, Scapula, Posture, Postpartum period
- Medical subject headings
- Breast Feeding
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Scapular Posterior Tilt exercisesOther
- 3 sessions per week
- Duration: 20-30 minutes per session
- Total duration: 6 weeks
Cross-Body StretchingOther
3 sessions per week, Duration: 20-30 minutes per session. for 6 weeks
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises | Experimental | To improve scapular posterior tilt, focus on exercises that strengthen the lower trapezius and serratus anterior, which are crucial for shoulder stability and function Receives: Other: Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises |
| Cross-Body Stretching | Experimental | The cross-body stretch is an effective exercise for improving shoulder flexibility and relieving tension in the shoulder muscles Receives: Other: Cross-Body Stretching |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
BREASTFEEDING SELF EFFICACY SCALE:
The BSES-SF was a 14-item self-administered instrument derived from the original 33-item BSES that measured breastfeeding confidence. All items were preceded by the phrase "I can always" and were rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (not at all confident) to 5 (always confident). Total scores ranged from 14 to 70, with higher scores reflecting more significant levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy.
Measured: 6th week
Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool:
Jenny Ingram developed this tool in 2022; Cronbach's alpha value was found to be 0.77. The scale is a Likert-type scale comprising the 4 items of "positioning," "holding," "sucking" and "swallowing." Each item is scored between 0- 2 points. The lowest possible score on the scale is 0, the highest is 8. Lower scores indicate that the breastfeeding is not successful, the higher scores signify successful breastfeedin
Measured: 6th week
APESC:
The APECS mobile app uses photo-based posture analysis and scores alignment across body segments using virtual markers. It has excellent reliability, with inter-rater ICCs above 0.90 for most measures and strong intra-rater consistency. Its validity is supported by its ability to detect postural differences between groups
Measured: 6th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completion1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Postpartum ComplicationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International 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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- hina gul, PhD*, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576296
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0510
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 4 May 2026
- Last updated
- 8 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Algabbani MF, Alazmi AA, Alqabbani S, Almurdi MM, Abdelkader SM, Alruwaili M, et al. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck and Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disabilities Among Postpartum Women. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2025;52(2):25833.
Faisal S, Nadeem A, Waqas S. Association between Infant Carrying Methods, Duration, and Trunk Position Among Nursing Mothers of Lahore. Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 2024;12(04).
Escribano S, Herrero-Oliver R, Oliver-Roig A, Richart-Martinez M. Psychometric properties of the maternal breastfeeding evaluation scale: a confirmatory factor analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024 Jul 18;24(1):486. doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06693-8.
PubMed 39026186Gu Q, Pan L, Yu L, Jiang Q. Effect of scapular posterior tilting exercise on scapular muscle activities in men and women with a rounded shoulder posture. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 Jun 28;19(1):383. doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-04810-z.
PubMed 38943153Stubbs PW, Mehta P, Trostrup J, Tamminga SJ, Stynes SM, Koes BW, Verhagen AP. Exercise interventions for treating work-related complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025 Apr 28;4(4):CD014643. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD014643.
PubMed 40292669
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Scapular Posterior Tilt Exercises and Cross-Body Stretching on Breastfeeding Efficiency Latch Quality and Posture in Postpartum Women With Rounded Shoulders
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576296
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0510
- Conditions
- Postpartum Complication
- Keywords
- Female, Shoulder, Breastfeeding, Scapula, Posture, Postpartum period
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 2026 (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 aims to compare the effects of scapular posterior tilt exercises and cross-body stretching on breastfeeding efficiency, latch quality, and posture in postpartum women with rounded shoulders.
Detailed description
This randomized clinical study will include 30 postpartum women (2 weeks to 6 months postpartum) who will meet the inclusion criteria for rounded shoulders and will be actively breastfeeding. The study will be conducted at Sheik Zaid Hospital and will include multiparous women. Participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups: Group A, which will perform scapular posterior tilt exercises, and Group B, which will engage in cross-body stretching exercises. Both groups will undergo their respective intervention protocols three times per week over a period of four weeks. All participants will receive standardized ergonomic education focused on proper breastfeeding posture. The tools that will be used for assessment include the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (BBAT) for latch quality, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) for breastfeeding efficiency, and a posture analysis using the AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System (APECS). Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention. Data will be entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises | Experimental | Other: Scapular Posterior Tilt exercisesTo improve scapular posterior tilt, focus on exercises that strengthen the lower trapezius and serratus anterior, which are crucial for shoulder stability and function |
| Cross-Body Stretching | Experimental | Other: Cross-Body StretchingThe cross-body stretch is an effective exercise for improving shoulder flexibility and relieving tension in the shoulder muscles |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 35 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Mutiparous females.
- previous cesarean section deliveries
- Postpartum women between 2 weeks and 6 months postpartum.
- Experiencing shoulder discomfort or poor posture
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of recent trauma or surgery such a Arthroscopy for Impingement Syndrome, Shoulder Replacement that affecting the shoulder complex.
- Mother with history of breast cancer and hepatitis
- History of shoulder surgery, trauma, or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the upper back/shoulder (Trapezius muscles train, Levator scapulae and rhomboid overuse)
- Severe postnatal complications (e.g., mastitis, postpartum depression, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises* 3 sessions per week * Duration: 20-30 minutes per session * Total duration: 6 weeks | Other | Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises |
| Cross-Body Stretching3 sessions per week, Duration: 20-30 minutes per session. for 6 weeks | Other | Cross-Body Stretching |
Primary outcome
BREASTFEEDING SELF EFFICACY SCALE:
Time frame: 6th week
The BSES-SF was a 14-item self-administered instrument derived from the original 33-item BSES that measured breastfeeding confidence. All items were preceded by the phrase "I can always" and were rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (not at all confident) to 5 (always confident). Total scores ranged from 14 to 70, with higher scores reflecting more significant levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy.
Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool:
Time frame: 6th week
Jenny Ingram developed this tool in 2022; Cronbach's alpha value was found to be 0.77. The scale is a Likert-type scale comprising the 4 items of "positioning," "holding," "sucking" and "swallowing." Each item is scored between 0- 2 points. The lowest possible score on the scale is 0, the highest is 8. Lower scores indicate that the breastfeeding is not successful, the higher scores signify successful breastfeedin
APESC:
Time frame: 6th week
The APECS mobile app uses photo-based posture analysis and scores alignment across body segments using virtual markers. It has excellent reliability, with inter-rater ICCs above 0.90 for most measures and strong intra-rater consistency. Its validity is supported by its ability to detect postural differences between groups
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 May 2026.
- BackgroundAlgabbani MF, Alazmi AA, Alqabbani S, Almurdi MM, Abdelkader SM, Alruwaili M, et al. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck and Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disabilities Among Postpartum Women. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2025;52(2):25833.
- BackgroundFaisal S, Nadeem A, Waqas S. Association between Infant Carrying Methods, Duration, and Trunk Position Among Nursing Mothers of Lahore. Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 2024;12(04).
- Background: PubMed 39026186Escribano S, Herrero-Oliver R, Oliver-Roig A, Richart-Martinez M. Psychometric properties of the maternal breastfeeding evaluation scale: a confirmatory factor analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024 Jul 18;24(1):486. doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06693-8.
- Background: PubMed 38943153Gu Q, Pan L, Yu L, Jiang Q. Effect of scapular posterior tilting exercise on scapular muscle activities in men and women with a rounded shoulder posture. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 Jun 28;19(1):383. doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-04810-z.
- Background: PubMed 40292669Stubbs PW, Mehta P, Trostrup J, Tamminga SJ, Stynes SM, Koes BW, Verhagen AP. Exercise interventions for treating work-related complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025 Apr 28;4(4):CD014643. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD014643.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
hina gul, PhD* principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Scapular Posterior Tilt exercises and Cross-Body Stretching in people with Postpartum Complication, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 4 inclusion and 4 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 May 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 Pakistan. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact imran amjad (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
BREASTFEEDING SELF EFFICACY SCALE: (time frame: 6th week). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07576296, which also lists 5 linked publications.
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 8 May 2026.