Lower Cross SyndromeNCT07642271
Effects of Sahrmann's Versus Janda Approach in Lower Crossed Syndrome Patients
A study testing Sahrmann's approach and Jandas approach in people with Lower Cross Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Muscular imbalance due to prolonged sitting or standing posture leads to a condition lower cross syndrome(LCS) or lumbopelvic syndrome. Several stretching and strengthening regimens are used to treat cross pattern of muscular tightness and weakness in LCS. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Lower Cross Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Sahrmann's approach and Jandas approach
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 54 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 30 May 2026to 30 Aug 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 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- • Gender (both)
- Age (18 to 40)
- Participants who fulfilled the criteria of lower cross syndrome
Who cannot join
- • Any serious pathology i.e. Neoplasm
- Any history of trauma
- Spinal malalignment i.e. Scoliosis
- Receiving any other form of Physical therapy treatment
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
Rasheed Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Dr Abdul Rauf, MSPT, 923134649810, Dr.abdulraufpt@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Effects of Sahrmann's Versus Janda Approach on Pain, Pelvic Tilt and Lumbar Lordosis in Lower Crossed Syndrome Patients
Muscular imbalance due to prolonged sitting or standing posture leads to a condition lower cross syndrome(LCS) or lumbopelvic syndrome. Several stretching and strengthening regimens are used to treat cross pattern of muscular tightness and weakness in LCS. This study aims to compare the effects of Sahrmann's versus Janda's approach on pain, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis in lower crossed syndrome patients.
Read the detailed description
This study will be a randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in physiotherapy department of Rasheed Hospital, DHA. Non probability convenience sampling will be used to collect data. Sample size of 54 with age group between 18 to 40 years will be taken. Data will be collected from the patient who fulfilled the criteria of LCS. Outcome measures will be taken by using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, I Handy Level for Pelvic tilt, flexible ruler for lumbar angle. An informed consent will be taken. Subjects will be selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and will be equally divided into two groups by random number generator table. Group A will receive Sahrmann's exercise protocol while group B will receive Janda's Approach. Both groups will receive 10 mins heating pad and 10 mins Tens for muscle relaxation. Outcome measures will be measured at baseline and then at 4th week. Data Analysis will be done by IBM SPSS version 21.
- Conditions
- Lower Cross Syndrome
- Being tested
- Sahrmann's approach, Jandas approach
- Keywords
- pain, pelvic tilt
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sahrmann's approachOther
- single knee to chest and double knee to chest
- Rectus femoris stretching
- kneeling psoas stretch
- piriformis stretch in pigeon pose
- lying piriformis stretch
- Sit and reach stretch
1.Clamshell (side lying) strengthening of gluteus medius 2.Hip abduction gluteus medius strengthening 3.Extension of femur 4.isometric abdominal contraction(top to floor) 5. abdominal contraction(cat exercise)
Jandas approachOther
1.50 to 70 degrees of trunk flexion 2.Pelvis tilting 3.One leg standing 4.Quadreped position (forward and backward movement) 5. Quadruped position (raising opposite arm and leg) 6. pelvic bridging 7.One leg bridge 8.Side Plank 9.Abdominal bracing 10. Knee active bending 90 degrees 11. Half Crunch
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sahrmann's approach | Experimental | Dr. Shirley Sahrmann's approach-rooted in her concept of Movement System Impairment (MSI) Syndromes-takes a functional, movement-based approach to postural dysfunctions like lower crossed syndrome (LCS). Rather than treating LCS strictly as a static structural cross-syndrome, her model emphasizes analyzing how the body moves in daily life Receives: Other: Sahrmann's approach |
| Janda Approach | Active comparator | The Janda approach to Lower Crossed Syndrome (LCS) corrects muscle imbalances caused by prolonged sitting or poor posture. It targets an alternating "cross" of tight and weak muscles-specifically tight hip flexors/lower back muscles and weak glutes/abdominals-to relieve low back pain and restore proper pelvic alignment. Receives: Other: Jandas approach |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric pain rate scale (NPRS) for pain
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) is an 11-point, standardized assessment tool used to measure subjective pain intensity. Ranging from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("the worst pain imaginable"), it provides healthcare providers with a quick and reliable method to evaluate pain severity, track symptom changes, and measure treatment effectiveness
Measured: upto 4 weeks
Flexible Ruler for lumbar Lordosis (degree)
To measure lumbar lordosis using a flexible ruler (flexicurve), mold it to the curvature of your spine from T12 to S2. Trace the curve onto paper to find the curve's length (\(L\)) and the maximum perpendicular height (\(H\)). Calculate the angle in degrees using the equation: \(\theta = 4 \times \arctan(2H/L)\).
Measured: upto 4 weeks
I Handy Level for Pelvic tilt(degree)
The examiner performed the process three times, and during those three trials, the best view was acquired, the normal average anterior pelvic tilt angle is 9.6±3.5 and 11.7±3.8° in males and females, respectively
Measured: upto 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Jun 2026
- Study start30 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (9)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Lower Cross SyndromeStudies 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
- 54 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Samrood Akram, PhD*, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07642271
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0113 Rahila
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 11 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Kandil EA, Yamany AAER, Alsaka SSD, Abd El-Azeim AS. Effect of global postural reeducation on chronic low pain patients with lower cross syndrome. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy. 2024;29(1):8.
Sugavanam T, Sannasi R, Anand PA, Ashwin Javia P. Postural asymmetry in low back pain - a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Disabil Rehabil. 2025 Apr;47(7):1659-1676. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2385070. Epub 2024 Aug 21.
PubMed 39166267Nourbakhsh MR, Arabloo AM, Salavati M. The relationship between pelvic cross syndrome and chronic low back pain. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2006;19(4):119-28.
Pradeep S, Heggannavar A, Metgud S. Effect of Sciatic Nerve Neurodynamic Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides on Individuals with Pelvic Crossed Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Indian Journal of Physical Therapy and Research. 2020;2(1):35-40.
Puagprakong P, Earde P, Kooncumchoo P, editors. Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Angle Changes During Upright and Free Style Sitting in Office Workers with Lower Crossed Syndrome. Human Interaction, Emerging Technologies and Future Applications IV; 2021 2021//; Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Childs JD, Piva SR, Fritz JM. Responsiveness of the numeric pain rating scale in patients with low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2005 Jun 1;30(11):1331-4. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000164099.92112.29.
PubMed 15928561Seidi F, Rajabi R, Ts E, Sj M. Iranian Flexible ruler Reliability and Validity in Lumbar Lordosis Measurement. World Journal of Sport Sciences. 2009;2:95-9.
Lewandrowski KU, Elfar JC, Li ZM, Burkhardt BW, Lorio MP, Winkler PA, Oertel JM, Telfeian AE, Dowling A, Vargas RAA, Ramina R, Abraham I, Assefi M, Yang H, Zhang X, Ramirez Leon JF, Fiorelli RKA, Pereira MG, de Carvalho PST, Defino H, Moyano J, Lim KT, Kim HS, Montemurro N, Yeung A, Novellino P. The Changing Environment in Postgraduate Education in Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery and Its Impact on Technology-Driven Targeted Interventional and Surgical Pain Management: Perspectives from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and The United States. J Pers Med. 2023 May 18;13(5):852. doi: 10.3390/jpm13050852.
PubMed 37241022Luna, A., Casertano, L., Timmerberg, J., O'Neil, M., Machowsky, J., Leu, C.-S., . . . Agrawal, S. (2021). Artificial intelligence application versus physical therapist for squat evaluation: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 18109. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-97343-y Mahmoud, H., Aljaldi, F., El-Fiky, A., Battecha, K., Thabet, A., Alayat, M., . . . Ibrahim, A. (2023). Artificial Intelligence machine learning and conventional physical therapy for upper limb outcome in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 27(11), 4812-4827. doi:10.26355/eurrev_202306_32598
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Sahrmann's Versus Janda Approach on Pain, Pelvic Tilt and Lumbar Lordosis in Lower Crossed Syndrome Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07642271
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0113 Rahila
- Conditions
- Lower Cross Syndrome
- Keywords
- pain, pelvic tilt
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Jun 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.
Muscular imbalance due to prolonged sitting or standing posture leads to a condition lower cross syndrome(LCS) or lumbopelvic syndrome. Several stretching and strengthening regimens are used to treat cross pattern of muscular tightness and weakness in LCS. This study aims to compare the effects of Sahrmann's versus Janda's approach on pain, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis in lower crossed syndrome patients.
Detailed description
This study will be a randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in physiotherapy department of Rasheed Hospital, DHA. Non probability convenience sampling will be used to collect data. Sample size of 54 with age group between 18 to 40 years will be taken. Data will be collected from the patient who fulfilled the criteria of LCS. Outcome measures will be taken by using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, I Handy Level for Pelvic tilt, flexible ruler for lumbar angle. An informed consent will be taken. Subjects will be selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and will be equally divided into two groups by random number generator table. Group A will receive Sahrmann's exercise protocol while group B will receive Janda's Approach. Both groups will receive 10 mins heating pad and 10 mins Tens for muscle relaxation. Outcome measures will be measured at baseline and then at 4th week. Data Analysis will be done by IBM SPSS version 21.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sahrmann's approach | Experimental | Other: Sahrmann's approachDr. Shirley Sahrmann's approach-rooted in her concept of Movement System Impairment (MSI) Syndromes-takes a functional, movement-based approach to postural dysfunctions like lower crossed syndrome (LCS). Rather than treating LCS strictly as a static structural cross-syndrome, her model emphasizes analyzing how the body moves in daily life |
| Janda Approach | Active comparator | Other: Jandas approachThe Janda approach to Lower Crossed Syndrome (LCS) corrects muscle imbalances caused by prolonged sitting or poor posture. It targets an alternating "cross" of tight and weak muscles-specifically tight hip flexors/lower back muscles and weak glutes/abdominals-to relieve low back pain and restore proper pelvic alignment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- • Gender (both)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- • Any serious pathology i.e. Neoplasm
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sahrmann's approach1. single knee to chest and double knee to chest 2. Rectus femoris stretching 3. kneeling psoas stretch 4. piriformis stretch in pigeon pose 5. lying piriformis stretch 6. Sit and reach stretch 1.Clamshell (side lying) strengthening of gluteus medius 2.Hip abduction gluteus medius strengthening 3.Extension of femur 4.isometric abdominal contraction(top to floor) 5. abdominal contraction(cat exercise) | Other | Sahrmann's approach |
| Jandas approach1.50 to 70 degrees of trunk flexion 2.Pelvis tilting 3.One leg standing 4.Quadreped position (forward and backward movement) 5. Quadruped position (raising opposite arm and leg) 6. pelvic bridging 7.One leg bridge 8.Side Plank 9.Abdominal bracing 10. Knee active bending 90 degrees 11. Half Crunch | Other | Janda Approach |
Primary outcome
Numeric pain rate scale (NPRS) for pain
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) is an 11-point, standardized assessment tool used to measure subjective pain intensity. Ranging from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("the worst pain imaginable"), it provides healthcare providers with a quick and reliable method to evaluate pain severity, track symptom changes, and measure treatment effectiveness
Flexible Ruler for lumbar Lordosis (degree)
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
To measure lumbar lordosis using a flexible ruler (flexicurve), mold it to the curvature of your spine from T12 to S2. Trace the curve onto paper to find the curve's length (\(L\)) and the maximum perpendicular height (\(H\)). Calculate the angle in degrees using the equation: \(\theta = 4 \times \arctan(2H/L)\).
I Handy Level for Pelvic tilt(degree)
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
The examiner performed the process three times, and during those three trials, the best view was acquired, the normal average anterior pelvic tilt angle is 9.6±3.5 and 11.7±3.8° in males and females, respectively
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 11 Jun 2026.
- BackgroundKandil EA, Yamany AAER, Alsaka SSD, Abd El-Azeim AS. Effect of global postural reeducation on chronic low pain patients with lower cross syndrome. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy. 2024;29(1):8.
- Background: PubMed 39166267Sugavanam T, Sannasi R, Anand PA, Ashwin Javia P. Postural asymmetry in low back pain - a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Disabil Rehabil. 2025 Apr;47(7):1659-1676. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2385070. Epub 2024 Aug 21.
- BackgroundNourbakhsh MR, Arabloo AM, Salavati M. The relationship between pelvic cross syndrome and chronic low back pain. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2006;19(4):119-28.
- BackgroundPradeep S, Heggannavar A, Metgud S. Effect of Sciatic Nerve Neurodynamic Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides on Individuals with Pelvic Crossed Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Indian Journal of Physical Therapy and Research. 2020;2(1):35-40.
- BackgroundPuagprakong P, Earde P, Kooncumchoo P, editors. Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Angle Changes During Upright and Free Style Sitting in Office Workers with Lower Crossed Syndrome. Human Interaction, Emerging Technologies and Future Applications IV; 2021 2021//; Cham: Springer International Publishing.
- Background: PubMed 15928561Childs JD, Piva SR, Fritz JM. Responsiveness of the numeric pain rating scale in patients with low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2005 Jun 1;30(11):1331-4. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000164099.92112.29.
- BackgroundSeidi F, Rajabi R, Ts E, Sj M. Iranian Flexible ruler Reliability and Validity in Lumbar Lordosis Measurement. World Journal of Sport Sciences. 2009;2:95-9.
- Background: PubMed 37241022Lewandrowski KU, Elfar JC, Li ZM, Burkhardt BW, Lorio MP, Winkler PA, Oertel JM, Telfeian AE, Dowling A, Vargas RAA, Ramina R, Abraham I, Assefi M, Yang H, Zhang X, Ramirez Leon JF, Fiorelli RKA, Pereira MG, de Carvalho PST, Defino H, Moyano J, Lim KT, Kim HS, Montemurro N, Yeung A, Novellino P. The Changing Environment in Postgraduate Education in Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery and Its Impact on Technology-Driven Targeted Interventional and Surgical Pain Management: Perspectives from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and The United States. J Pers Med. 2023 May 18;13(5):852. doi: 10.3390/jpm13050852.
- BackgroundLuna, A., Casertano, L., Timmerberg, J., O'Neil, M., Machowsky, J., Leu, C.-S., . . . Agrawal, S. (2021). Artificial intelligence application versus physical therapist for squat evaluation: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 18109. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-97343-y Mahmoud, H., Aljaldi, F., El-Fiky, A., Battecha, K., Thabet, A., Alayat, M., . . . Ibrahim, A. (2023). Artificial Intelligence machine learning and conventional physical therapy for upper limb outcome in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 27(11), 4812-4827. doi:10.26355/eurrev_202306_32598
- 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.
Samrood Akram, 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 Sahrmann's approach and Jandas approach in people with Lower Cross Syndrome, 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 3 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Jun 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 Samrood Akram, PhD* (03324806143, samrood.akram@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric pain rate scale (NPRS) for pain (time frame: upto 4 weeks). 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 NCT07642271, which also lists 9 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 11 Jun 2026.