Upper Crossed SyndromeNCT07654543
Dry Cupping Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Crossed Syndrome
A study testing combined therapy teatment, cupping therapy group and muscle energy techniques group in people with Upper Crossed Syndrome and Muscle Energy Techniques, run by Abdelrahman Ahmed Tarek at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy of combining Dry Cupping therapy with the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) against each intervention applied independently, focusing on three core parameters: Neck Disability Index (NDI), Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), and Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Upper Crossed Syndrome, Muscle Energy Techniques
- What is being tested?
- combined therapy teatment, cupping therapy group and muscle energy techniques group
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 76 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2026to 30 Jun 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 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participant inclusion was restricted to individuals between 20 and 40 years of age.
- The exact diagnostic criteria required a baseline craniovertebral angle (CVA) of less than 48 degrees.
- a sagittal shoulder-C7 angle (SSA) of less than 52 degrees.
Who cannot join
- acute post-surgical conditions
- structural spinal deformities (e.g., severe fixed structural scoliosis)
- cervical radiculopathy, or localized dermal infections contradicting cupping application.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Combined Dry Cupping Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Crossed Syndrome Patients. A Randomized Control Study
This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy of combining Dry Cupping therapy with the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) against each intervention applied independently, focusing on three core parameters: Neck Disability Index (NDI), Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), and Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA).
Read the detailed description
This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy of combining Dry Cupping therapy with the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) against each intervention applied independently, focusing on three core parameters: Neck Disability Index (NDI), Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), and Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA).
Methods: A pre-test post-test double-blinded randomized controlled trial design was employed. Seventy-six adults (aged 20-40 years) diagnosed with UCS were randomly allocated into four equal experimental groups (n = 19 per group): Group A received combined dry cupping and MET with conventional therapy; Group B received dry cupping with conventional therapy; Group C received MET with conventional therapy; and Group D received conventional therapy alone. Interventions were conducted over an 8-week period. Primary outcomes included functional impairment via the Arabic version of the NDI, and objective sagittal alignment parameters (CVA and SSA) measured using precision photometry via the Kinovea software application.
- Conditions
- Upper Crossed Syndrome, Muscle Energy Techniques
- Being tested
- combined therapy teatment, cupping therapy group, muscle energy techniques group, control group
- 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.
combined therapy teatmentProcedure or surgery
19 subjects received combined dry cupping therapy, Muscle energy technique, and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks.
- Dry cupping was applied to the regional hypertonic target sites. Standard plastic cups ranging from 25 to 50 mm were placed directly over each subject's levator scapulae trigger point (SI-14) and upper trapezius trigger point (GB-21) bilaterally. The treatment duration was set at exactly 8 minutes per session.
- Muscle Energy Technique The Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) manual protocol targeted the hypertonic muscles of the upper crossed syndrome quadrant, including the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, and suboccipital groups. Participants were placed in a supine position on the treatment table with their head free from the edge of the plinth, supported by the physical therapist.
- conventional physical therapy treatment
cupping therapy groupProcedure or surgery
19 subjects received combined dry cupping therapy and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks.
- Dry cupping was applied to the regional hypertonic target sites. Standard plastic cups ranging from 25 to 50 mm were placed directly over each subject's levator scapulae trigger point (SI-14) and upper trapezius trigger point (GB-21) bilaterally. The treatment duration was set at exactly 8 minutes per session.
- conventional physical therapy treatment
muscle energy techniques groupProcedure or surgery
19 subjects received combined Muscle energy technique, and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks.
- Muscle Energy Technique The Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) manual protocol targeted the hypertonic muscles of the upper crossed syndrome quadrant, including the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, and suboccipital groups. Participants were placed in a supine position on the treatment table with their head free from the edge of the plinth, supported by the physical therapist.
- conventional physical therapy treatment
control groupProcedure or surgery
19 subjects received only conventional physical therapy for eight weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A (Combined group) | Experimental | Group A (Combined group): This group of nineteen subjects received combined dry cupping therapy, Muscle energy techniques, and conventional physical therapy. Receives: Procedure: combined therapy teatment |
| Group B (Cupping group) | Experimental | Group B (Cupping group): This group of nineteen subjects received dry cupping therapy and conventional physical therapy. Receives: Procedure: cupping therapy group |
| Group C (MET group) | Experimental | Group C (MET group): This group of nineteen subjects received Muscle energy techniques and conventional physical therapy. Receives: Procedure: muscle energy techniques group |
| Group D (Control group) | Active comparator | Group D (Control group): This group of nineteen subjects received conventional physical therapy alone Receives: Procedure: control group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Perceived functional limitations resulting from regional impairment were measured using the validated Arabic version of the NDI questionnaire. This instrument evaluates 10 clinical sections (including activities of daily living, concentration, and pain profiles) scored from 0 to 5 per item, yielding a cumulative score out of 50. Higher aggregate indices represent greater functional disability.
Measured: At baseline and re assessed following 8 weeks
craniovertebral angle (CVA)
This biomechanical index reflects the architectural severity of forward head posture. It is defined as the angle formed between a horizontal line drawn through the spinous process of C7 and an intersecting line extending from the tragus of the ear to the C7 landmark. CVA was measured using precision digital photogrammetry via the Kinovea software application.
Measured: At baseline and re assessed following 8 weeks
Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA)
This geometric marker quantifies shoulder roundedness and anterior protraction. It is formed by the intersection of a horizontal reference line passing through the lateral aspect of the acromion with a line drawn from the C7 spinous process to the lateral acromion. SSA was measured using precision digital photogrammetry via the Kinovea software application.
Measured: At baseline and re assessed following 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2026
- Primary completion18 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Upper Crossed SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- 76 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Abdelrahman Ahmed Tarek
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Abdelrahman Ahmed Tarek, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07654543
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 012/006489
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 22 Jun 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 22 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Combined Dry Cupping Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Crossed Syndrome Patients. A Randomized Control Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07654543
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 012/006489
- Conditions
- Upper Crossed Syndrome, Muscle Energy Techniques
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 76 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Abdelrahman Ahmed TarekUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 18 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 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.
This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy of combining Dry Cupping therapy with the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) against each intervention applied independently, focusing on three core parameters: Neck Disability Index (NDI), Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), and Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA).
Detailed description
This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy of combining Dry Cupping therapy with the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) against each intervention applied independently, focusing on three core parameters: Neck Disability Index (NDI), Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), and Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA).
Methods: A pre-test post-test double-blinded randomized controlled trial design was employed. Seventy-six adults (aged 20-40 years) diagnosed with UCS were randomly allocated into four equal experimental groups (n = 19 per group): Group A received combined dry cupping and MET with conventional therapy; Group B received dry cupping with conventional therapy; Group C received MET with conventional therapy; and Group D received conventional therapy alone. Interventions were conducted over an 8-week period. Primary outcomes included functional impairment via the Arabic version of the NDI, and objective sagittal alignment parameters (CVA and SSA) measured using precision photometry via the Kinovea software application.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A (Combined group) | Experimental | Procedure: combined therapy teatmentGroup A (Combined group): This group of nineteen subjects received combined dry cupping therapy, Muscle energy techniques, and conventional physical therapy. |
| Group B (Cupping group) | Experimental | Procedure: cupping therapy groupGroup B (Cupping group): This group of nineteen subjects received dry cupping therapy and conventional physical therapy. |
| Group C (MET group) | Experimental | Procedure: muscle energy techniques groupGroup C (MET group): This group of nineteen subjects received Muscle energy techniques and conventional physical therapy. |
| Group D (Control group) | Active comparator | Procedure: control groupGroup D (Control group): This group of nineteen subjects received conventional physical therapy alone |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Participant inclusion was restricted to individuals between 20 and 40 years of age.
- The exact diagnostic criteria required a baseline craniovertebral angle (CVA) of less than 48 degrees.
- a sagittal shoulder-C7 angle (SSA) of less than 52 degrees.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- acute post-surgical conditions
- structural spinal deformities (e.g., severe fixed structural scoliosis)
- cervical radiculopathy, or localized dermal infections contradicting cupping application.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| combined therapy teatment19 subjects received combined dry cupping therapy, Muscle energy technique, and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks. 1. Dry cupping was applied to the regional hypertonic target sites. Standard plastic cups ranging from 25 to 50 mm were placed directly over each subject's levator scapulae trigger point (SI-14) and upper trapezius trigger point (GB-21) bilaterally. The treatment duration was set at exactly 8 minutes per session. 2. Muscle Energy Technique The Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) manual protocol targeted the hypertonic muscles of the upper crossed syndrome quadrant, including the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, and suboccipital groups. Participants were placed in a supine position on the treatment table with their head free from the edge of the plinth, supported by the physical therapist. 3. conventional physical therapy treatment | Procedure or surgery | Group A (Combined group) |
| cupping therapy group19 subjects received combined dry cupping therapy and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks. 1. Dry cupping was applied to the regional hypertonic target sites. Standard plastic cups ranging from 25 to 50 mm were placed directly over each subject's levator scapulae trigger point (SI-14) and upper trapezius trigger point (GB-21) bilaterally. The treatment duration was set at exactly 8 minutes per session. 2. conventional physical therapy treatment | Procedure or surgery | Group B (Cupping group) |
| muscle energy techniques group19 subjects received combined Muscle energy technique, and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks. 1. Muscle Energy Technique The Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) manual protocol targeted the hypertonic muscles of the upper crossed syndrome quadrant, including the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, and suboccipital groups. Participants were placed in a supine position on the treatment table with their head free from the edge of the plinth, supported by the physical therapist. 2. conventional physical therapy treatment | Procedure or surgery | Group C (MET group) |
| control group19 subjects received only conventional physical therapy for eight weeks. | Procedure or surgery | Group D (Control group) |
Primary outcome
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: At baseline and re assessed following 8 weeks
Perceived functional limitations resulting from regional impairment were measured using the validated Arabic version of the NDI questionnaire. This instrument evaluates 10 clinical sections (including activities of daily living, concentration, and pain profiles) scored from 0 to 5 per item, yielding a cumulative score out of 50. Higher aggregate indices represent greater functional disability.
craniovertebral angle (CVA)
Time frame: At baseline and re assessed following 8 weeks
This biomechanical index reflects the architectural severity of forward head posture. It is defined as the angle formed between a horizontal line drawn through the spinous process of C7 and an intersecting line extending from the tragus of the ear to the C7 landmark. CVA was measured using precision digital photogrammetry via the Kinovea software application.
Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA)
Time frame: At baseline and re assessed following 8 weeks
This geometric marker quantifies shoulder roundedness and anterior protraction. It is formed by the intersection of a horizontal reference line passing through the lateral aspect of the acromion with a line drawn from the C7 spinous process to the lateral acromion. SSA was measured using precision digital photogrammetry via the Kinovea software application.
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 22 Jun 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 combined therapy teatment, cupping therapy group and muscle energy techniques group in people with Upper Crossed Syndrome and Muscle Energy Techniques, run by Abdelrahman Ahmed Tarek 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 3 inclusion and 3 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 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 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?
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?
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 Index (NDI) (time frame: At baseline and re assessed following 8 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?
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 22 Jun 2026.