The effect of corrective exercises with a systematic approach on brain oscillations, muscle activity, posture, range of motion, and balance in people with upper crossed syndrome.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of corrective exercises with a systematic approach on the symptoms and complications of Upper Crossed Syndrome. (UCS).

A randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 36 individuals

The measurements will be conducted in the Sports Science Laboratory of Arak University, and the training sessions will be carried out at the Diaphragm Corrective Exercises Center in Arak. Participants will be assessed during a pretest, a posttest, and a follow-up test over an approximate period of four months. The data collector and the statistical assessor will be blinded (single-blind).

The study participants will be 18-28 year-olds residing in Arak with Upper Crossed Syndrome and similar occupational characteristics. After initial screening and meeting the eligibility criteria, they will enroll in the study by providing written informed consent.

The intervention group will perform a 12-week corrective exercise program using a systematic approach, three sessions per week, 60 minutes each. Sessions include warm-up, corrective, and cool-down phases. Based on Lederman’s neuromuscular adaptation theory and a stepwise model, the program targets dysfunctions in postural and movement control. Exercises will use Pilates balls, resistance bands, steps, weights, and Swedish ladders, under the supervision of a corrective exercise specialist following progressive overload principles. The control group will only engage in their usual daily activities.

Forward Head Angle, Forward Shoulder Angle, Thoracic Kyphosis Angle, Brain Electrical Activity, Muscle Electrical Activity, Range of Motion of Shoulder and Neck Joints, Static and Dynamic Balance

The random allocation sequence will be generated using a block randomization method with an equal allocation ratio (1:1) and variable block sizes of 4 and 6. The random sequence will be created through a validated online randomization system (Sealed Envelope) under the supervision of an independent statistician. Both the block sizes and allocation sequence will remain concealed from the research team until the completion of participant enrollment to prevent allocation predictability. Allocation concealment will be achieved using sequentially numbered, opaque, and sealed envelopes. Each envelope will contain the code of the assigned group and will be stored in numerical order within a locked box. At enrollment, the registration officer, who is blinded to the randomization sequence, will open the next envelope in sequence and record the participant’s assigned group. The random sequence generation and envelope preparation will be carried out by an independent statistician, while participant enrollment and assignment will be performed by a separate researcher unaware of the allocation codes. Thus, the procedures for sequence generation, allocation concealment, and implementation are designed in accordance with CONSORT guidelines to minimize the risk of selection bias.

In this study, the following practical measures will be implemented to ensure effective blinding and minimize bias: Participants will be allocated to either the intervention or control group. The outcome assessor and the data analyst will remain blinded to the group allocation of the participants until the final analysis stage is fully completed. To guarantee this, the researcher administering the intervention, who is aware of the group assignments, will have no role in baseline data collection or outcome assessment. The collected raw data will be fully anonymized and coded before being handed over to the analyst, with group labels such as 1 and 2 replacing the actual group names.

Individual-level data will be made available after de-identifying the study participants. This data will include demographic characteristics, recorded EEG data, electromyographic (EMG) data, as well as data related to posture measurement, balance, and range of motion. It is noteworthy that all data will be made available after applying the necessary statistical adjustments.

The data access period will commence six months after the publication of the study's results.

Access to the research data will be restricted to researchers affiliated with academic and scientific institutions.

Performing statistical analyses within the scope of published articles related to the present research is permissible. However, the misuse of data to extract new findings is strictly prohibited.

Applicants can submit their requests via the Telegram application to the postal address and contact number provided below. Postal Email: M.khorami@hotmail.com Telegram: +98 936 360 8888

The applicant must provide a compelling and specific justification for requesting the data. Upon receipt of the request, they will be notified that their application is under review. Following approval by the research team, the data will be made available to the applicant within one month from the start of the request review.