Investigation of the effect of diaphragmatic and corrective exercises on neck pain and function in radiotechnologists with upper crossed syndrome
Design
This is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial involving 36 patients. Participants will be allocated to one of the three groups using a simple randomization method, generated via the Randomizer software
Settings and conduct
This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Arak University laboratory. The target population consists of radi technologists suffering from Upper Crossed Syndrome. Both intervention groups will follow their respective exercise programs. Assessments will be performed at pre-test and post-test stages using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Clinical diagnosis of upper crossed syndrome by postural assessment and deep neck muscle weakness, age between 25 to 45 years, minimum 1 year of work experience as a radiotechnologist, chronic neck pain more than 3 months, pain intensity/disability: VAS ≥ 3 or NDI ≥ 10, provision of informed consent. Exclusion criteria: History of cervical spine or shoulder surgery, systemic/neurological/rheumatic diseases, acute respiratory or cardiovascular problems, pregnancy, participation in a similar exercise program in the last 3 months, use of other treatments during the study period
Intervention groups
Intervention group 1: Shoulder and scapular stabilization exercises
Intervention group 2: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises
Control group: No exercise intervention
Main outcome variables
Neck Pain Intensity
General information
Reason for update
Acronym
IRCT registration information
IRCT registration number:IRCT20251121068065N12
Registration date:2026-07-03, 1405/04/12
Registration timing:prospective
Last update:2026-07-03, 1405/04/12
Update count:0
Registration date
2026-07-03, 1405/04/12
Registrant information
Name
kavoushgaran kavoushgaran
Name of organization / entity
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Phone
+98 915 718 4680
Email address
atiye.hesary@gmail.com
Recruitment status
recruiting
Funding source
Expected recruitment start date
2026-07-16, 1405/04/25
Expected recruitment end date
2026-10-17, 1405/07/25
Actual recruitment start date
empty
Actual recruitment end date
empty
Trial completion date
empty
Scientific title
The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing and Corrective Exercises on Pain and Neck Function in Radiologic Technologists with Upper Crossed Syndrome
Public title
The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing and Corrective Exercises on Pain and Neck Function in Radiologic Technologists with Upper Crossed Syndrome
Purpose
Treatment
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
Clinical diagnosis of Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) based on postural assessment (forward head, rounded shoulders), deep cervical flexor weakness, and validated clinical tests (e.g., Janda or observation-based tests).
Age range: 25 to 45 years.
Minimum of 1 year of professional experience as a radiotechnologist.
Chronic neck pain (duration of more than 3 months).
Pain intensity of VAS ≥ 3 and/or NDI score ≥ 10.
Informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria:
History of cervical spine or shoulder surgery.
Presence of systemic, neurological, or rheumatic diseases.
Acute respiratory or cardiovascular disorders.
Pregnancy.
Participation in similar exercise programs within the last 3 months.
Concurrent use of other therapeutic interventions (e.g., physiotherapy, chiropractic, or acupuncture) during the study period.
Age
From 25 years old to 45 years old
Gender
Both
Phase
N/A
Groups that have been masked
No information
Sample size
Target sample size:
36
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
Participants will be allocated to one of the three groups using simple randomization, facilitated by the Randomizer software. To ensure unbiased allocation, the random codes generated by the software will serve as the basis for assigning each participant to one of the three groups, ensuring a systematic and randomized distribution of participants across the study group.
Assessments will be conducted in two stages: pre-test (before the start of the exercise protocol) and post-test (after completion of the 8-week exercise period).
Method of measurement
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Secondary outcomes
1
Description
Neck function
Timepoint
Assessments will be conducted in two stages: pre-test (before the start of the exercise protocol) and post-test (after completion of the 8-week exercise period).
Method of measurement
Neck function will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Intervention groups
1
Description
Intervention Group 1: (Shoulder Stabilization Exercises) consists of corrective stabilization exercises for the shoulder girdle and scapular muscles, performed for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, with each session lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The exercise content includes active exercises to strengthen scapular muscles (such as the serratus anterior and lower trapezius), balance and postural control exercises in sitting, standing, and quadruped positions, and functional exercises using resistance bands or body weight.
Category
Rehabilitation
2
Description
Intervention Group 2: (Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises) consists of diaphragmatic breathing retraining, performed for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, with each session lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The exercise content includes training in deep diaphragmatic breathing in supine, sitting, and standing positions, breathing rhythm exercises, inhalation and exhalation control, and breathing exercises combined with upper limb movements.
Category
Rehabilitation
3
Description
Control group: Will not receive any exercise intervention.