Pressure biofeedback may help straighten posture and strengthen neck muscles
NCT ID NCT07026084
First seen Sep 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Upper Cross Syndrome is a common pattern of muscle weakness and poor posture that causes neck pain and a rounded upper back. This trial compares biofeedback-guided training, which uses a pressure unit to help people control specific neck and shoulder muscles, with a standard exercise program. Researchers will enroll 56 adults aged 25 to 45 with the condition and assign them to either approach for 12 sessions over four weeks. They will measure muscle strength, pain, and posture to see whether biofeedback adds benefit beyond conventional therapy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- biofeedback-guided training using a pressure unit
- What this could lead to
- If biofeedback training works better than standard exercise, it could give physical therapists a more precise way to help people with Upper Cross Syndrome rebuild neck and upper back strength and posture.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, short study of 56 people over four weeks. Biofeedback training may not outperform conventional exercise, and any posture or strength gains might not last without continued practice.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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56 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Finished
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Jan 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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25 to 45 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * • Adults aged 25-45 years with both genders. * Individuals meeting the following diagnostic criteria for upper cross syndrome will be included: * Reduced strength of deep cervical flexors = unable to maintain pressure beyond 22-24 mm Hg (assessed via cranio-cervical flexion test). * Limited cervical range of motion (Flexion: \< 80 degrees, Extension: \< 70 degrees, Rotation: \< 90 degrees on both sides, Lateral Flexion: \< 20 degrees) * Postural deviations: forward head posture (CVA \<50 degrees), increased thoracic kyphosis (via flexi curve \>45 degrees). * Neck pain with a duration of over 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * • History of recent neck surgery or injury. * Patients with neurological disorders affecting muscle tone. * Involvement in other physical therapy programs focused on UCS. * Diagnosed musculoskeletal condition that could impact muscle performance.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Watch Guard Tech
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 46000, Pakistan
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