Simple nerve stretches may fix rounded shoulders and forward head
NCT ID NCT07017738
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether adding nerve mobilization (gentle stretching of nerves) to corrective exercises helps people with upper cross syndrome — a common postural problem with forward head, rounded shoulders, and a curved upper back. Sixty adults aged 20 to 50 took part. Researchers measured changes in posture angles and pain using photos and questionnaires.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- neural mobilization (a manual therapy technique) plus corrective exercises
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to improve posture and reduce pain in people with upper cross syndrome.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with 60 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the benefits may be modest or not last long.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2025
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- 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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20 to 50 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: * Age ranged from 20 to 50 years. * Body Mass Index ≤30 kg/m². * All participants have a forward head, craniovertebral angle \< 50°. * All participants have round back (kyphosis angle ≥ 42°). * All participants have rounded shoulders of ≥ 52°. * The subjects were chosen from both genders based on an assessment of upper cross syndrome by photogrammetric analysis. * All participants have pain intensity level measured by visual analogue scale (4-8). * All participants tested positive for upper limb tension test of median nerve. Exclusion Criteria: * History of trauma or surgery in the cervical region. * Bone fractures or acute soft tissue injuries. * Osteoporosis. * Pregnant women. * Cancer. * Neurological conditions affecting cervical and thoracic spine. * Connective tissue disease: This includes diseases such as osteomyelitis, lupus, and scleroderma.
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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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Cairo University
Giza, Egypt
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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