The effects of ‘corrective’ exercise programmes on Upper Crossed syndrome

Abstract

Topic Overview: Upper Crossed Syndrome’s (UCS) increasing prevalence, the technological trends exposing younger individuals to ‘bad’ posture, and the dearth of literature on UCS management paved the way for this dissertation. Objective: The primary aim of this secondary data study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of 'corrective' exercises in the treatment of UCS when compared to a control group. Thus, providing healthcare professionals (HCPs) with evidence-based exercises and guidelines to prescribe for the amelioration of UCS. The PICO framework: P-UCS patients, I-corrective exercises, C-control group, O-reduced pain, improved range of motion, led to the following research question: “Are corrective exercise programmes better at improving symptoms related to upper crossed syndrome compared to a control group?”. Method: Thirteen databases were filtered through inclusion and exclusion criteria such as including only randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews (SRs), meta-analysis (MAs), studies from 2014-2023 with relevant keywords, outcomes and quality, whilst excluding non-English publications, outdated publications, inadequate designs etc. The result was RCTs that were critically appraised with the PEDro checklist to quantify validity, decrease bias and improve comparative strength. Results: The findings showed that corrective multimodal exercise programmes had better treatment efficacy for UCS when compared to a control group. Furthermore, the whole UCS complex must be addressed through different targeted interventions such as: strengthening the weakened muscles and stretching the tight structures. Conclusion: This dissertation has shown that corrective exercise programs are beneficial in treating and/or preventing UCS. Recommendations involved propositions for further high-quality research, delivering the results to HCPs and the public, establishing standardised documented treatment and management protocols whilst cooperating with policymakers to implement changes on a nation-wide scale, and establishing a framework that strategically plans resource allocation at an organisational level.