Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of dry cupping therapy vs static stretching on pain intensity, ROM of the cervical region, and postural alignment (Craniovertebral angle) in university students with Upper Crossed Syndrome.
Study Design: A Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted.
Place and duration of study: This study was extended over the time of 8 months following the consent from the research panel from May 2025 to January 2026 . All Public and Private Universities of Rawalpindi & Islamabad were included in the study.
Material and Methods: The 46 students who completed the inclusion criteria with UCS and were willing to have treatment were engaged and were randomly distributed into two groups: Group A (Dry Cupping) and Group B (Static Stretching). Both groups received the treatment protocol for 6 sessions of respective treatment for the muscles, upper trapezius and levator scapulae, and pectoralis major for 2 weeks on alternate days. The results were measured by tools including the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), goniometry, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Results:The results revealed that both groups i.e. dry cupping and static stretching have shown improvement in pain and ROM compared to the initial values (p < 0.05). However, the results revealed that the Dry Cupping was more effective in improving Craniovertebral angle, which showed improvement in the head position and Neck Disability Index in students with UCS, then static stretching. whereas both groups were equally efficient in improving the pain and cervical ROM.
Conclusion: The conclusion of this study was that dry cupping and static stretching both are beneficial modalities in students who had UCS. The results strongly suggest the potential use of dry cupping within the clinical management of postural complaints.
Keywords: Upper cross syndrome, neck pain, NDI, neck disability, Dry cupping, Static stretching, postural malalignment, Craniovertebral angle (CVA), cervical range of motion
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