Immediate and Prolonged Effects of Breathing Exercises on Pain, Quality of Life and Functional Disability in Patients of Upper Cross Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Published in: Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences 2023-03, Vol.11 (1), p.34-39
• Main Authors: Liaqat, Mahnoor, Arsalan, Asadullah, Waqar, Muhammad, Ahmad, Ashfaq, Gillani, Syed Amir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: breathing exercises cervical pain; disabilty upper cross syndrome
• ISSN: 2226-9215; 2410-888X
• DOI: 10.53389/JRCRS2023110108

Background: Upper cross syndrome is a relatively prevalent musculoskeletal disorder among the general population due to increased usage of smart gadgets and poor postural habits. Objective: To determine the immediate and prolonged effect of breathing exercise on pain, functional disability, and quality of life parameters in the population with the upper cross syndrome. Methodology: A randomized control trial study was conducted at Jinnah Memorial Trust Hospital Gujranwala. The duration of the study was 15 months (Feb-2021 to Jan-2022). A sample of 76 upper cross syndrome enrolled and equally (n=38) randomized into the control group (regular physical therapy treatment) and experimental group (regular physical therapy treatment + breathing exercises). The treatment effect was investigated on the outcomes including pain (NPRS), functional disability (NDI), and Quality of life (SF-36). Treatment time was a total of 4 weeks; outcomes variables were compared at baseline vs after 1st session, for immediate effects, and Baseline vs after 4th week for prolonged effects. Data was analyzed with SPSS 21. Results: The mean age of 76 participants was 32.51 + 6.33 years (4 males (5.3%) and 72 females (94.7%)). For both, immediate effects NPRS, NDI, and SF-36 domains (general health, general health perception, physical functioning, role limitation due to physical health, emotional health, role limitation due to emotional health, energy, and bodily pain) were significantly improved (p