Clinical trial NCT06766955: Prevalence of Lower Cross Syndrome Among Female College Students and Its Relation With Dysmenorrhea
Official title: Prevalence of Lower Cross Syndrome Among Female College Students and Its Relation With Dysmenorrhea
Study type: OBSERVATIONAL
Overall status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Conditions: Cross Syndrome
Lead sponsor: Cairo University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-01-09
Enrollment: 140
Sex: FEMALE
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 25
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Observational model: OTHER
Time perspective: CROSS_SECTIONAL
Sampling method: NON_PROBABILITY_SAMPLE
Study population: Medical and Non-Medical Female students participated in this study. They were selected randomly from Cairo University and private universities in Cairo.

Brief summary: The purpose of the study is to find out the prevalence of lower cross syndrome among female college students and its relation with dysmenorrhea.

Detailed description: In individuals with lower cross syndrome (LCS), there is often a notable tightness in the hip flexors and the lower back musculature, which is typically accompanied by a corresponding weakness in the abdominal muscles and the gluteus maximus. This imbalance is not merely a matter of discomfort; it fundamentally disrupts the normal distribution of biomechanical forces within the lower back. When the muscles that support the pelvis and spine are not functioning optimally, it can lead to altered movement patterns and increased strain on the lumbar region.

The positioning of the uterus can also be adversely affected by this muscular imbalance. Anterior or posterior displacement of the uterus can occur as a result of the altered pelvic alignment associated with LCS. This displacement can create additional tension within the surrounding soft tissues and muscles, leading to a cascade of physiological responses.

One notable consequence of this tension is the excessive secretion of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that play a key role in the regulation of inflammation and pain. Elevated levels of prostaglandins are often linked to dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, which can further exacerbate discomfort and impact the daily lives of those affected.

To date, there is only one previous study in India investigating the prevalence of LCS among female college students and its relation with dysmenorrhea. There is lack of literature evidence, which can show the prevalence of LCS among female college students in Egypt. So, this study aims to fill a critical gap in existing literature by providing valuable insights into the prevalence and associated factors of LCS in this population in Egypt.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* They were virgin, healthy female college students.
* They had regular menstruation (3-8 days in duration, with 21-35 days in-between).
* Their ages ranged from 18 to 25 years old.
* Their body mass index (BMI) will range from 18 to 24.9 Kg/m2.
* Their waist- hip ratio was less than (0.8).

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of back or lower limb surgery
* Trauma to back or lower extremity
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Spinal deformity such as kyphosis and scoliosis.
* Any neurological disease
* Uncooperative volunteers.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Measurement of iliopsoas muscle length
timeFrame: 6 weeks
measure: Measurement of length of spinal extensors muscle
timeFrame: 6 weeks
measure: Measurement of strength of abdominal muscle
timeFrame: 6 weeks
measure: Measurement of gluteus Maximus strength
timeFrame: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Assessment of menstrual symptoms
timeFrame: 6 weeks
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Cairo
country: Egypt
facility: Farida Bakr Mohamed
Study officials:
affiliation: Cairo University
name: Amir A Gabr, Professor
role: STUDY_DIRECTOR
affiliation: Cairo University
name: Dalia M. Kamel, Professor
role: STUDY_CHAIR
References: