Effects of Elastic Band Resistance Training and Verbal Cueing on Musculoskeletal and Pulmonary Functions in Upper Crossed Syndrome: An 8-week Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and objective: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is highly prevalent among female university students, exerting multifaceted negative impacts on both musculoskeletal and pulmonary functions. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the therapeutic efficacy of an 8-week elastic band resistance training, a verbal cueing intervention, and their combination on correcting UCS. Methods: Thirty-seven female college students identified with UCS characteristics were randomly assigned to four groups: the elastic band intervention group (Group A, n=10), the verbal cueing intervention group (Group B, n=10), the combined intervention group (Group C, n=10), and the control group (Group H, n=7). Key outcome measures including the Neck Disability Index (NDI), forward head angle (FHA), forward shoulder angle (FSA), vital capacity, and cervical range of motion (CROM) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: Post-intervention analyses revealed that while all three experimental groups exhibited improvements, Group A demonstrated significant superiority over the control group in NDI, FSA, vital capacity, and multiple directions of CROM (p0.050). Furthermore, Group A significantly outperformed Group B in NDI, vital capacity, and bilateral lateral flexion of the cervical spine (p0.050). The combined intervention (Group C) showed significant positive outcomes but did not yield a strictly additive structural effect compared to Group A. Conclusion: Although verbal cueing effectively enhances temporary postural awareness, isolated progressive elastic band resistance training is the most effective approach for inducing structural neuromuscular remodeling. It significantly corrects postural deviations, restores cervical mobility, and alleviates mechanical restrictions on the thorax to improve pulmonary function in patients with UCS.

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He, W., Bi, R., Liu, H., Duan, Y., Wang, Z. (2026) Effects of Elastic Band Resistance Training and Verbal Cueing on Musculoskeletal and Pulmonary Functions in Upper Crossed Syndrome: An 8-week Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Disease and Public Health, 2(1), 1-9.