Prevalence of upper crossed syndrome in tall males and its correlation with work-related activities; a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Upper Crossed Syndrome is a type of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) and it is linked with poor ergonomics and sitting for extended periods of time. Upper Crossed Syndrome can lead to muscle imbalances and a poor posture in the body that can lead to pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back. This study was aimed to explore the prevalence of Upper Crossed Syndrome and its relationship with sitting time and physical activity on the job among tall people.

Material & Methods: The study comprised of 196 healthy subjects (age: 26.20 ± 2.34 years) of urban area of Karachi, Pakistan, having mean height of 70.4 ± 1.21 inches. The postural assessment was used to gather the following data: demographic data, work activity level, average sitting time and Upper Crossed Syndrome data. Data was analyzed while using SPSS version 26 and Chi-square tests and Spearman's correlation were used.

Results: The findings revealed that 62.2% of participants were diagnosed with Upper Crossed Syndrome. Individuals engaged in sedentary occupations demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of Upper Crossed Syndrome compared to those with moderately active or physically active jobs (79.6% in sedentary occupations, 50.8% in moderately active occupations, and 35.1% in physically active occupations; χ² = 18.74, p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between prolonged sitting time and the presence of Upper Crossed Syndrome (ρ = 0.426, p < 0.001). Among participants with Upper Crossed Syndrome, the most frequently identified postural deviations were rounded shoulders (83.6%), weak deep neck flexors (74.6%), and forward head posture (73.0%).

Conclusion: A sedentary lifestyle is highly prevalent among young adults, particularly among individuals who spend prolonged periods sitting without regular physical activity. The study highlights the importance of preventive strategies such as ergonomic education, postural correction programs, and routine physical activity to reduce the risk of Upper Crossed Syndrome and associated musculoskeletal disorders.