Prevalence and Associated Factors of Upper Cross Syndrome Among Physiotherapy Students at the University of Tripoli.

Abstract

Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by postural imbalances of the head, neck, and shoulders, often exacerbated by prolonged electronic device use and poor posture. This study aimed to determine nthe prevalence of UCS and its associated factors among physiotherapy students at the University of Tripoli. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2024 among 126 physiotherapy students aged 20–25 years, using a self-administered questionnaire and clinical assessments including neck range of motion, wall and ruler test for forward head posture, and thumb test for rounded shoulders. Results revealed a high prevalence of UCS-related symptoms, with 50.8% reporting neck tension, 85% mild pectoral muscle stiffness, 46% forward head posture, and 44.4% rounded shoulders; moreover, 73.8% experienced headaches associated with device use or studying, and 89.7% reported pain during poor posture. Despite these findings, 57.7% did not seek treatment, while only 11.1% received physiotherapy. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant associations between device usage and pain type (p=0.041), as well as between neck tightness and pain (p=0.002). In conclusion, UCS is highly prevalent among physiotherapy students at the University of Tripoli, with poor posture and device usage as major contributing factors, underscoring the need for early intervention, postural education, and physiotherapy to prevent long-term musculoskeletal complications. These findings also highlight the importance of future longitudinal and interventional studies to further explore preventive and therapeutic strategies for UCS in student populations.