The Effect of Pilates Training Combined with Fascial Massage on Upper Cross Syndrome in Office Workers

Abstract

Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder found mainly in sedentary office workers and is characterized by tightness and weakness of the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Pilates training relieves or corrects UCS by activating and exercising deep muscles through regular, controlled movements with breathing to enhance muscle control and balance. In addition, fascial massage is a method of loosening tissue adhesions, relieving pain, enhancing proprioceptive function, and reducing somatic dysfunction, either unassisted or using various fascial massage devices. The rehabilitative properties of Pilates training and fascial massage allow them to be used as a specific form of helping the UCS population to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, and should be increasingly understood and studied.

The purposes of this study was twofold: (1) Investigate the effect of Pilates training combined with fascial massage on UCS in office workers; (2) Compare the effects of Pilates training combined with fascial massage with Pilates training alone on UCS in office workers.

In this study, literature method, test method and mathematical statistics method were used to study the intervention effect of Pilates training combined with fascial massage on UCS. A total of 34 cases of UCS participated in this study and were divided into experimental and control groups, with Pilates training combined with fascial massage in the experimental group and Pilates training in the control group. Before and after the intervention, the relevant indexes were tested (sagittal static assessment, 3D body scanning simulation score (FHA, FSA), cervical spine range of motion (ROM), pain level, the neck disability index (NDI), etc.). The test results were statistically analyzed using SPSS26.0, and the independent sample t-test was used for the basic information of the subjects in the two groups before the intervention; the independent sample t-test was used for the between-group comparison; and the paired sample t-test was used for the within-group comparison. Combining the results of between-group and within-group comparisons, the intervention effect of Pilates training combined with fascial massage on UCS population was explored.

The main conclusions were as follows:

(1) The effectiveness of the comprehensive intervention program of Pilates training combined with fascial massage was verified. The experimental results showed that Pilates training combined with fascial massage could effectively improve the relevant indicators (3D body scan simulation scores (FHA, FSA), cervical spine range of motion (ROM), pain level, neck disability index (NDI), etc.) of UCS in office workers.

(2) Demonstrated the advantages of the combined intervention. Compared with Pilates training alone, Pilates training combined with fascial massage was found to be effective in improving the patient-related indices on UCS in office workers (3D body scanning simulation score (FHA, FSA), cervical spine range of motion (ROM), pain level, the neck disability index (NDI), etc.)

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