PREVALENCE OF UPPER TRAPEZIUS TIGHTNESS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN AND POOR POSTURE IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Authors

  • Kalsoom Umrani Indus University, Pakistan. Author
  • Khadija Usman Indus University, Pakistan. Author
  • Okasha Anjum Indus University, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/q3tps569

Keywords:

Neck Pain, Trapezius Muscle, Muscle Tightness, Poor Posture, University Students.

Abstract

Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition, especially in populations engaged in prolonged sedentary activity. Among university students, poor posture, extended screen time, and repetitive study-related tasks often contribute to upper trapezius muscle tightness. This condition leads to discomfort, restricted range of motion, headaches, and reduced academic focus. Despite its growing prevalence, awareness and early preventive strategies remain limited in younger populations, particularly in developing regions. This study aimed to address this gap through clinical assessment and evaluation.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of upper trapezius muscle tightness and its association with neck disability and poor posture among university students.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at four academic institutions in Karachi, including Indus University, Ziauddin University, Dow University, and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). A total of 273 undergraduate physiotherapy students were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. Participants completed a structured questionnaire covering demographics, pain patterns, posture habits, and management practices. Standardized tools included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Upper Trapezius Muscle Length Test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with Chi-square tests assessing associations between muscle tightness, posture, and disability.

Results: Out of 273 participants, the majority were female (76.6%), and most fell within the 20–22 year age group (54.2%). Assessment using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) revealed that 55.7% of participants had mild disability, 19.0% had moderate disability, and 2.6% experienced severe disability, while 22.7% reported no disability. Evaluation of upper trapezius muscle length showed that 46.9% of participants had some degree of tightness: 41.0% had mild, 4.8% moderate, and 1.1% severe tightness. A significant association was observed between upper trapezius tightness and poor posture (p = 0.007), as well as between muscle tightness and neck disability (p = 0.001), indicating that increased muscle tightness is linked to both postural deviations and functional neck impairment

Conclusion: Upper trapezius tightness and related neck pain are highly prevalent among physiotherapy students, significantly impacting posture and functional health. These findings underscore the need for early ergonomic education and implementation of preventive interventions such as postural training and therapeutic exercises.

Keywords: Trapezius Muscle, Muscle Tightness, Neck Pain, Poor Posture, University Students.

Author Biographies

  • Kalsoom Umrani, Indus University, Pakistan.

     DPT, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Indus University, Pakistan.

  • Khadija Usman, Indus University, Pakistan.

    Lecturer, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Indus University, Pakistan.

  • Okasha Anjum, Indus University, Pakistan.

    Head of Department, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Indus University, Pakistan.

References

Arıcı T, Akpınar Ç K, Bilgiç AB, Köken İ. Ultrasound-guided interfascial blocks of the trapezius muscle for cervicogenic headache. Agri. 2023;35(1):16-21.

Kwon DR, Kim Y. Sternocleidomastoid size and upper trapezius muscle thickness in congenital torticollis patients: A retrospective observational study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(52):e28466.

Zafar H, Alghadir AH, Iqbal ZA, Khan M. Short-term effects of tactile stimulation of facial skin on hamstring muscle flexibility in healthy young males. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2023;63(5):617-22.

Dursun Ö, Dincer E, Reyhanlı G. Scapular asymmetry in patients with cervical disc herniation. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2025;38(4):750-8.

Vongsirinavarat M, Wangbunkhong S, Sakulsriprasert P, Petviset H. Prevalence of scapular dyskinesis in office workers with neck and scapular pain. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2023;29(1):50-5.

Puel AN, da Silva Paes AG, Macedo C, Miranda LS, Graciosa M, Sonza A. Peripheral muscle oxygenation and symptoms of stress in adolescents with and without temporomandibular disorder. Clin Oral Investig. 2023;27(4):1509-17.

Naqvi WM, Quraishi MF, Arora SP, Goyal C. A Novel Method for Muscle Elongation in Myalgia with Naqvi's-Dynamic Electrical Therapy Approach (DELTA)©: The First-Ever Case Report. Cureus. 2022;14(3):e23075.

Abd El-Azeim AS, Mahmoud AG, Mohamed MT, El-Khateeb YS. Impact of adding scapular stabilization to postural correctional exercises on symptomatic forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2022;58(5):757- 66.

Koo DK, Nam SM, Kwon JW. Immediate Effects of the Reverse Plank Exercise on Muscle Thickness and Postural Angle in Individuals with the Forward Shoulder Posture. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2022;7(4).

Barbosa GM, Ribeiro LP, Nasser AB, Oliver GD, Camargo PR. Flexibility, Position, and Strength of the Shoulder Complex in Pediatric and Adult Amateur Tennis Athletes. J Sport Rehabil. 2022;31(1):1-9.

Leung M, Kan MMP, Cheng HMH, De Carvalho DE, Anwer S, Li H, et al. Effects of Using a Shoulder/Scapular Brace on the Posture and Muscle Activity of Healthy University Students during Prolonged Typing-A Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Trial. Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11(11).

Cheragh ZA, Gandomi F, Sakinehpoor A. Effects of typing positions on the upper trapezius and neck extensor muscles electromyography in office employees: A single-blind cross-sectional study. Work. 2023;74(1):255-63.

Choi J, Lin Y, Loh PY. The Effects of Standing Working Posture on Operation Force and Upper Limb Muscle Activation When Using Different Pointing Devices. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(16).

Tomita Y, Suzuki Y, Tanaka Y, Hasegawa Y, Yoshihara Y, Okura K, et al. Effects of sitting posture and jaw clenching on neck and trunk muscle activities during typing. J Oral Rehabil. 2021;48(5):568-74.

Jiang L, Thadanatthaphak Y, Tudpor K. Effects of Pilates Training Combined with Fascial Massage on Upper Cross Syndrome in Office Workers. Healthcare (Basel). 2025;13(4).

Fu G, Zenggen R, Li L, Xueshuang W, Wenbo C. Effects of lying posture and task type on muscle fatigue, visual fatigue, and discomfort while using a smartphone on the bed. Work. 2023;76(2):691-705.

Joshi A, Jawade S, Chitale N. Effectiveness of Myofascial Release (MFR) vs. High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement in College Students With Trapezius Myalgia. Cureus. 2022;14(10):e29898.

Arkesteijn M, Jones R, Low DC. The effect of walking and stationary work on the acute back pain, muscle activation, posture and postural control of older women. Ergonomics. 2022;65(6):866-76.

Rungkitlertsakul S, Bhuanantanondh P, Buchholz B. The effect of tablet tilt angles and time on posture, muscle activity, and discomfort at the neck and shoulder in healthy young adults. PLoS One. 2023;18(3):e0283521.

Gu Q, Pan L, Yu L, Jiang Q. Effect of scapular posterior tilting exercise on scapular muscle activities in men and women with a rounded shoulder posture. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024;19(1):383.

Najeeb M, Habib S, Mahmood N, Kamal M, Awajid M, Aslam H, Hussain I. Prevalence of upper trapezius tightness caused by chronic neck pain and poor posture among university students. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences. November 11, 2022; 16(10):119.

Kazeminasab S, Nejadghaderi SA, Amiri P, Pourfathi H, Araj-Khodaei M, Sullman MJ, Kolahi AA, Safiri S. Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends, and risk factors. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. December 2022; 23:1.

Najeeb M, Habib S, Mahmood N, Kamal M, Awajid M, Aslam H, Hussain I. Prevalence of upper trapezius tightness caused by chronic neck pain and poor posture among university students. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences. November 11, 2022; 16(10):119.

Downloads

Published

2025-07-10