PREVALENCE OF UPPER TRAPEZIUS TIGHTNESS & CORRELATION OF NECK PAIN AND POOR POSTURE IN SWARRNIM STARTUP AND INNOVATION UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: Neck pain is common among college students, with prevalence estimates ranging from 48-78%. Poor posture, especially forward head posture, is a major risk factor. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of upper trapezius muscle tightness and its correlation with chronic neck pain and poor posture in university students. This cross-sectional study included 100 Methodology: undergraduate students aged 19- 25 years from Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University who had neck pain for >3 months. Participants completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Upper trapezius tightness was assessed using the upper trapezius length test. Forward head posture and restricted neck range of motion were also evaluated. The prevalence of upper trapezius tightne Results: ss was 68% in 19-21 year olds and 24% in 22-25 year olds. There was a signicant positive correlation between neck pain and poor posture (p<0.05). The mean NDI score was 30.79 ± 19.98, indicating moderate disability. Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence of upper trapezius tightness and a positive correlation between neck pain and poor posture in university students. Early intervention may help prevent chronic neck problems in this population.