Effectiveness of muscle energy technique along with strengthening exercise among college students with lower cross syndrome

Aim. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, and a sedentary lifestyle are common among students, causing muscle imbalances, increased lordosis, and a lateral shift in the center of gravity. These conditions affect muscle strength and can cause lower cross syndrome. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of MET and strengthening exercises in college students with lower cross syndrome. Material and methods. It is a double-blinded study in which subjects diagnosed with lower cross syndrome were recruited after giving consent. Subjects were allocated into the METs group (n = 20) and the conventional group (n = 20). The baseline evaluation for anterior pelvic tilt was done using Kinovea software. The curl-up test and squat test for abdominal and gluteal muscle strength were recorded. Results. Statistical analyses, using mean and standard deviation, revealed significant improvements in anterior pelvic tilt, abdominal curl, and squats post-intervention in the METs group compared to the conventional group (p < 0.0001 for all). Post-intervention values were 10.30 ± 1.45, 42.05 ± 2.44, and 36.70 ± 3.23, respectively. Conclusion. Results prove that the subjects of the METs group improved their anterior pelvic tilt, abdominal strengthening, and gluteal strengthening more than those of the conventional group.