Prevalence of Upper Trapezius Tightness Associated With Chronic Neck Pain and Poor Posture in University Students

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.