Mobilization Techniques for Nonspecific Neck Pain: Effects on Cervical Endurance and Function

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Nonspecific Neck Pain

In brief

This clinical study investigates the comparative effects of two manual therapy mobilization techniques, Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (İASTM), on cervical muscle endurance and functional performance in individuals with nonspecific neck pain. Nonspecific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition among office workers and students, often associated with poor posture, prolonged sitting, and repetitive strain. It leads to reduced muscle endurance, impaired functional capacity, and decreased quality of life. Early and effective management strategies are essential to prevent chronicity and disability. A total of 51 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned into three groups: Group 1 will receive PRT combined with a standardized home exercise program, Group 2 will receive İASTM combined with the same home exercise program, and Group 3 will serve as the control group receiving only conventional home exercise. The interventions will be delivered over a period of 4 weeks, with three sessions per week, under the supervision of trained physiotherapists. The home exercise program includes stretching, strengthening, and posture correction exercises designed to support cervical spine health. The primary outcomes of the study are cervical muscle endurance and functional performance, measured using validated clinical tests. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI), health-related quality of life assessed by the SF-12 questionnaire, and work-related performance indicators. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. Randomization and blinding procedures will be applied to minimize bias, and standardized protocols will ensure consistency across groups. The main objective of this study is to determine whether the early application of PRT or İASTM, in combination with home exercise, provides superior improvements in cervical muscle endurance, pain reduction, and functional outcomes compared to exercise alone. By comparing these two mobilization techniques, the study aims to contribute evidence-based knowledge to physiotherapy practice and guide clinicians in selecting effective manual therapy approaches for nonspecific neck pain. The findings are expected to support clinical decision-making, improve patient care, and enhance rehabilitation strategies for individuals suffering from neck pain in occupational and daily life contexts.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07605013

Run by

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

People needed

51

Starts

2026-03-16

Expected to finish

2027-01-16

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-28

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Healthy individuals aged 18-40 years
• Individuals working at a desk job (office or remote) for at least 6 hours per day
• Physically active individuals with no neck pain (NPRS score 0-2)
• Voluntary consent to participate in the study

You may not qualify if…

• History of neck trauma, surgery, or any cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, or rheumatoid arthritis condition within the last 6 months
• Participation in a manual therapy or physiotherapy program within the last 6 months
• Presence of severe malignancy, rheumatoid arthritis, or cardiovascular disease
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Where it is running

• Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Healthy Living Laboratory — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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