Comparative Effects of Reciprocal Inhibition Technique and Passive PNF Stretching on Pain, Functional Disability, and Range of Motion in Cervical Spondylitis
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 进行中（未招募）
- 入组人数
- 60
- 试验地点
- 1
研究概览
简要总结
Cervical spondylitis is a common cause of chronic neck pain and limited function. Physiotherapists often use two manual techniques: Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) and Passive Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching. However, no previous study has directly compared these two techniques in patients with confirmed cervical spondylitis. This randomized controlled trial will include 60 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylitis based on clinical and imaging findings. Participants will be randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A will receive Reciprocal Inhibition Technique. Group B will receive Passive PNF Stretching. Both groups will receive 12 sessions over 4 weeks, with three sessions per week on alternate days. Pain will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Functional disability will be measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Cervical range of motion will be measured using a standard goniometer. All measurements will be taken at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The goal is to determine which technique is more effective for reducing pain, improving function, and increasing neck mobility in cervical spondylitis patients
详细描述
Study Design This is a single-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. The study will be conducted at the Neuro-Rehabilitation Department of Medina Teaching Hospital and The Canal Hospital Faisalabad, Pakistan. The total duration of the study is expected to be 6 months, including recruitment, intervention, and data analysis.
Ethical Approval The study protocol has been approved by the Ethical Review Committee of Medina Teaching Hospital (approval number IRB-MTH-2025-042). The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants will provide written informed consent before enrollment.
Participants A total of 60 participants with confirmed cervical spondylitis will be recruited. Diagnosis will be confirmed by MRI or radiograph showing cervical spine involvement. Additional inclusion criteria are: age 25 to 65 years, chronic neck pain lasting more than 4 months, Visual Analog Scale score of 7 or higher, and willingness to provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria are: upper limb fracture or recent injury, cervical radiculopathy with neurological deficit, systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, congenital cervical deformity, cognitive impairment, and previous cervical spine surgery.
Randomization and Blinding Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups using a computer-generated random sequence. Allocation will be concealed using opaque sealed envelopes. The outcome assessor who measures VAS, NDI, and cervical range of motion will be blinded to group allocation. Participants and the treating physiotherapist cannot be blinded due to the nature of the manual techniques.
Intervention: Group A (Reciprocal Inhibition) Participants will sit upright with back support. The therapist will stand behind the participant and passively move the neck until the first resistance is felt. The participant will then perform a pain-free isometric contraction against the therapist's resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, the therapist will move the neck into a greater range of motion. Three repetitions will be performed for cervical flexion, extension, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, left rotation, and right rotation. A total of 12 sessions will be given over 4 weeks, with three sessions per week on alternate days. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes. All interventions will be performed by a licensed physiotherapist with at least 3 years of experience.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 25 Years 至 65 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Confirmed diagnosis of cervical spondylitis by MRI or radiograph.
- •Chronic neck pain lasting more than 4 months.
- •Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 7 or higher.
- •Age between 25 and 65 years.
- •Willing to provide written informed consent.
- •Bacteriological or histological confirmation where available.
排除标准
- •Upper limb fracture or recent injury.
- •Cervical radiculopathy with neurological deficit.
- •Systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes with neuropathy).
- •Congenital cervical deformity.
- •Cognitive impairment preventing cooperation.
- •Previous cervical spine surgery.
研究者
Dr. Marium Zafar
Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Faisalabad