Comparison of Different Rehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 24
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 0-10 cm (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable)
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects daily life and quality of life. Exercise and manual therapy are widely used treatment strategies, but there is limited evidence comparing different rehabilitation approaches. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and manual therapy on pain, functional status, cervical muscle endurance, and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain. Twenty-four participants will be randomly assigned to two groups and receive treatment three times per week for four weeks. Assessments will include the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, cervical muscle endurance tests, and goniometric range of motion. The results are expected to support evidence-based strategies for managing chronic neck pain.
Detailed Description
Chronic neck pain (CNP) is defined as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks and is influenced by both biomechanical and psychosocial factors. It is associated with impaired cervical motor control, reduced deep postural muscle activity, decreased strength and endurance, and structural changes such as atrophy and fatty infiltration. These alterations negatively affect cervical stability and functional capacity.
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to compare the clinical effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and manual therapy in individuals with CNP. A total of 24 participants aged 18-40 years with chronic neck pain lasting ≥12 weeks and a pain intensity score of ≥3 cm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be recruited.
Inclusion criteria:
Age 18-40 years
Diagnosis of chronic neck pain (≥12 weeks)
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 40 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Age between 18-40 years
- •Diagnosis of chronic neck pain (≥12 weeks duration)
- •Pain intensity ≥ 3 cm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- •Voluntary participation and signed informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •Previous cervical spine surgery
- •History of acute trauma, fracture, or dislocation in the cervical region
- •Presence of neurological deficit, inflammatory disease, or systemic rheumatic condition
- •Malignancy, severe cardiovascular or neurological disorder
- •Participation in a similar treatment program within the past 6 months
- •Current use of corticosteroids
Arms & Interventions
Manual Therapy Group
Participants receive manual therapy interventions, including posterior-anterior mobilizations, lateral glides, suboccipital release, and traction techniques based on Maitland principles.
Intervention: Manual Therapy (Other)
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Group
Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization using specialized tools on the cervical and upper thoracic regions.
Intervention: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 0-10 cm (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable)
Time Frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks
The VAS will be used to assess the intensity of neck pain. A higher score indicates greater pain intensity.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Gamze Demircioğlu
PhD
Atlas University