Comparison of Different Rehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Neck Pain

Atlas University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Neck Pain Musculoskeletal

Treatments: Other: Manual Therapy; Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07169084

PI-DEMIRCIOGLU-2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 24 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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24 participants in 2 patient groups

Manual Therapy Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive manual therapy interventions, including posterior-anterior mobilizations, lateral glides, suboccipital release, and traction techniques based on Maitland principles.

Treatment:

Other: Manual Therapy

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization using specialized tools on the cervical and upper thoracic regions.

Treatment:

Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)