NCT07026006 Active Release Versus Strain-Counter-strain Technique in Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain
| NCT ID | NCT07026006 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University |
| Condition | Neck Pain |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-05-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2025-08-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 40 participants in total. It began in 2025-05-01 with a primary completion date of 2025-08-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The study design will be a randomized clinical trial (RCT) aims to compare the effects of Active Release Technique and Strain-Counterstrain on pain, range of motion, cranio-vertebral angle, and disability in patients with non-specific neck pain. Data will be collected from Safi Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Using a non-probability purposive sampling method, participants aged 18-45 years with localized cervical pain and stiffness will be selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion and exclusion criteria will be; Participants aged 18-45, both male and female, experiencing neck pain for at least 2 months, with palpable taut bands in upper trapezius and SCM, active trigger points in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and SCM, NPRS score \>3/10 for neck region, and localized pain/stiffness in cervical spine (C3-C7) without upper limb radiculopathy, confirmed by negative Spurling's test, upper limb tension test, and shoulder abduction test. Subjects will be excluded if presented with a history of Participants who received myofascial treatment in the preceding month or have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, KNGF Clinical Practice Guideline Grade III or IV, or neurological deficits. Participants will be equally divided into 2 groups using a random number generator table. Group A will receive Active Release Technique, while Group B will receive Strain-Counterstrain. Both groups will also receive hot packs, superficial neck muscles stretching, and neck isometrics. Outcome measures, including the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain, goniometer for range of motion, cranio-vertebral angle measurement, Neck Disability Index, will be assessed at baseline and after four weeks. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, and informed consent will be secured from all participants. The outcomes will focus on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, cranio-vertebral angle, and disability, Data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 25. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the comparative efficacy of these manual therapy techniques, informing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes in the management of non-specific neck pain.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-45 years * Both male and female * Patients with neck pain for at least 2 months * Palpable taut bands in upper trapezius, SCM * ATrPs in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM * NPRS score is \>3/10 on NPRS for neck region * Individuals with a Craniovertebral angle less than 53 * Individuals having grade 2 severity of neck pain according to KNGF Guidelines * Localized pain/stiffness in cervical spine (C3-C7) without upper limb radiculopathy * Diagnostic Tests: Negative Spurling's test, upper limb tension test, and shoulder abduction test Exclusion Criteria: * Myofascial treatment in the preceding month * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia * Congenital problems * Trigger point injections * Individuals with KNGF Clinical Practice Guideline Grade III and IV severity of neck pain * Respiratory disease and joint disease * Neurological deficit
Contact & Investigator
Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Riphah International University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07026006 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 45 Years, studying Neck Pain. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07026006 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07026006 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at shakil.urrehman@riphah.edu.pk for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07026006 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Lahore, Pakistan.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07026006 clinical trial?
NCT07026006 is sponsored by Riphah International University. The principal investigator is Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD at Riphah International University. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.