NCT07694882 Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Function in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
| NCT ID | NCT07694882 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Eastern Mediterranean University |
| Condition | Chronic Neck Pain |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 84 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-07-14 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-09-06 |
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 84 participants in total. It began in 2026-07-14 with a primary completion date of 2026-09-06.
⚠ 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
This single-center, three-arm randomized controlled trial compares the effects of different myofascial release techniques, combined with a structured exercise program, on functional outcomes in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP). Eligible participants (aged 18 to 45 years, neck pain for at least 3 months, pain intensity VAS at least 3, and myofascial trigger points in the upper-quarter muscles) are allocated by simple randomization into three groups: * Conventional Therapy Group: hot pack, conventional TENS, and a structured exercise program. * Manual Myofascial Release Group: conventional therapy plus therapist-applied manual myofascial release. * Self-Myofascial Release Group: conventional therapy plus supervised self-applied myofascial release using a duo-ball, balls, and a massage stick/cane. All interventions are delivered 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome is pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include pressure pain threshold and tolerance, cervical range of motion, muscle stiffness, craniovertebral angle, cervical proprioception, muscle strength and endurance, disability, neck awareness, multidimensional biopsychosocial status, sleep quality, quality of life, and kinesiophobia. The aim is to determine whether manual or self-applied myofascial release, added to exercise, produces greater functional improvement in people with chronic non-specific neck pain.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Neck pain persisting for at least 3 months and diagnosed as chronic non-specific neck pain by a specialist physician * Aged between 18 and 45 years * Perceived pain affecting daily living activities (VAS at least 3) * Presence of myofascial trigger points in the upper-quarter muscles Exclusion Criteria: * Specific serious cervical spine pathology (radiculopathy, myelopathy, severe nerve root compression, spondylosis, and similar) * History of rheumatologic, neurologic, or systemic disease (for example, acute inflammation, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or cancer) * History of trauma, fracture, or surgery involving the neck, shoulder, or upper extremity * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Any diagnosed psychiatric disorder (for example, major depression or anxiety disorder) or regular use of psychopharmacological medication * Use of systemic analgesics, NSAIDs, or muscle relaxants within the last 7 days for pain control * Any physiotherapy, manual therapy, or injection treatment to the neck region within the last 3 months
Contact & Investigator
Süleyman Güzelşemme
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Eastern Mediterranean University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07694882 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 45 Years, studying Chronic 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 NCT07694882 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07694882 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at suleyman.guzelsemme@gmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07694882 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Famagusta, Cyprus.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07694882 clinical trial?
NCT07694882 is sponsored by Eastern Mediterranean University. The principal investigator is Süleyman Güzelşemme at Eastern Mediterranean University. The trial plans to enroll 84 participants.