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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07751601

Comparison of Manipulation, Mobilization, and Exercise for Nonspecific Neck Tension

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the effects of different physiotherapy approaches, such as manipulation, mobilization, and neck exercises, on pain, range of motion, neck functionality, quality of life, muscle tightness, and psychological status in individuals with non-specific neck tension. Throughout the study, the clinical, physical, and myofascial parameters, as well as the psychological statuses of the patients, were recorded through detailed evaluations conducted before and after the treatment, within the framework of a treatment program planned as 2 sessions per week for a total of 8 sessions over 4 weeks.

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Key information

Conditions

Non-Specific Neck Strain Neck Pain Treatment

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

İstanbul Rumeli Üniversitesi

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study is designed to investigate the clinical, physical, psychological, and myofascial outcomes of manual therapy techniques (manipulation and mobilization) and neck exercises in individuals experiencing non-specific neck tension using a rigorous and multifaceted methodology.

According to the study protocol, participants receive a standardized intervention program consisting of 2 sessions per week for a period of 4 weeks, totaling 8 sessions. During the data collection process of the study, the clinical and functional status of the patients are evaluated using comprehensive scales and standard measurement tools. In this context, pain severity is assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), range of motion with a goniometer, neck functionality with the Copenhagen Neck Disability Index, quality of life with the SF-36 scale, and anxiety-depression statuses using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Furthermore, during the physical and myofascial examination phase, muscle tightness, palpation findings, and muscle restriction conditions are evaluated and recorded with precision. All of these clinical parameters, myofascial findings, and measurements are repeated before and after the treatment and subjected to comparative statistical analyses to objectively and scientifically demonstrate the effectiveness of the applied physiotherapy approaches.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • - Non-specific neck muscle tension
  • Being between 18-30 years of age
  • Not having a chronic disease
  • Not having undergone any surgery,
  • Having limited mobility in the cervical region
  • Having at least 2 pains according to the Visual Analog Scale at rest
  • Individuals with subacute and chronic non-specific neck pain were included in this study
  • Having a negative vertebrobasilar artery test

Exclusion criteria

  • -Having a chronic systemic disease
  • Having cervical straightening and cervical herniation (with a diagnosis and report)
  • Having undergone surgery
  • Having instability in the cervical joints and trauma within the last year
  • Having severe osteoporosis
  • Having neurological findings
  • Having received physical therapy within the last 6 months
  • Having vertigo

Treatment and study plan

Manipulation and Exercise

Other

Participants undergo cervical (general, C1) and thoracic manipulation, followed by a standardized exercise program including neck range of motion exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation), pectoral and trapezius stretching, and chin tucks.

Mobilization and Exercise

Other

Participants undergo cervical (C2-C4) and thoracic mobilization, traction with rotation, and gliding techniques (anterior-posterior/lateral), followed by the same standardized exercise program as mentioned above (neck ROM, stretching, chin tucks).

Standardized exercise program

Behavioral

Participants perform only the standardized exercise program consisting of neck range of motion exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation), pectoral and trapezius stretching, and chin tuck exercises.

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: At baseline and the 4-week treatment period.

    Measurement of pain intensity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Goniometric Measurement (ROM)

    Time frame: At baseline and the 4-week treatment period.

    Measurement of cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation) using a goniometer.

Other outcomes

  1. Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale

    Time frame: At baseline and the 4-week treatment period.

    Assessment of neck functional disability.

  2. Short Form-36 (SF-36)

    Time frame: At baseline and the 4-week treatment period.

    Assessment of health-related quality of life.

  3. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety Subscale

    Time frame: At baseline and the 4-week treatment period.

    Assessment of anxiety levels using the first 7 items of the HADS questionnaire.

  4. Palpation and Restriction Assessment

    Time frame: At baseline and after the 4-week treatment period.

    Assessment of tenderness and limitation during palpation, graded by intensity (mild, moderate, severe) and recorded as a numerical value.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Rumeli University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of the Effects of Manipulation, Mobilization, and Neck Exercises in Individuals With Nonspecific Neck Tension

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 7, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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