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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07307014

Acute Effects of Percussion Massage in Nonspecific Neck Pain

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the acute effects of percussion massage therapy compared with a sham intervention on cervical range of motion and pressure pain threshold in individuals with nonspecific neck pain.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal Diseases

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Bezmialem Vakif University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Nonspecific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with reduced cervical mobility and increased pain sensitivity. Percussion massage therapy has gained popularity as a therapeutic modality; however, evidence regarding its true physiological effects remains limited.

This single-blind randomized controlled trial investigated the immediate effects of percussion massage therapy compared with a sham intervention in individuals with nonspecific neck pain. Participants were randomly allocated to either a percussion massage therapy group or a sham percussion therapy group. Cervical range of motion and pressure pain threshold were assessed before and immediately after the intervention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 to 60 years

Diagnosis of nonspecific neck pain

Resting neck pain intensity of ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

History of cervical spine fracture, tumor, or inflammatory disease

Previous surgery involving the neck or shoulder region

Neurological deficits related to the cervical spine

Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

Cognitive impairment or inability to understand study procedures

Treatment and study plan

Percussion Massage Therapy

Device

Percussion massage therapy is applied using a handheld percussive massage device. The intervention is performed with the participant in a seated position and targets the bilateral upper trapezius muscles for a total duration of 6 minutes. A circular massage head is used to deliver percussive stimulation along the muscle for 2 minutes on each side, followed by focused stimulation at two trigger points using a bullet head attachment for 30 seconds per point at a frequency of 30 Hz.

Sham Percussion Therapy

Device

The same percussive massage device is activated to produce comparable sound and vibration cues but is held at a fixed distance from the skin without physical contact. The duration of the procedure and therapist-participant interaction are matched to the experimental intervention to maintain participant blinding.

Primary outcomes

  1. Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the intervention

    Cervical range of motion (ROM) is assessed in flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation using a digital goniometer. Measurements are performed in a seated position by a blinded assessor following standardized procedures.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the intervention

    Pressure pain threshold (PPT) is measured bilaterally at two standardized points over the upper trapezius muscle using a digital pressure algometer. Pressure is gradually increased until the participant first perceives pain, and the mean of three measurements at each site is recorded.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bezmialem Vakif University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Quick Relief or Real Response? Acute Effects of Percussion Massage Versus Sham Treatment in Individuals With Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Dec 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 29, 2025

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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