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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03990324

Cervical Range of Motion and Stretching

Cervical range of motion (ROM) is necessary to perform normal activities of daily living and deficits are associate with various pathologies. Currently, its unclear if specific myofascial stretches will improve cervical range of motion and decrease myofascial sensitivity. After a single session of the manual stretching procedure, participants immediately demonstrated increased cervical ROM and pressure pain thresholds.

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Key information

Conditions

Cervical Shortening

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida, 32816, United States

About this study

Methods: Sixty participants with no history of neck pain or trauma were randomized into one of two groups: stretching group (n = 30), or control group (n = 30). The stretching group received a standardized manual stretching protocol. The control group did not received intervention. Pre and Post-test measurements were recorded for both groups. Within group differences and group by time interactions were evaluated for Cervical range of motion ROM and myofascial sensitivity. The immediate improvement in active ROM of the cervical spine may prompt clinicians to consider the sequencing of treatment. Stretching prior to active exercises may allow for active exercise through a larger ROM. Future research is needed to evaluate the immediate effects of stretching in the symptomatic population.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • ages of 18-60
  • active cervical flexion, right lateral flexion OR left cervical lateral flexion <45˚

Exclusion criteria

  • minors
  • prisoners
  • individuals with cognitive impairments
  • recent neck surgeries
  • pre-existing neck injuries

Treatment and study plan

Manual stretching

Procedure

Manual stretching for the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscle

Primary outcomes

  1. Range of Motion

    Time frame: 1 minute post-intervention

    CROM including flexion, extension, side bending left, side bending right, rotation left, and rotation right

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pressure pain thresholds

    Time frame: 1 minute post-intervention

    The PPT was recorded using a Wagner FDX-25 hand-held digital pressure algometer (Wagner Instruments, Greenwich, CT). The investigator performed each assessment uniformly by applying force at the same rate of 5 Pa/second.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Central Florida

Other

Collaborators

  • Long Island University
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • University of Indianapolis

Registry information

Official study title

Immediate Changes in Cervical Range of Motion and Myofascial Sensitivity After Standardized Manual Stretches: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2019
First posted
Jun 18, 2019
Registry last updated
Jun 21, 2019

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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