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Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07644988

Comparing Two Muscle Relaxation Techniques for Neck Pain

Levator scapulae muscle tightness is a common cause of neck pain due to poor posture. This study compares two manual therapy techniques: Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR). The goal is to determine which technique is more effective at reducing pain, improving neck range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in patients with this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PRT or PIR for 4 weeks

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Levator Scapulae Tightness Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Age range

25 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

the University of Faisalabad

Faisalabad, Punjab Province, 38000, Pakistan

About this study

This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. A sample of 44 participants aged 25-40 with levator scapulae tightness will be recruited from hospitals in Faisalabad. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups (n=22 each). Group A will receive the Positional Release Technique (PRT) involving a 90-second hold of the scapula in a specific position. Group B will receive Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) involving a 10-second contraction followed by a 10-second stretch. Both groups will receive a 10-minute hot pack before their respective techniques. Interventions will occur 3 times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Outcome measures include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical goniometry, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), measured at baseline and after 4 weeks

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age between 25 to 40 years.
  • Both male and female.
  • Presence of a trigger point in levator scapulae (palpable tender spot with jump sign).
  • Score greater than 20% on the Neck Disability Index.
  • Unilateral non-specific neck pain.
  • Confirmation of trigger point via algometer.

Exclusion criteria

  • History of trauma or fracture to the scapula or cervical spine.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Previous cervical spine surgery.
  • Diagnosis of cancer, cardiac condition, or infectious disease.
  • Specific neck pathology (e.g., disc prolapse, nerve root compression, whiplash).

Treatment and study plan

Positional Release Technique

Procedure

Patient lies prone. The therapist palpates the levator scapulae and uses the far hand to translate the scapula upward and apply rotation. The superior angle of the scapula is tilted downward. This position is held for 90 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.

Post Isometric Relaxation

Procedure

Patient lies supine. The therapist stabilizes the shoulder and supports the neck. The patient performs an isometric contraction by moving the head back against resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, a passive stretch is applied for 10 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

    Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Participants rate their average neck pain on an 11-point scale where 0 = 'no pain' and 10 = 'worst imaginable pain'

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Cervical Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

    Measured using a universal goniometer. Active range of motion will be assessed for cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation, measured in degrees

  2. Change in Functional Disability

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

    : Measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a 10-item questionnaire. Total scores range from 0 (no disability) to 50 (complete disability), reported as a percentage

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Faisalabad

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effectiveness of Positional Release Technique and Post Isometric Relaxation on Pain, ROM and Functional Disability in Patient With Levator Scapulae Tightness

Acronym: PRT-PIR-LS

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 12, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 12, 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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