Comparison of Bowen Therapy and Post-isometric Relaxation Technique in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) in the management of Text Neck Syndrome, a musculoskeletal condition caused by prolonged forward head posture during mobile phone or screen use.

The study follows a randomized clinical trial design, ensuring that participants are randomly assigned to either the Bowen Therapy group or the PIRT group to minimize bias.

The total study duration is nine months, including a six-week treatment phase and a three-week follow-up period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), post-intervention (6 weeks), and follow-up (9 weeks) to evaluate the short-term and sustained effects of both interventions.

A consecutive sampling technique will be used, and participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will provide informed written consent before enrollment.

The sample size was determined using G*Power software (v3.1.9.7), based on previous research (Seemal et al., 2022), with an assumed large effect size (d = 1.0), α = 0.05, and 80% power. After accounting for a 20% attrition rate, a total of 42 participants (21 per group) will be included in the study.

Overall, this study seeks to provide evidence on which therapeutic approach-Bowen Therapy or Post-Isometric Relaxation-is more effective in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing posture in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome.

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Key information

Conditions

Text Neck Syndrome

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

UIPT, UOL, Lahore

Lahore, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged between 18 to 35 years, inclusive of both genders. Craniovertebral angle less than 50 degrees indicating forward head posture. Self-reported neck pain onset or worsening associated with screen use e.g. pain and stiffness during or after prolonged device use.

Neck pain intensity of at least 4 to 7 on Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Daily screen time of ≥4 hours per day including smartphones, tablet, laptop, and desktop use for at least 5 days per week.

Exclusion criteria

Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. History of Cervical Spine Surgery. Recent (within three months) trauma to neck or shoulder region. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or any other inflammatory joint condition.

Ongoing treatment for neck pain from another healthcare provider. Neurological conditions affecting muscle tone or coordination. Severe postural abnormalities from congenital conditions.

Treatment and study plan

bowen therapy

Other

Participants will receive Bowen Therapy sessions three times per week for six weeks. Gentle rolling moves will be applied to the cervical and upper back muscles to reduce pain, muscle tension, and improve posture.

Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT)

Other

Participants will undergo PIRT sessions three times per week for six weeks, involving gentle isometric contractions and relaxation of targeted neck and shoulder muscles to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.

Primary outcomes

Change in Neck Pain Intensity Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks (post-intervention)

Neck pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point self-reported scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will rate their average neck pain over the previous 24 hours by selecting a number from 0 to 10. The primary outcome is the change in NPRS score from baseline to 6 weeks, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity and lower scores indicating improvement.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Lahore

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Mar 18, 2026
Registry last updated: Mar 20, 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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Completed