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NCT Number: NCT07169084

Comparison of Different Rehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects daily life and quality of life. Exercise and manual therapy are widely used treatment strategies, but there is limited evidence comparing different rehabilitation approaches. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and manual therapy on pain, functional status, cervical muscle endurance, and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain. Twenty-four participants will be randomly assigned to two groups and receive treatment three times per week for four weeks. Assessments will include the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, cervical muscle endurance tests, and goniometric range of motion. The results are expected to support evidence-based strategies for managing chronic neck pain.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal Diseases

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Atlas University

Kâğıthane, Istanbul, 34408, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age between 18-40 years
  • Diagnosis of chronic neck pain (≥12 weeks duration)
  • Pain intensity ≥ 3 cm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
  • Voluntary participation and signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous cervical spine surgery
  • History of acute trauma, fracture, or dislocation in the cervical region
  • Presence of neurological deficit, inflammatory disease, or systemic rheumatic condition
  • Malignancy, severe cardiovascular or neurological disorder
  • Participation in a similar treatment program within the past 6 months
  • Current use of corticosteroids

Treatment and study plan

Manual therapy

Other

Manual mobilization techniques applied to the cervical and upper thoracic regions, 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Other

Mobilization applied with instruments to cervical and upper thoracic muscles, 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 0-10 cm (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable)

    Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks

    The VAS will be used to assess the intensity of neck pain. A higher score indicates greater pain intensity.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Atlas University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Different Rehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Sep 11, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 9, 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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