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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06459518

Effectiveness of Bowen Technique vs Muscle Energy Technique in Neck Pain.

Mechanical neck pain, also known as non-specific neck pain, is a prevalent ailment that results from problems with spine and surrounding tissue function. Trauma, degenerative changes, strained muscles, and bad posture are among the causes. The range of symptoms includes headaches, stiffness, and mild to severe pain. The goal of treatment is to strengthen the muscles and improve posture. The diagnosis is clinical. The Bowen Technique is a type of gentle bodywork therapy that promotes relaxation and overall rebalancing by using specific movements to activate the autonomic nerve system. It is sought for the improvement of general well-being, pain alleviation, and stress reduction. Patients undergoing manual treatment will be asked to actively contract their muscles against regulated resistance using the Muscle Energy Technique (MET). It addresses problems including joint limitations and attempts to return muscles and joints to their normal functions.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Musculoskeletal Manipulation Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

15 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Maryam Polyclinic Sahiwal

Sahiwal, Punjab Province, 57000, Pakistan

About this study

The research, will last for ten months at the Limit Institute of Health Sciences in Sahiwal, is a randomized controlled trial. With 10 participants in each group using a non-probability convenient sampling procedure, the sample size includes 10% attrition. Computer users between the ages of 18 and 35 who work five to seven hours a day meet the inclusion criteria, but recent musculoskeletal injuries and a history of head or spine trauma are the exclusion criteria. One instrument used to collect data is the Neck Disability Index (NDI). There are two established study groups: Group B will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and traditional physiotherapy, while Group A will receive Bowen therapy and conventional physiotherapy. Blinding will be used, and the study will adhere to a recruitment, enrollment, and randomization procedure. SPSS version 23 will be used to analyze the data, and descriptive statistics, change over temporal analysis as well as tests of group comparison. The purpose of the study is to evaluate how the interventions affect people who use computers for extended periods in terms of their functional results and mechanical neck discomfort.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Computer users who work 5-7 hours daily.
  • Age between 18 to 35 will be included.
  • Both genders

Exclusion criteria

  • Any recent musculoskeletal injury of upper limb or spine.
  • History of any trauma of spine or head

Treatment and study plan

Bowen Therapy along with conventional therapy

Other

Bowen Technique Group Assignment: Participants will be assigned to undergo targeted Bowen Technique therapy sessions.

Session Details: The therapy sessions will include:

  • Gentle, rolling-type maneuvers
  • Specific placements of fingers and thumbs
  • Focus on muscles, tendons, and ligaments associated with neck pain Therapeutic Pauses: There will be intentional pauses between sets of moves to allow the body time to respond to the therapeutic stimulation.

Conventional Therapy: Hot pack, TENS, Passive Stretching 2 times a week for 4 weeks

Muscle Energy Technique with Conventional Therapy

Other

MET Session Structure: Participants will engage in Muscle Energy Technique (MET) sessions that focus on:

  • Isometric muscle contractions, where muscles are contracted without changing length.
  • Therapist-guided, controlled contractions against specific resistance.
  • Relaxation Periods: Each contraction session will be followed by a period of relaxation to allow muscles to recover and respond to the therapy.

conventional therapy: Hot pack, TENS, Passive Stretching 2times a week for 4 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain level

    Time frame: 4th week

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a straightforward tool used to measure pain intensity in adults, including those suffering from chronic pain associated with rheumatic conditions. It features an 11-point scale, where '0' indicates no pain and '10' signifies the most extreme pain possible, described as "pain as bad as you can imagine" or "the worst pain imaginable."

  2. Functional Disability

    Time frame: 4th week

    A self-reported questionnaire called the Neck Disability Index (NDI) is used to gauge how neck pain affects a person's ability to function and go about their everyday life. It is divided into eleven sections that address different tasks such as sleeping, work, reading, lifting, and personal care. In each category, respondents rate the level of difficulty they encounter; scores are added together to produce a percentage that indicates the degree of disability. When conducting clinical assessments, the NDI is a useful instrument that helps medical practitioners determine the degree of functional limits and provide personalized interventions for patients with neck discomfort.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Bowen Technique vs Muscle Energy Technique in Mechanical Neck Pain Among Desktop Users.

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 14, 2024
Registry last updated
Jul 4, 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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