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NCT Number: NCT07724600

Effects of Active Release Technique Versus Stecco Facial Manipulation in Patient With Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

Non-specific pain that originates from the superior nuchal line and extends to the first thoracic vertebrae. It is exacerbated by sustained neck postures, neck movements or cervical muscle palpation. Neck pain is a work-related musculoskeletal disease that can arise during prolonged or high-intensity activity. Increasingly, individuals seek medical attention for discomfort in the neck, upper extremities, and head caused by chronic tension. Neck discomfort is often caused by mechanical dysfunction that restricts joint movement inside the joint capsule. Active Release Technique(ART) is a manual release of tight soft tissue which targets on SCM, levator scapulae, suboccipital and Upper trapezius. Stecco Fascial Manipulation is an efficient manual soft tissue treatment method that particularly address in the areas of myofascial pain and discomfort, locomotor issues, and posture dysfunction. The aim of this study is to treat the patients having chronic non specific neck pain through the Active Release Technique (ART) and Stecco Facial Manipulation and to compare their effects that can affect cervical flexibility and to improve the symptom parameters of the regarding individual.

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Key information

Conditions

Non Specific Chronic Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

The current study will be Randomized Clinical Trial. Inclusion criteria for this study is the individual with chronic non specific neck pain between the age group of 20-40yr. Patient with any history of trauma or surgery in cervical region and any other cervical pathology will be excluded from the study. A sample of 44 individual with CNSNP will be selected from both genders. Tools used for the Data collection will be Numeric Pain Rating Scale(NPRS), Neck Disability Index(NDI) and Goniometer. Participants will be measured before and after treatment to assess changes. Interventions are carried out 5 days in a week for one hour daily. In this study descriptive statistical tools will used to analyze the data. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 21.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals of both genders
  • Age between 20-40yrs(19).
  • Neck pain persisting for more than 3 months
  • Neck Disability Index (NDI) score between 10-30) (20).

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with history of trauma or surgery were excluded.
  • Cervical pain patients with radiculopathy were excluded.
  • Patients diagnosed cases of rheumatoid arthritis, or any systemic musculoskeletal disorders were excluded.
  • Patients use of muscle relaxants or undergoing any other physiotherapy for neck issues in the past 3 months were excluded.
  • Patients with cervical disc herniation or whiplash injuries were excluded.
  • Pregnancy or known hormonal conditions affecting musculoskeletal system were excluded.

Treatment and study plan

Active Release Technique

Other

Active release technique is a manual release of tight soft tissue that targets the upper trapezius, SCM, Levator scapulae, and sub occipital muscle to improve posture and reduce tightness and pain

STECCO Method

Other

Stecco method, also known as Fascial Manipulation, is a manual therapy technique developed by Luigi Stecco, which focuses on releasing tension and restoring normal glide in the fascial system, especially where myofascial dysfunction is contributing to pain and restriction.

Stecco method is applied specifically to the Levator scapulae, SCM, subocccipital, and upper trapezius muscles .All commonly involved in chronic non-specific neck pain.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric pain rate scale

    Time frame: upto 6 weeks

    The numerical rating scale (0-10), with 0 meaning no pain, and 10 meaning the worst unbearable pain, as measurement of pain intensity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. 2. Universal Goniometer

    Time frame: upto 6 weeks

    Universal goniometer is a popular tool in the clinical and rehabilitation environment to determine the joint angles and evaluate the range of movement (ROM).

  2. Neck Disability index for functional Disability (NDI)

    Time frame: upto 6 weeks

    The Neck Disability Index(NDI) is a questionnaire designed to assess self-rated impairment of the individuals experiencing neck discomfort. It has ten questions on most aspects of daily living, such as the severity of pain, self-care, lifting, reading, and entertainment. This Questionnaire has a reliability of 0.87.The question has six answer options (including 0 (no disability) and 5 (full impairment). The total score ranges 0 to 50 whereby higher scores are going to be a greater impairment. It may also be stated as a percentage (0 to 100%)

  3. Flexion Rotation Test

    Time frame: upto 6 weeks

    Flexion Rotation Test (FRT) a physical examination instrument of specifying the rotation within the upper neck, particularly C1-C2. It helps to identify rotational, and can suggest chronic non specific neck pains or other upper cervical spine dysfunctions.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Sumrod Akram

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324806143

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Active Release Technique Versus Stecco Facial Manipulation on Pain, Craniovertebral Angle, and Functional Disability in Patients With Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain.

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 24, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 24, 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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