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NCT Number: NCT07716137

Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Sensory Motor Mismatch in Text Neck Syndrome.

Text Neck Syndrome is increasingly common in young adults due to prolonged smartphone use and is linked to postural changes and impaired sensorimotor control. Although its effects on visual-vestibular integration, balance, and proprioception are still unknown, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) may improve neuromuscular function by enhancing afferent input and mechanoreceptor stimulation. This study investigates whether IASTM can improve sensorimotor processing in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome.

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Key information

Conditions

Text Neck Syndrome

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

This study aims to bridge that gap by investigating whether mechanical soft tissue stimulation can influence sensorimotor processing, balance and proprioception in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome. The study design used for this literature would be Randomized Control Trial, consisting of two groups; Experimental group (IASTM) & Control group (conventional treatment). Study sample is 66 participants meeting the inclusion criteria chosen according to non-probability convenient sampling. 33 participants will be to each of the control and interventional group. IASTM is applied using stainless steel Garston tools along with the conventional therapy for experimental group while control group will be given conventional therapy only. Two sessions will be given per week and total eight sessions will be given over the period of one month. And results will be recorded at the base level, at fourth session and then at 8th session for both groups.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18-30
  • Using the phone or computer for 3 h or more per day.
  • The presence of 3 out of the following 6 symptoms:
  • Neck pain (recurrent history of neck pain in the previous 4 months, a pain level greater than or equal to 4/10 on the NPRS (moderate pain))
  • Upper back pain,
  • Shoulder pain,
  • Headache (tension type headache due to tension in sub-occipitals)
  • Insomnia
  • Tingling and numbness in the upper limbs
  • Cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) <48-50° on digital photogrammetry
  • Individuals having sensory-motor mismatch (positive Fukuda test:>45° degrees, abnormal dynamic visual acuity, positive cervical JPE>4.5°)
  • Voluntary participation

Exclusion criteria

  • History of cervical spine surgery, trauma, or fracture
  • Any diagnosed neurological disorders (cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, etc.)
  • Any diagnosed MSK related issue (torticollis, scoliosis, diagnosed disc prolapse, stenosis, herniation, spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, etc.)

Treatment and study plan

IASTM + Conventional Physiotherapy

Other

Participants will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in addition to conventional physiotherapy. IASTM will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital muscles, and cervical extensors using stainless steel instruments. Conventional therapy will include cervical isometric exercises, deep cervical flexor activation, scapular strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, thoracic extension exercises, and postural re-education. Treatment will be administered twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions total).

Conventional Physiotherapy (Exercise-based) (control group)

Other

Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of cervical isometric strengthening exercises, deep cervical flexor activation exercises, scapular strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, thoracic extension exercises, and postural re-education. Treatment will be administered twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions total).

Primary outcomes

  1. Fukuda stepping test - vestibular deviation

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    • Evaluates vestibulospinal reflex integrity by observing angular deviation during stepping in place with eyes closed. It indicates asymmetry in vestibular or sensory motor control. The FST is based on vestibulospinal reflex and widely used for evaluation of labyrinthine function. The significant displacement or rotation (more than 45°) is considered abnormal and suggest a vestibular imbalance.

  2. Dynamic visual acuity test

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    ● Assesses visual vestibular interaction by measuring visual acuity during active head movement. It detects gaze instability caused by impaired vestibulo- ocular reflex (VOR) and sensory-motor mismatch. A difference of two or more lines on eye-chart than seen in static visual acuity is considered abnormal.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cervical Joint Position Error (JPE) Test

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    A clinical test used to assess cervical proprioceptive accuracy by measuring a person's ability to relocate their head to a neutral position after active neck movement. It quantifies repositioning errors that may result from altered cervical joint and muscle spindle function, commonly seen in neck pain and after muscle fatigue. The deviation of 7.1 cm is equivalent to 4.5° thus, the joint position error of greater than 4.5° is considered as positive.

  2. Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    A 14-item observational tool called the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is used to evaluate both static and dynamic balance while doing functional tasks. Its overall score is 56, where a score of less than 45 indicates a higher danger of falling.

  3. Universal Goniometer

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    A manual instrument used to assess active cervical spine range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation, and side-bending). It provides quantitative data for cervical mobility changes.

Study contacts

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

Ramsha Tariq, MS OMPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

03315251422

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 21, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 21, 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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