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NCT Number: NCT07684183

Eyeball Exercises and Cervical Stabilization in Text Neck Syndrome

The prolonged use of electronic devices in the population nowadays contributes to the development of various musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck. One such condition is the Text neck syndrome characterized by neck pain and muscular imbalance in the region as well as development of forward head posture. Some additional symptoms include headaches, impaired range of motion and eye strain. Eyeball exercises have been shown to improve symptoms of neck pain, and cervical stabilization has demonstrated positive effects on the deep cervical flexors, thereby improving forward head posture and other neck-associated symptoms. However, the combined effect of these two interventions has not been studied to treat text neck syndrome before. The primary outcome measures include the pain measured through Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and pain pressure threshold (algometer), whereas the secondary outcome measures include the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and functional disability measured through neck disability index (NDI).

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Key information

Conditions

Text Neck Syndrome Agnosia Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Perceptual Disorders Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54782, Pakistan

About this study

Text neck syndrome is a musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by neck pain, forward head posture, muscular imbalance, headache, reduced range of motion and eye problems. In the present era where everything is done through electronic devices and gadgets it is difficult to maintain a proper posture, which affects most importantly the cervical region. Prolonged use of these gadgets have led to the development of text neck syndrome which is a new pandemic these days. Constant screen use has detrimental effects on eyes that effects our neck as well, therefore the use of eyeball exercises has shown to improve the symptoms of neck pain. Cervical stabilization focuses on the deep neck flexor muscles which become weak and inactive in text neck syndrome. Cervical stabilization has shown improvements in the activation of these muscles as well as improved their strength along with improving the forward head posture. the combined effects of both these treatment regimes has not been studied yet in text neck syndrome individuals therefore the purpose of this randomized clinical trial will be to assess the combined effects of these treatment approaches on text neck syndrome. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess and measure the pain intensity along with NDI (neck disability index) that will help in functional evaluation and will serve as the primary outcome measures in this study. The Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) and Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) measured through algometer will also be measured and will be the secondary outcome measures in this study.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Neck Disability Index (NDI) scoring: >5 and <24
  • Duration of screen usage: 4-6 hours/day
  • Pain: ranging from mild - moderate 4-7 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

Exclusion criteria

  • Already undergoing physical therapy
  • Cervical trauma, radiculopathy, pregnancy, malignancies, torticollis, herniation, stenosis, osteoporosis, etc
  • Diagnosed with a CNS abnormality

Treatment and study plan

Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball Exercises

Other

Physiotherapy care: 30minutes of physiotherapy, including hotpack for 10 minutes,cervical stretching (3sets/15-second hold,5 repetitions), cervical isometrics (5-10 reps/3sets), postural correction exercises (5-10 reps/2-3 sets), active ROMs of the neck.•Cervical Stabilization: Pressure biofeedback unit will be used, the patient will perform chin tucks while the inflated unit is below the head at 20mmHg initially, and will be raised to 30mmHg. A 10 seconds hold with 10 repetitions, including a 10-second rest interval between. A total of 3sets will be performed with 15second interval between each set. 15 minutes total •Eyeball exercises:The patient is then asked to carry out the described eyeball movements, each movement to be held for 10 seconds and repeated 4 times through the maximum range,directions: Leftward, rightward, upper left, lower left, upper and lower right, left and right side circular, leftward and rightward figure 8 rotation. 2sets with 15seconds interval. 15 mins total.

Phyisotherapy Care, Cervical Stabilization and placebo exercises

Other

Physiotherapy care:30minutes of physiotherapy, including hotpack for 10 minutes, cervical stretching(3sets/15second hold, 5reps), cervical isometrics(5-10 reps/3sets), postural correction exercises(5-10 reps/2-3 sets), active ROMs of the neck.•Cervical stabilization: Pressure biofeedback unit will be used, the patient will perform chin tucks while the inflated unit is below the head at 20mmHg initially, and will be raised to 30mmHg. A10seconds hold with 10 repetitions, including a 10second rest interval between. A total of 3sets will be performed with 15second interval between each set,15 minutes total. •Placebo treatment:These exercises will take 10-15 minutes and the purpose is to engage the patient. These exercises do not have any effect on the ocular muscle of the eye and will only serve as a source of relaxation and lubrication for the eyes of the patient: blink slowly & fully (10reps,3sets with10-15seconds interval), fix gaze (10seconds, 3-5reps), eyes closed breathing 60seconds.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week

    Change in pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain rating Scale (NPRS, 0-10 cm).

    Lower limit: 0 Upper limit: 10 Lower value means less pain

  2. Neck Disability

    Time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week

    Functional disability measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) - Urdu validated version.

    Lower limit: 0 Upper limit: 50 Lower value indicates lesser disability

Secondary outcomes

  1. Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)

    Time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week

    Postural alignment measured as the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) using Kinovea software from standardised lateral-view photographs Lower limit: 0 Upper limit: 180 Higher values mean better posture (less forward head)

  2. Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT)

    Time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week

    Pain sensitivity will be measured using the Algometer. Lower limit: 0 kg/cm² Upper limit: 10 kg/cm² Higher values mean less tenderness

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Lahore

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Eyeball Exercises and Cervical Stabilization in Text Neck Syndrome: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 6, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 27, 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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