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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07167108

Mulligan Technique for Chronic Neck Pain in Adults

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the Mulligan Technique, a manual therapy method, on reducing chronic neck pain and improving neck movement in adults aged 18 to 65 years. Participants will receive treatment sessions, and their pain levels and range of motion will be assessed. The goal is to determine if this technique can help improve quality of life for people suffering from chronic neck pain.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

PhysioFlex - Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center-Nablus

Nablus, +970, Palestinian Territories

About this study

Seventy-six participants with chronic neck pain, aged between 18 and 65 years, were selected on the basis of selection criteria. The pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the cervical range of motion (ROM) was measured using the universal goniometer, and the functional disability was measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Patients were randomly assigned to two Groups A and B. Control group (A) (n = 32) received a conventional physical therapy program that included exercises, electrical stimulation, and massage. The experimental group (B) (n=38) received the same conventional program, with the addition of the Mulligan technique. Six participants were excluded from the study. Both groups underwent treatment 3 times per week for 4 weeks, and measurements were taken before and after the treatment period. For data entry and statistical analysis, (SPSS version 20) was used. The independent samples t-test was capture summarize and interpret data and 95 percent of the confidence interval is covered.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age between 18-65 years.
  • Chronic mechanical neck pain (≥ 3 months).
  • Limited cervical range of motion (ROM).
  • Medically diagnosed with non-specific neck pain.
  • Able to attend treatment sessions.

Exclusion criteria

  • Radiating pain to the upper limb.
  • Signs of nerve root compression or disc herniation.
  • History of cervical spine surgery or major trauma.
  • Inflammatory joint diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
  • Osteoporosis or systemic medical conditions affecting bone/joint health.
  • Fibromyalgia or central nervous system disorders.
  • Contraindications to manual therapy (e.g., pacemaker, vascular disorders).
  • Recent physical therapy or steroid injections (within past 3-12 months).
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids or pain medications.
  • Pregnancy.

Treatment and study plan

Conventional program, with addition to Mulligan technique

Other

The Mulligan Concept is a manual therapy approach developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan in the 1980s. It includes techniques such as Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and the Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG), which have attracted significant attention for their effectiveness in treating neck pain. Recent research has supported the benefits of physiotherapy interventions like SNAGs in improving cervical range of motion (ROM) and reducing pain.

Other names: Mulligan Concept

Conventional physical therapy program

Other

Included exercises, electrical stimulation, and massage.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)

    Pain intensity will be measured using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale at baseline and post-intervention. The change in pain scores will be reported.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in cervical range of motion (ROM) measured by goniometer (degrees)

    Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)

    Cervical ROM will be measured in degrees using a goniometer at baseline and post-intervention. The difference between baseline and post-treatment ROM will be reported.

  2. Change from baseline in neck-related disability measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)

    Neck-related disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a self-reported questionnaire consisting of 10 items scored on a 0-5 scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NDI will be administered at baseline and after the intervention. The change in total NDI score from baseline to post-intervention will be reported.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Prof. Mosab Saleem Hamed Amoudi

Other

Registry information

Official study title

"The Effect of the Mulligan Technique on Chronic Neck Pain and Range of Motion in Adults Aged 18 to 65 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial"

Important dates

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