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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07331571

Myofascial Release With and Without Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique in Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain

The study was conducted to determine the effects of myofascial release therapy with and without autogenic inhibition muscle energy technique in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

20 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Rehab Max Physio & Sports Injury Clinic

Layyah, Punjab Province, 31200, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Neck pain for at least 3 months
  • Pain intensity on NPRS between 4 to 7
  • Limited neck range of motion
  • Use of computer for at least 2 hours daily
  • Negative Sharp-Purser and alar ligaments test (to rule out atlantoaxial instability, integrity of transverse and alar ligaments)

Exclusion criteria

  • History of trauma
  • Cervical spine fracture
  • Open neck surgery
  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Paresthesia
  • Cervical myelopathy
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hemorrhage tendency and/or anticoagulation treatment
  • Whiplash Injury

Treatment and study plan

Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique

Other

AI MET was applied for upper trapezius 5 times for each side, similarly for levator scapulae it was applied 5 times for each side. AI MET was applied for posterior, middle and anterior fibres of scalene muscle. For sternocleidomastoid muscle it was applied for at least twice for each side. 8 sessions were conducted for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions scheduled every week.

Myofasical Release Therapy

Other

MFR for upper trapezius and levator scapulae was carried out 5 times for each side. A total of 18 sessions were conducted for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions scheduled every week.

Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment

Other

Electric hot pack for 10 minutes for 10 minutes, TENS with frequency of 120Hz at low intensity having pulse duration of 50-200μs for 10 minutes & Grade I and II Maitland posteroanterior central glide with 3 sets of 30 oscillations, for alleviation of pain at the target vertebral segment.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

    Numeric Pain Rating Scale is utilized to evaluate pain. It consists of 11 points, having an overall score ranging from 0 and 10, where: 0 represents no pain, 1 - 3 represents mild pain, 4 - 6 represents moderate pain and 7 - 10 represents the most severe pain.

  2. Neck Disability Index

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

    Neck Disability Index is a questionnaire that has 10-questions for determining cervical pain and functional disability linked with the activities of daily living. It consists of questions on pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping and recreation. Scores in each item is described in 6 stages, from 0 to 5 points. The total of 0-4 points indicate no disability, 5-14 points indicate mild disability, 15-24 points indicate moderate disability, 25-34 points indicate severe disability and 35-50 points indicate complete disability

Secondary outcomes

  1. ROM Cervical Spine (Flexion)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

    Changes in cervical spine flexion ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.

  2. ROM Cervical Spine (Extension)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

    Changes in cervical spine extension ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.

  3. ROM Cervical Spine (Lateral Flexion) Left Side

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

    Changes in cervical spine lateral flexion on left side ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.

  4. ROM Cervical Spine (Lateral Flexion) Right Side

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

    Changes in cervical spine lateral flexion on right side ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.

  5. ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Left Side

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

    Changes in cervical spine rotation on left side ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.

  6. ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Right

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

    Changes in cervical spine rotation on right side ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Myofascial Release With and Without Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique in Patients With Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 12, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 12, 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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