Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, California, 91767, United States
Not Yet Recruiting
NCT Number: NCT07440030
The Cervical "STRETCH" Study
Neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) are common musculoskeletal concerns that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily routine. This is especially true for medical students who spend a disproportionate amount of time on their computers or mobile devices, as is required by their long study hours. A simple stretching routine is often recommended by physicians and physical therapists alike, but there is little research examining short-term changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) and pain when a brief, structured daily stretching program is used.
The goal of this single-group study is to test feasibility and determine how well a daily cervical stretching regimen affects cervical ROM and self-reported pain in osteopathic medical students with cervical ROM restrictions. Researchers will measure changes in cervical ROM using a goniometer and changes in pain levels via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Participants will be asked to complete a 7-day period of no stretching, during which natural measurements will be taken, followed by 7 days of completing the 5-minute stretching routine, after which more measurements will be taken. Participants will also be asked to complete a post-study survey and a 1-month follow-up survey to provide feedback on the study and the stretching routine.
Not Yet Recruiting
Trial opening soon.
Get NotifiedKey information
Conditions
Age range
18 year and older
Sex eligibility
All sexes
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary location
Who can participate
Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
- Must be currently enrolled OMSI or OMSII student at the Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS), College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP).
- Demonstrates a range of motion restriction or presents with cervical pain or both. (Normal range of motion in the cervical spine is Flexion and Extension of 60 degrees, Sidebending of 45 degrees, and Rotation of 8090 degrees.)
- Reports mild to moderate cervical pain (VAS score between 2 and 5 or mild to moderate).
- Agrees to complete daily cervical stretching exercises as instructed and will adhere to all study protocols.
- Must be 18 years or older.
Exclusion criteria
- History of severe cervical spine injuries (e.g., fractures, herniated discs requiring surgical intervention, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy).
- Diagnosed inflammatory or degenerative conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- Contraindications to stretching exercises, such as recent surgery or other physical therapy restrictions.
- Conditions that affect neuromuscular function or ROM measurements, such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.
- VAS score > 7 or pain severe enough to inhibit participation in daily stretching exercises.
- Below the age of 18
Treatment and study plan
Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen
BehavioralParticipants will perform a standardized 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine once daily for 7 days. The instruction will be delivered via an in-person tutorial on the first day, followed by a pre-recorded instructional video that participants will follow each of the following 6 days. The stretching routine will target cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements.
Primary outcomes
-
Changes in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)
Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14.
Changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) will be analyzed using goniometer measurements in degrees. The measurements of cervical ROM will include flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. A blinded assessor will conduct assessments to minimize measurement bias.
-
Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14
Changes in pain levels will be measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). This will allow for assessment of subjective pain intensity. The instrument is scored on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), with accompanying representative facial expressions.
Secondary outcomes
-
Changes in the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to evaluate neck-related disability and quality of life in participants. This survey evaluates the impact of cervical pain and ROM on daily activities. It will be measured on an interval scale of 0 to 50.
-
Participant Feedback on the Feasibility/Effectiveness of the Stretching Routine and How Experience Might Influence Their Approach to Patient Care
Time frame: Day 14 post-intervention to Day 30 (1-month follow-up)
Participant feedback will be collected through structured post-intervention Qualtrics Surveys designed by the research team to evaluate perceptions of the intervention's effectiveness, feasibility, and clinical applicability
-
Adherence Rates to Stretching Regimen
Time frame: Baseline to Day 14 to 1 Month Follow-up
Self-reported adherence rates will be documented through daily compliance diaries and a one-month follow-up survey.
Study contacts
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Eric S Martinez, BS
CONTACT
Krista Lund, DO
CONTACT
Sponsors and collaborators
Lead sponsor
Western University of Health Sciences
Other
Registry information
Official study title
The Cervical "STRETCH" (Stretching Trials for Range, Ease, and Teaching Curriculum Health) Study
Acronym: STRETCH
Important dates
- Study start
- 2026
- Primary completion
- 2026
- Study completion
- 2026
- First posted
- Feb 27, 2026
- Registry last updated
- Feb 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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