Text Neck SyndromeNCT07444112
Effect of Myofascial Release Therapy on University Students With Text Neck Syndrome.
A study testing Myofascial Release Therapy in people with Text Neck Syndrome, run by University of Health Sciences Lahore at 2 sites in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy in university students with text neck syndrome as prolonged smartphone and digital gadgets use has been associated with neck pain, forward head posture, and increased perceived stress among young adults with screen time… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Text Neck Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Myofascial Release Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPakistan
- Study dates
- 22 Feb 2026to 5 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 1. university students from age group of 18-30 2. Both genders 3. Students with Text Neck Syndrome diagnosed via Forward head Posture (through measuring craniovertebral angle) <50° 4. Minimum Pain measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ≥ 3/10 5. Pain Intensity measured through Neck Disability Index (NDI > 10%) 6. A PSS-10 Score of >14 in individuals with daily gadget use and FHP. 7. Usage of handheld digital gadgets including smartphones and tablets ≥ 3 hours
Who cannot join
- 1. History of cervical trauma, surgery or any spine deformity which is congenital 2. History of diagnosed cervical disorders i.e cervical spondylosis, cervical spondylolisthesis, disc herniation 3. Any diagnosed neurological condition which affects cognition or any previous cervical spine surgery 4. Any history of diagnosed anxiety and psychiatric conditions 5. Currently receiving any form of physical therapy or using any muscle relaxants or painkillers
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
Zara Zahid
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54600
Zara Zahid, Doctor of Physical Therapy, +923334790746, zarazahid656@gmail.com
- Recruiting
Dr. Wajeeha Mahmood
Lahore
Wajeeha Mahmood, higheraimz@hotmail.com
Zara Zahid, DPT
About this study
Official title: Effect of Myofascial Release Therapy on Neck Pain, Perceived Stress and Forward Head Posture in University Students With Text Neck Syndrome.
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy in university students with text neck syndrome as prolonged smartphone and digital gadgets use has been associated with neck pain, forward head posture, and increased perceived stress among young adults with screen time more than 3 hours. Participants will be randomly allocated into control group and intervention group and will be treated for 4 weeks. Clinical outcomes including neck pain, neck pain intensity, craniovertebral angle for posture assessment, and perceived stress levels will be measured at baseline and post-intervention. The study seeks to determine whether Myofascial Release Therapy acts as a non-invasive technique in improving musculoskeletal and psychosocial parameters related to text neck.
Read the detailed description
Text Neck Syndrome is a growing musculoskeletal concern among university students due to prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices in a posture that involves prolonged neck flexion. Sustained cervical flexion postures contribute to mechanical neck pain, reduced craniovertebral angle, muscular tightness, and increased psychological stress. Early intervention is important to prevent chronic dysfunction and long-term disability.
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving university students who meet the inclusion criteria for Text Neck Syndrome. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: an experimental group receiving Myofascial Release Therapy and a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy consisting of postural correction strategies and structured stretching exercises.
The intervention will be delivered for 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. Outcome variables include neck pain assessed using VAS , neck pain intensity measured through the Neck Disability Index, forward head posture quantified using craniovertebral angle measurement through a valid and reliable software; Kinovea Software and perceived stress assessed using PSS-10.
Data will be analyzed to compare within-group and between-group differences to determine the relative effectiveness of Myofascial Release Therapy in improving musculoskeletal alignment, reducing neck pain and addressing stress-related components associated with Text Neck Syndrome.
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome
- Being tested
- Myofascial Release Therapy, Standard Care (Treatment as Usual)
- Keywords
- text neck syndrome, neck pain, forward head posture, perceived stress, myofascial release therapy, randomized controlled trial
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Myofascial Release TherapyBehavioural
Participants will receive Myofascial Release Therapy targeting neck and upper back muscles, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. This is a physical therapy intervention.
Standard Care (Treatment as Usual)Behavioural
Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy including postural correction exercises, stretching of neck and upper back muscles, and ergonomic education. Outcomes will be measured after the intervention.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention | Experimental | Participants will receive Myofascial Release Therapy targeting neck and upper back which will release the fascial restrictions by providing sustained pressure. Outcomes such as neck pain, forward head posture, and perceived stress will be measured after the intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Myofascial Release Therapy; Behavioral: Standard Care (Treatment as Usual) |
| Conventional Physical Therapy | Active comparator | Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy including postural correction exercises, stretching of neck and upper back muscles, and ergonomic education. Outcomes will be measured after the intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Standard Care (Treatment as Usual) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Neck Pain
Neck pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain)
Measured: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Perceived Stress
Perceived stress will be assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a validated questionnaire measuring the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful.
Measured: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Forward Head Posture
Forward Head Posture will be measured using the craniovertebral angle (CVA) from lateral photographs using Kinovea Software. A smaller angle indicates a more pronounced forward head posture.
Measured: Baseline and after 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Mar 2026
- Study start22 Feb 2026
- Primary completion22 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion5 Apr 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Text Neck SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of Health Sciences LahoreThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to either Myofascial Release Therapy group or conventional physiotherapy group, and outcomes will be measured at baseline and after the intervention period.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Health Sciences Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zara Zahid, University of Health Sciences Lahore
- Investigators
- Zara Zahid, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Principal investigator, University of Health Sciences Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07444112
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UHS/USERC-26/SEC/91
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Myofascial Release Therapy on Neck Pain, Perceived Stress and Forward Head Posture in University Students With Text Neck Syndrome.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07444112
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UHS/USERC-26/SEC/91
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome
- Keywords
- text neck syndrome, neck pain, forward head posture, perceived stress, myofascial release therapy, randomized controlled trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Health Sciences LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 5 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy in university students with text neck syndrome as prolonged smartphone and digital gadgets use has been associated with neck pain, forward head posture, and increased perceived stress among young adults with screen time more than 3 hours. Participants will be randomly allocated into control group and intervention group and will be treated for 4 weeks. Clinical outcomes including neck pain, neck pain intensity, craniovertebral angle for posture assessment, and perceived stress levels will be measured at baseline and post-intervention. The study seeks to determine whether Myofascial Release Therapy acts as a non-invasive technique in improving musculoskeletal and psychosocial parameters related to text neck.
Detailed description
Text Neck Syndrome is a growing musculoskeletal concern among university students due to prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices in a posture that involves prolonged neck flexion. Sustained cervical flexion postures contribute to mechanical neck pain, reduced craniovertebral angle, muscular tightness, and increased psychological stress. Early intervention is important to prevent chronic dysfunction and long-term disability.
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving university students who meet the inclusion criteria for Text Neck Syndrome. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: an experimental group receiving Myofascial Release Therapy and a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy consisting of postural correction strategies and structured stretching exercises.
The intervention will be delivered for 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. Outcome variables include neck pain assessed using VAS , neck pain intensity measured through the Neck Disability Index, forward head posture quantified using craniovertebral angle measurement through a valid and reliable software; Kinovea Software and perceived stress assessed using PSS-10.
Data will be analyzed to compare within-group and between-group differences to determine the relative effectiveness of Myofascial Release Therapy in improving musculoskeletal alignment, reducing neck pain and addressing stress-related components associated with Text Neck Syndrome.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to either Myofascial Release Therapy group or conventional physiotherapy group, and outcomes will be measured at baseline and after the intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention | Experimental | Behavioral: Myofascial Release Therapy, Behavioral: Standard Care (Treatment as Usual)Participants will receive Myofascial Release Therapy targeting neck and upper back which will release the fascial restrictions by providing sustained pressure. Outcomes such as neck pain, forward head posture, and perceived stress will be measured after the intervention. |
| Conventional Physical Therapy | Active comparator | Behavioral: Standard Care (Treatment as Usual)Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy including postural correction exercises, stretching of neck and upper back muscles, and ergonomic education. Outcomes will be measured after the intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 1. university students from age group of 18-30 2. Both genders 3. Students with Text Neck Syndrome diagnosed via Forward head Posture (through measuring craniovertebral angle) <50° 4. Minimum Pain measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ≥ 3/10 5. Pain Intensity measured through Neck Disability Index (NDI > 10%) 6. A PSS-10 Score of >14 in individuals with daily gadget use and FHP. 7. Usage of handheld digital gadgets including smartphones and tablets ≥ 3 hours
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 1. History of cervical trauma, surgery or any spine deformity which is congenital 2. History of diagnosed cervical disorders i.e cervical spondylosis, cervical spondylolisthesis, disc herniation 3. Any diagnosed neurological condition which affects cognition or any previous cervical spine surgery 4. Any history of diagnosed anxiety and psychiatric conditions 5. Currently receiving any form of physical therapy or using any muscle relaxants or painkillers
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial Release TherapyParticipants will receive Myofascial Release Therapy targeting neck and upper back muscles, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. This is a physical therapy intervention. | Behavioural | Intervention |
| Standard Care (Treatment as Usual)Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy including postural correction exercises, stretching of neck and upper back muscles, and ergonomic education. Outcomes will be measured after the intervention. | Behavioural | Conventional Physical Therapy, Intervention |
Primary outcome
Neck Pain
Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Neck pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain)
Perceived Stress
Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Perceived stress will be assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a validated questionnaire measuring the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful.
Forward Head Posture
Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks
Forward Head Posture will be measured using the craniovertebral angle (CVA) from lateral photographs using Kinovea Software. A smaller angle indicates a more pronounced forward head posture.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared.
Related trials for Text Neck Syndrome
Recruiting
Effects of Alexander Technique Versus Feldenkrais Somatic Training in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Progressive Neck Motor Control Exercises With and Without Conventional Therapy in Text Neck Syndrome.(PNMCE-TNS)
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Comparative Study Between Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Post-facilitation Stretching in Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Comparison of Cervical and TMJ Parameters in Young Adults With and Without Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Enrolling by invitation
Eyeball Exercises and Cervical Stabilization in Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Zara Zahid, Doctor of Physical Therapy principal investigator
University of Health Sciences Lahore
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Myofascial Release Therapy in people with Text Neck Syndrome, run by University of Health Sciences Lahore at 2 sites in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Zara Zahid, Doctor of Physical Therapy (+923334790746, zarazahid656@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Neck Pain (time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Mar 2026.