Non Specific Neck PainNCT07556705
Effects of Tele-rehabilitation Versus Supervised Rehabilitation Among Computer Users With Non-specific Neck Pain
A study testing Neck and upper back strengthening exercises by Tele-rehabilitation Intervention and Neck and upper back strengthening by Supervised Rehabilitation Intervention in people with Non Specific Neck Pain, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences.
Trial summary
The current study is a single-blinded, two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving 62 participants with non-specific neck pain among computer users. The trial aims to compare the effects of tele-rehabilitation and supervised rehabilitation on neck pain, disability, and exercise adherence. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Non Specific Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Neck and upper back strengthening exercises by Tele-rehabilitation Intervention and Neck and upper back strengthening by Supervised Rehabilitation Intervention
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- May 2026to Sep 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 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-35 years.
- Neck pain that worsens with movement in at-least one direction
- Computer users with neck pain for at-least 12 weeks
- Neck pain with Visual Analog score of 3 to 8 out of 10
- Participants with forward head posture (FHP)
- Working >35h per week at a desk or computer in a sedentary manner
Who cannot join
- Individuals with any neurological or vascular disease
- A history of shoulder or spine injuries or surgeries
- Participants with history of regular participation or training programs
- Participants with body mass index over 30
- Participants having undergone physical therapy or other medical treatments for neck pain in the previous 6 months
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Tele-rehabilitation Versus Supervised Rehabilitation on Neck Pain, Disability and Exercise Adherence Among Computer Users With Non-specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The current study is a single-blinded, two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving 62 participants with non-specific neck pain among computer users. The trial aims to compare the effects of tele-rehabilitation and supervised rehabilitation on neck pain, disability, and exercise adherence. Both groups will receive the same structured exercise program along with postural correction instructions. The tele-rehabilitation group will perform exercises remotely with digital guidance, reminders, and follow-ups, while the supervised group will receive in-clinic physiotherapy sessions under professional supervision. Interventions will be carried out three times per week for a duration of six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes. Outcome measures will include neck pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), and exercise adherence (ATEMPT tool).Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of treatment at 8th week.The study will be conducted at the Physical Therapy Department of Sehat Medical Complex Lake City, and the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. The hypothesis is that tele-rehabilitation will be more effective than supervised rehabilitation in reducing neck pain and disability, and may result in better exercise adherence due to its convenience and accessibility.
Read the detailed description
Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a significant medical and socioeconomic issue, particularly among computer users who maintain prolonged static postures. For these professionals, time poverty due to hectic schedules serves as a primary barrier to recovery and exercise adherence. While conventional supervised rehabilitation is effective, it often requires frequent in-person visits that can limit accessibility. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a tele-rehabilitation delivery model compared to traditional supervised care in improving neck pain, disability, and exercise adherence. The research uses a single-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial design.
Tele-rehabilitation Group (TG): Participants receive a digital postural instruction chart and a structured exercise program. Adherence is reinforced through daily WhatsApp notifications and monitored via digital confirmations.
Supervised Rehabilitation Group (SG): Participants receive the same exercise protocol and postural instructions but under the direct supervision of a qualified physiotherapist at a clinic. Both interventions are conducted three times a week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. The study will target 62 computer users aged 18-35 who work more than 35 hours per week and have experienced neck pain for at least 12 weeks.
Assessments will be conducted at baseline and every two weeks using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Adherence To Exercise for Musculoskeletal Pain Tool (ATEMPT). The study aims to validate a clinic-to-desk model that eliminates geographical and time constraints, potentially reducing work absenteeism and improving the long-term health of the workforce.
- Conditions
- Non Specific Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Neck and upper back strengthening exercises by Tele-rehabilitation Intervention, Neck and upper back strengthening by Supervised Rehabilitation Intervention
- Keywords
- Neck pain, Telerehabilitation, Supervised exercise therapy, Computer users, Exercise adherence, Musculoskeletal pain assessment tool
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Neck and upper back strengthening exercises by Tele-rehabilitation InterventionOther
Interventions (Postural Awareness, Neck and Upper Back strengthening exercises via Whatsapp reminders).Although both neck and upper back strengthening exercises have demonstrated potential effects individually, there is a paucity of research evaluating their combined effects. A structured program combining both exercises may produce improvements in pain, disability and greater exercise adherence rates when delivered digitally.
Neck and upper back strengthening by Supervised Rehabilitation InterventionOther
Interventions ((Postural Awareness, Neck and Upper Back strengthening exercises under supervision) Participants in this group will receive the same 40 -minute session consisting of same exercises as the tele-rehabilitation group in the clinic under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitation Group | Experimental | Participants in the tele-rehabilitation group will receive exercise reminders and instructions digitally via WhatsApp reminders. Receives: Other: Neck and upper back strengthening exercises by Tele-rehabilitation Intervention |
| Supervised Rehabilitation Group | Active comparator | Participants in the Supervised Rehabilitation group will receive the same protocol as the tele-rehabilitation group in the clinic under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Receives: Other: Neck and upper back strengthening by Supervised Rehabilitation Intervention |
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). The VAS, widely regarded as one of the most reliable and validated methods for self-reporting pain intensity, uses a 10 cm horizontal line. On this scale, 0 cm indicates "no pain," while 10 cm represents "worst pain".
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Disability
The neck disability level will be determined using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), English version. This self-reporting questionnaire determines the disability index of the cervical spine and its impact on daily activities. The NDI has been validated as an effective evaluative tool for patients with neck pain. Each item is scored out of five (with the 'no disability' response given a score of 0), giving a total score for the questionnaire out of 50. Higher scores represent greater disability.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Exercise Adherence
Exercise adherence will be measured by using tool "Adherence To Exercise for Musculoskeletal Pain Tool (ATEMPT)". It is the first measure of adherence to exercise for MSK pain. ATEMPT is a uni-dimensional measure that contains six items from the six domains of exercise adherence. The 6-item version of the measure (scored 6-30). Each of the 6 items is scored on a 5-point Likert scale: Strongly Disagree = 1, Disagree = 2, Neither Agree nor Disagree = 3, Agree = 4, Strongly Agree = 5. Sum the scores from all 6 items to get a total between 6 (lowest adherence) and 30 (highest adherence). Higher scores (closer to 30) suggest better adherence to exercise, while lower scores (closer to 6) suggest poorer adherence.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Apr 2026
- Study startMay 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionAug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Non Specific Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesThe 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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Rafiq, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
- Investigators
- Muhammad Tariq Rafiq, PhD, Principal investigator, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07556705
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UBAS/ERB/26/04/033
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 29 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Tele-rehabilitation Versus Supervised Rehabilitation on Neck Pain, Disability and Exercise Adherence Among Computer Users With Non-specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07556705
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UBAS/ERB/26/04/033
- Conditions
- Non Specific Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Neck pain, Telerehabilitation, Supervised exercise therapy, Computer users, Exercise adherence, Musculoskeletal pain assessment tool
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Apr 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.
The current study is a single-blinded, two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving 62 participants with non-specific neck pain among computer users. The trial aims to compare the effects of tele-rehabilitation and supervised rehabilitation on neck pain, disability, and exercise adherence. Both groups will receive the same structured exercise program along with postural correction instructions. The tele-rehabilitation group will perform exercises remotely with digital guidance, reminders, and follow-ups, while the supervised group will receive in-clinic physiotherapy sessions under professional supervision. Interventions will be carried out three times per week for a duration of six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes. Outcome measures will include neck pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), and exercise adherence (ATEMPT tool).Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of treatment at 8th week.The study will be conducted at the Physical Therapy Department of Sehat Medical Complex Lake City, and the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. The hypothesis is that tele-rehabilitation will be more effective than supervised rehabilitation in reducing neck pain and disability, and may result in better exercise adherence due to its convenience and accessibility.
Detailed description
Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a significant medical and socioeconomic issue, particularly among computer users who maintain prolonged static postures. For these professionals, time poverty due to hectic schedules serves as a primary barrier to recovery and exercise adherence. While conventional supervised rehabilitation is effective, it often requires frequent in-person visits that can limit accessibility. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a tele-rehabilitation delivery model compared to traditional supervised care in improving neck pain, disability, and exercise adherence. The research uses a single-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial design.
Tele-rehabilitation Group (TG): Participants receive a digital postural instruction chart and a structured exercise program. Adherence is reinforced through daily WhatsApp notifications and monitored via digital confirmations.
Supervised Rehabilitation Group (SG): Participants receive the same exercise protocol and postural instructions but under the direct supervision of a qualified physiotherapist at a clinic. Both interventions are conducted three times a week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. The study will target 62 computer users aged 18-35 who work more than 35 hours per week and have experienced neck pain for at least 12 weeks.
Assessments will be conducted at baseline and every two weeks using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Adherence To Exercise for Musculoskeletal Pain Tool (ATEMPT). The study aims to validate a clinic-to-desk model that eliminates geographical and time constraints, potentially reducing work absenteeism and improving the long-term health of the workforce.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitation Group | Experimental | Other: Neck and upper back strengthening exercises by Tele-rehabilitation InterventionParticipants in the tele-rehabilitation group will receive exercise reminders and instructions digitally via WhatsApp reminders. |
| Supervised Rehabilitation Group | Active comparator | Other: Neck and upper back strengthening by Supervised Rehabilitation InterventionParticipants in the Supervised Rehabilitation group will receive the same protocol as the tele-rehabilitation group in the clinic under the supervision of a physiotherapist. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 18-35 years.
- Neck pain that worsens with movement in at-least one direction
- Computer users with neck pain for at-least 12 weeks
- Neck pain with Visual Analog score of 3 to 8 out of 10
- Participants with forward head posture (FHP)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Individuals with any neurological or vascular disease
- A history of shoulder or spine injuries or surgeries
- Participants with history of regular participation or training programs
- Participants with body mass index over 30
- Participants having undergone physical therapy or other medical treatments for neck pain in the previous 6 months
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Neck and upper back strengthening exercises by Tele-rehabilitation InterventionInterventions (Postural Awareness, Neck and Upper Back strengthening exercises via Whatsapp reminders).Although both neck and upper back strengthening exercises have demonstrated potential effects individually, there is a paucity of research evaluating their combined effects. A structured program combining both exercises may produce improvements in pain, disability and greater exercise adherence rates when delivered digitally. | Other | Telerehabilitation Group |
| Neck and upper back strengthening by Supervised Rehabilitation InterventionInterventions ((Postural Awareness, Neck and Upper Back strengthening exercises under supervision) Participants in this group will receive the same 40 -minute session consisting of same exercises as the tele-rehabilitation group in the clinic under the supervision of a physiotherapist. | Other | Supervised Rehabilitation Group |
Primary outcome
Neck Pain
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Neck pain will be assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). The VAS, widely regarded as one of the most reliable and validated methods for self-reporting pain intensity, uses a 10 cm horizontal line. On this scale, 0 cm indicates "no pain," while 10 cm represents "worst pain".
2 secondary outcomes
Disability
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Exercise Adherence
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
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 29 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Only IPD used in the results publication will be shared.
Related trials for Non Specific Neck Pain
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Comparison of the Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Exercises and Suboccipital Myofascial Release Techniques in Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain
Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
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Effects of Cervical SNAGs With and Without Thoracic Manipulation on Neck Pain and Disability in Smartphone Users
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Comparative Effects Of Exercises Targeting Upper Trapezius In Patients With Non Specific Neck Pain
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Cervical Stabilization vs Scapular Clock Exercises for Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
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Recruiting
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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.
Muhammad Tariq Rafiq, PhD principal investigator
Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Neck and upper back strengthening exercises by Tele-rehabilitation Intervention and Neck and upper back strengthening by Supervised Rehabilitation Intervention in people with Non Specific Neck Pain, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences.
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 6 inclusion and 5 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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 Ammara Shamoon, MSPT (03000089740, MSPT243030@ubas.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Neck Pain (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks). 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 29 Apr 2026.