Chronic Mechanical Neck PainNCT07681687
Sensory Motor Control and Muscle Energy Technique for Chronic Mechanical Neck
A study testing Muscle energy technique for MET only group and MET +SMC for experimental group in people with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control training combined with Muscle Energy Technique in reducing pain and improving function, cervical range of motion, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Muscle energy technique for MET only group and MET +SMC for experimental group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2026to 1 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
Inclusion Criteria:Adults aged 18- 35years,Clinical diagnosis of cervical pain due to strain, degenerative changes of the spine, e.g., spondylosis.Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent,Presence of reduced cervical range of motion, especially in the upper cervical spine,Symptom duration in chronic patients is more than 3 months.
Exclusion Criteria:History of surgery to the cervical spine in the last 6 months,Neurological deficits or signs of cervical myelopathy,Presence of systemic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, infections) affecting the spine,Pregnancy or known vestibular disorders,Inability to comply with study procedures or follow-up schedule
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Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Max Spine Rehab Center, Max Health Hospital
Islamabad
Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Sajjad, BSPT, PP-DPT, MS-OMPT, 00923335468034, abdul.ghafoor@imdcollege.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control and Muscle Energy Techniques on Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control training combined with Muscle Energy Technique in reducing pain and improving function, cervical range of motion, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain
- Conditions
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Muscle energy technique for MET only group, MET +SMC for experimental group
- Keywords
- Cervical pain, neck pain, neck ache, chronic neck pain, mechanical neck pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Kinesiophobia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Muscle energy technique for MET only groupOther
Participants will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) techniques targeting the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles. Each technique involves a gentle isometric contraction (5-10 seconds) followed by relaxation and stretching to a new barrier, repeated 3-5 times. Both groups will receive hot pack therapy (10 minutes), manual therapy (5 minutes), and MET. The intervention group will additionally receive Sensory Motor Control (SMC) training. Participants will undergo a structured SMC program including oculomotor exercises, head-eye coordination training, figure-of-eight tracking, gaze stability, and gaze-shifting exercises. The program is designed to improve cervical proprioception, postural control, movement accuracy, and range of motion while reducing pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. Sessions will be supervised and progressed according to patient tolerance.
MET +SMC for experimental groupOther
articipants in the experimental group will receive a combination of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Sensory Motor Control (SMC) Training. Treatment sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist. MET will be applied to the shortened cervical muscles, including the upper trapezius and levator scapulae, using post-isometric relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tightness, improve cervical mobility, and decrease pain.
Following MET, participants will perform a structured SMC training program aimed at improving cervical proprioception, eye-head coordination, gaze stability, movement control, balance, and postural awareness. The SMC program will include the following exercises:
Smooth Horizontal and Vertical Tracking: A card measuring approximately 10-15 cm × 7-10 cm will be placed 2 meters from the participant. In Level 1, participants move their eyes while keeping the head stationary; in Level 2, they move the head while maintaining visual fixation on the targe
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| MET only group | Placebo comparator | Participants allocated to Group A will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) using the Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) method targeting the cervical musculature. The intervention will be administered by a licensed physiotherapist and will include treatment of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles.
For each muscle, the therapist will position the muscle at its initial resistance barrier and instruct the participant to perform a gentle isometric contraction (approximately 20-30% of maximal effort) against therapist resistance for 5-10 seconds, followed by complete relaxation. The therapist will then move the muscle to the new barrier and maintain the stretch for 10-15 seconds. This sequence will be repeated 3-5 times for each muscle group.
The treatment protocol includes:
Upper Trapezius: Side-bending of the cervical spine away from the affected side following isometric contraction.
Levator Scapulae: Receives: Other: Muscle energy technique for MET only group |
| MET + SMC group | Experimental | Moist Hot Pack for 10 mins,TENS for 10 mins,Manual therapy for 5 mins,MET + SMC exercercises for neck Receives: Other: MET +SMC for experimental group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
NPRS
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess the intensity of neck pain experienced by participants. The NPRS is a valid, reliable, and widely used self-reported measure of pain intensity. Participants will be asked to rate their current neck pain on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "the worst pain imaginable."
Participants will select the number that best represents their average pain intensity over the preceding 24 hours. NPRS scores will be recorded at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. A reduction in NPRS score will indicate improvement in pain symptoms. The scale has demonstrated excellent reliability and responsiveness in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, including chronic mechanical neck pain.
Scoring:
0 = No pain 1-3 = Mild pain 4-6 = Moderate pain 7-10 = Severe pain
Interpretation:
Lower scores indicate lower pain intensity, while higher scores indicate greater pain intensi
Measured: From enrollment to pretreatment assesment and than after 6 weeks post treatment assesment measured by NPRS
Secondary outcomes (4)
NDI
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to assess self-reported disability and functional limitations associated with chronic mechanical neck pain. The NDI is one of the most widely used, valid, and reliable questionnaires for evaluating neck-related disability in both clinical practice and research.
The questionnaire consists of 10 items that assess the impact of neck pain on daily activities, including pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreation. Each item is scored on a 6-point scale (0-5), with higher scores indicating greater disability. The total score ranges from 0 to 50 points and can also be expressed as a percentage by multiplying the total score by two.
Participants will complete the NDI at baseline and after the intervention period. Changes in NDI scores will be used to determine the effectiveness of the treatment in improving functional status and reducing disability related to neck pain.
Scori
Measured: 6 WEEKS
Joint Position Error (JPE)
Cervical Joint Position Error (JPE) testing will be used to assess cervical proprioception and sensorimotor control in participants with chronic mechanical neck pain. The test evaluates the individual's ability to accurately reposition the head to a neutral starting position after active cervical movement, reflecting the integrity of cervical joint position sense.
Participants will be seated comfortably with a laser pointer attached to a headband, facing a target placed approximately 90 cm away at eye level. The participant will first establish a neutral head position, which will be marked on the target. With eyes closed, the participant will actively move the head into flexion, extension, right rotation, and left rotation, and then attempt to return to the original neutral position.
The distance between the original target point and the repositioned point will be measured and converted into degrees of error, representing the joi
Measured: 6 WEEKS
INCLINOMETER
A digital inclinometer will be used to assess cervical range of motion (ROM) in participants with chronic mechanical neck pain. The inclinometer is a valid, reliable, and objective tool for measuring cervical spine movements and detecting changes following therapeutic interventions.
Cervical ROM will be assessed in the following directions:
Flexion Extension Right lateral flexion Left lateral flexion Right rotation Left rotation
During assessment, participants will be seated comfortably in an upright position with their feet supported on the floor. The inclinometer will be positioned according to standardized measurement procedures, and participants will be instructed to move their head actively to the maximum pain-free range in each direction. Three measurements will be recorded for each movement, and the average value will be used for analysis.
Assessments will be performed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. ROM values will be recorded in degrees (°). A
Measured: 6WEEKS
Tampa Scale
The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess fear of movement and re-injury associated with pain. It measures the extent to which individuals believe that physical activity may cause further injury or increase pain. The scale consists of 17 items, each scored on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree). Total scores range from 17 to 68, with higher scores indicating greater fear of movement and avoidance behaviors.
In clinical trials involving chronic mechanical neck pain, the TSK is used to evaluate changes in pain-related fear and movement avoidance following therapeutic interventions. It is a reliable and valid tool for assessing psychological factors that may contribute to pain persistence, disability, and reduced participation in daily activities. A reduction in TSK scores after treatment indicates improved confidence in movement and decreased fear of pain-related activities
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Jul 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2026
- Primary completion15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Mechanical Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Diagnosis
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07681687
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/225
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control and Muscle Energy Techniques on Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07681687
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/225
- Conditions
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Cervical pain, neck pain, neck ache, chronic neck pain, mechanical neck pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Jul 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.
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control training combined with Muscle Energy Technique in reducing pain and improving function, cervical range of motion, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Diagnosis
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| MET only group | Placebo comparator | Other: Muscle energy technique for MET only groupParticipants allocated to Group A will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) using the Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) method targeting the cervical musculature. The intervention will be administered by a licensed physiotherapist and will include treatment of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles. For each muscle, the therapist will position the muscle at its initial resistance barrier and instruct the participant to perform a gentle isometric contraction (approximately 20-30% of maximal effort) against therapist resistance for 5-10 seconds, followed by complete relaxation. The therapist will then move the muscle to the new barrier and maintain the stretch for 10-15 seconds. This sequence will be repeated 3-5 times for each muscle group. The treatment protocol includes: Upper Trapezius: Side-bending of the cervical spine away from the affected side following isometric contraction. Levator Scapulae: |
| MET + SMC group | Experimental | Other: MET +SMC for experimental groupMoist Hot Pack for 10 mins,TENS for 10 mins,Manual therapy for 5 mins,MET + SMC exercercises for neck |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle energy technique for MET only groupParticipants will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) techniques targeting the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles. Each technique involves a gentle isometric contraction (5-10 seconds) followed by relaxation and stretching to a new barrier, repeated 3-5 times. Both groups will receive hot pack therapy (10 minutes), manual therapy (5 minutes), and MET. The intervention group will additionally receive Sensory Motor Control (SMC) training. Participants will undergo a structured SMC program including oculomotor exercises, head-eye coordination training, figure-of-eight tracking, gaze stability, and gaze-shifting exercises. The program is designed to improve cervical proprioception, postural control, movement accuracy, and range of motion while reducing pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. Sessions will be supervised and progressed according to patient tolerance. | Other | MET only group |
| MET +SMC for experimental grouparticipants in the experimental group will receive a combination of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Sensory Motor Control (SMC) Training. Treatment sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist. MET will be applied to the shortened cervical muscles, including the upper trapezius and levator scapulae, using post-isometric relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tightness, improve cervical mobility, and decrease pain. Following MET, participants will perform a structured SMC training program aimed at improving cervical proprioception, eye-head coordination, gaze stability, movement control, balance, and postural awareness. The SMC program will include the following exercises: Smooth Horizontal and Vertical Tracking: A card measuring approximately 10-15 cm × 7-10 cm will be placed 2 meters from the participant. In Level 1, participants move their eyes while keeping the head stationary; in Level 2, they move the head while maintaining visual fixation on the targe | Other | MET + SMC group |
Primary outcome
NPRS
Time frame: From enrollment to pretreatment assesment and than after 6 weeks post treatment assesment measured by NPRS
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess the intensity of neck pain experienced by participants. The NPRS is a valid, reliable, and widely used self-reported measure of pain intensity. Participants will be asked to rate their current neck pain on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "the worst pain imaginable." Participants will select the number that best represents their average pain intensity over the preceding 24 hours. NPRS scores will be recorded at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. A reduction in NPRS score will indicate improvement in pain symptoms. The scale has demonstrated excellent reliability and responsiveness in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, including chronic mechanical neck pain. Scoring: 0 = No pain 1-3 = Mild pain 4-6 = Moderate pain 7-10 = Severe pain Interpretation: Lower scores indicate lower pain intensity, while higher scores indicate greater pain intensi
4 secondary outcomes
NDI
Time frame: 6 WEEKS
Joint Position Error (JPE)
Time frame: 6 WEEKS
INCLINOMETER
Time frame: 6WEEKS
Tampa Scale
Time frame: 6 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 2 Jul 2026.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Muscle energy technique for MET only group and MET +SMC for experimental group in people with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
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 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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 MUHAMMAD ASHAR RAFI, DPT, MS-NMPT (0092-308-3407837, ashar.rafi@uipt.iiui.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
NPRS (time frame: From enrollment to pretreatment assesment and than after 6 weeks post treatment assesment measured by NPRS). 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 Jul 2026.