Cervical Radicular PainNCT07724470
Effects of Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post Facilitation Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Patients With Cervical Radicular Pain
A study testing Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post facilitation stretching in people with Cervical Radicular Pain, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 2 sites in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Cervical radicular pain (CRP) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper limb due to compression or irritation of cervical nerve roots. It significantly affects daily activities, cervical mobility, and overall quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cervical Radicular Pain
- What is being tested?
- Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post facilitation stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPakistan
- Study dates
- 29 Jun 2026to 15 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 30 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both male and female gender
- Age 30 to 60 years with a +ve spurling test and radiating arm pain for more than 4 weeks
- Unilateral cervical radicular pain
- +ve upper limb tension test and neck disability index <50%
Who cannot join
- History of cervical spinal surgery
- Severe facet joint osteoarthritis
- History of fracture in the head and neck region
- Patient with cognitive dysfunction or mental illness, severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, liver, or kidney dysfunction
- History of dizziness, vertigo, and vomiting
- Osteoporosis and prolonged use of steroids
- Cervical myelopathy, tumor, or infectious disease
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
- Not yet recruiting
Hameed Latif Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Rehana Niazi, MSPT, 03334734783, Doctor_niazi@yahoo.com
- Recruiting
Hameed Latif
Lahore
Rehana Niazi, Phd Scholar, 03334734783, rehana.yasmeen@rlmc.edu.pk
About this study
Cervical radicular pain (CRP) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper limb due to compression or irritation of cervical nerve roots. It significantly affects daily activities, cervical mobility, and overall quality of life. Conventional physical therapy focuses on reducing pain and improving function; however, there is limited evidence comparing the effectiveness of different stretching techniques used in clinical practice.
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) and Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability in patients with cervical radicular pain.
Read more
A total of 70 participants with cervical radicular pain (>4 weeks) will be randomly allocated into two groups:
Group A (Myokinetic Stretching Technique Group) - receiving MST along with conventional therapy including hot pack application, cervical isometric exercises, neurodynamic gliding, and continuous cervical traction.
Group B (Post Facilitation Stretching Group) - receiving Post Facilitation Stretching along with the same conventional therapy.
The intervention will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Outcome measures will include:
Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer Functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
This study aims to determine the more effective stretching technique for reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, and enhancing functional outcomes, thereby supporting evidence-based physiotherapy practice in managing cervical radicular pain.
Read the detailed description
Cervical radicular pain (CRP) is a condition characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper limb due to compression or irritation of cervical nerve roots. It is commonly associated with reduced cervical range of motion, muscle tightness, and functional disability, significantly affecting daily activities and quality of life. Conservative physiotherapy interventions, including stretching techniques, play a key role in managing this condition.
Among commonly used techniques, Myokinetic Stretching Technique(MST) and Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) are widely applied to improve muscle flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance functional mobility. MST focuses on controlled contraction and gradual stretching to promote neuromuscular relaxation, whereas PFS involves maximal voluntary contraction followed by rapid passive stretching to achieve muscle lengthening. Despite their frequent use in clinical practice, there is limited comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness in patients with cervical radicular pain.
This study is designed as a single-blinded, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 participants diagnosed with cervical radicular pain will be recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups using computer-generated randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Allocation concealment will be ensured by an independent administrator, and outcome assessment will be performed by a blinded assessor.
Both groups will receive conventional physiotherapy treatment consisting of hot pack application for 10 minutes, cervical isometric exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), neurodynamic gliding techniques, and continuous cervical traction.
Participants in Group A will receive Myokinetic Stretching Technique, applied to the cervical musculature with emphasis on trapezius stretching combined with myofascial release techniques. Participants in Group B will receive Post Facilitation Stretching, involving strong voluntary contraction followed by rapid passive stretching of the targeted muscles.
The intervention will be conducted over a period of 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days. Each treatment session will last approximately 45 minutes.
Outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed using the Number Pain Rating scale Scale (NPRS), cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer, and functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention.
Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Normality of data will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests will be applied for within-group and between-group comparisons.
This study aims to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post Facilitation Stretching in improving pain, cervical mobility, and functional outcomes in patients with cervical radicular pain, thereby supporting evidence-based physiotherapy practice.
- Conditions
- Cervical Radicular Pain
- Being tested
- Myokinetic Stretching Technique, Post facilitation stretching
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Myokinetic Stretching TechniqueOther
Participants in this group will receive Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) along with conventional physiotherapy treatment. The program will be delivered for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Conventional treatment will include hot pack application to the cervical region, cervical isometric exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), neurodynamic gliding techniques, and continuous cervical traction.
MST will be applied to the cervical musculature, particularly the trapezius muscle. The participant will be positioned in supine, and the therapist will perform controlled lateral flexion stretching followed by myofascial release using sustained pressure (5-10 seconds). The technique will be performed in sets with brief rest intervals to improve muscle flexibility and reduce pain.
Post facilitation stretchingOther
Participants in this group will receive Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) along with conventional physiotherapy treatment. The program will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Conventional treatment will include hot pack application to the cervical region, cervical isometric exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), neurodynamic gliding techniques, and continuous cervical traction.
PFS will be applied to the cervical musculature, particularly the trapezius muscle. The participant will be positioned in supine, and the therapist will guide the muscle into a neutral position followed by a strong voluntary contraction for approximately 10 seconds. After relaxation, a rapid passive stretch will be applied and held briefly. The procedure will be repeated in sets with short rest intervals to improve muscle extensibility and reduce pain.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Myokinetic Stretching Technique | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) along with conventional physiotherapy, including hot pack application, cervical isometric exercises, neurodynamic gliding, and continuous cervical traction. The intervention will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. MST will be applied to the cervical muscles, particularly the trapezius, using controlled stretching and myofascial release techniques. Receives: Other: Myokinetic Stretching Technique |
| post Facilitation stretching | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) along with conventional physiotherapy, including hot pack application, cervical isometric exercises, neurodynamic gliding, and continuous cervical traction. The intervention will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. PFS will be applied to the cervical muscles, particularly the trapezius, using a sequence of strong voluntary contraction followed by rapid passive stretching to improve muscle flexibility and reduce pain. Receives: Other: Post facilitation stretching |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating scale
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Neck Disability Index
Functional disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index . The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Goniometer
Cervical range of motion will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer. Higher values indicate greater cervical range of motion.
Measured: Baseline and 4 week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Jul 2026
- Study start29 Jun 2026
- Primary completion30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cervical Radicular 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
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Shoaib Waqas, Study chair, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07724470
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UBAS/ERB/26/04/011
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: baseline participants
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post Facilitation Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Patients With Cervical Radicular Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07724470
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UBAS/ERB/26/04/011
- Conditions
- Cervical Radicular Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 29 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 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.
Cervical radicular pain (CRP) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper limb due to compression or irritation of cervical nerve roots. It significantly affects daily activities, cervical mobility, and overall quality of life. Conventional physical therapy focuses on reducing pain and improving function; however, there is limited evidence comparing the effectiveness of different stretching techniques used in clinical practice.
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) and Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability in patients with cervical radicular pain.
A total of 70 participants with cervical radicular pain (>4 weeks) will be randomly allocated into two groups:
Group A (Myokinetic Stretching Technique Group) - receiving MST along with conventional therapy including hot pack application, cervical isometric exercises, neurodynamic gliding, and continuous cervical traction.
Group B (Post Facilitation Stretching Group) - receiving Post Facilitation Stretching along with the same conventional therapy.
The intervention will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Outcome measures will include:
Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer Functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
This study aims to determine the more effective stretching technique for reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, and enhancing functional outcomes, thereby supporting evidence-based physiotherapy practice in managing cervical radicular pain.
Detailed description
Cervical radicular pain (CRP) is a condition characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper limb due to compression or irritation of cervical nerve roots. It is commonly associated with reduced cervical range of motion, muscle tightness, and functional disability, significantly affecting daily activities and quality of life. Conservative physiotherapy interventions, including stretching techniques, play a key role in managing this condition.
Among commonly used techniques, Myokinetic Stretching Technique(MST) and Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) are widely applied to improve muscle flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance functional mobility. MST focuses on controlled contraction and gradual stretching to promote neuromuscular relaxation, whereas PFS involves maximal voluntary contraction followed by rapid passive stretching to achieve muscle lengthening. Despite their frequent use in clinical practice, there is limited comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness in patients with cervical radicular pain.
This study is designed as a single-blinded, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 participants diagnosed with cervical radicular pain will be recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups using computer-generated randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Allocation concealment will be ensured by an independent administrator, and outcome assessment will be performed by a blinded assessor.
Both groups will receive conventional physiotherapy treatment consisting of hot pack application for 10 minutes, cervical isometric exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), neurodynamic gliding techniques, and continuous cervical traction.
Participants in Group A will receive Myokinetic Stretching Technique, applied to the cervical musculature with emphasis on trapezius stretching combined with myofascial release techniques. Participants in Group B will receive Post Facilitation Stretching, involving strong voluntary contraction followed by rapid passive stretching of the targeted muscles.
The intervention will be conducted over a period of 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days. Each treatment session will last approximately 45 minutes.
Outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed using the Number Pain Rating scale Scale (NPRS), cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer, and functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention.
Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Normality of data will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests will be applied for within-group and between-group comparisons.
This study aims to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post Facilitation Stretching in improving pain, cervical mobility, and functional outcomes in patients with cervical radicular pain, thereby supporting evidence-based physiotherapy practice.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Myokinetic Stretching Technique | Experimental | Other: Myokinetic Stretching TechniqueParticipants in this group will receive Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) along with conventional physiotherapy, including hot pack application, cervical isometric exercises, neurodynamic gliding, and continuous cervical traction. The intervention will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. MST will be applied to the cervical muscles, particularly the trapezius, using controlled stretching and myofascial release techniques. |
| post Facilitation stretching | Active comparator | Other: Post facilitation stretchingParticipants in this group will receive Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) along with conventional physiotherapy, including hot pack application, cervical isometric exercises, neurodynamic gliding, and continuous cervical traction. The intervention will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. PFS will be applied to the cervical muscles, particularly the trapezius, using a sequence of strong voluntary contraction followed by rapid passive stretching to improve muscle flexibility and reduce pain. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Both male and female gender
- Age 30 to 60 years with a +ve spurling test and radiating arm pain for more than 4 weeks
- Unilateral cervical radicular pain
- +ve upper limb tension test and neck disability index <50%
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- History of cervical spinal surgery
- Severe facet joint osteoarthritis
- History of fracture in the head and neck region
- Patient with cognitive dysfunction or mental illness, severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, liver, or kidney dysfunction
- History of dizziness, vertigo, and vomiting
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Myokinetic Stretching TechniqueParticipants in this group will receive Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) along with conventional physiotherapy treatment. The program will be delivered for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Conventional treatment will include hot pack application to the cervical region, cervical isometric exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), neurodynamic gliding techniques, and continuous cervical traction. MST will be applied to the cervical musculature, particularly the trapezius muscle. The participant will be positioned in supine, and the therapist will perform controlled lateral flexion stretching followed by myofascial release using sustained pressure (5-10 seconds). The technique will be performed in sets with brief rest intervals to improve muscle flexibility and reduce pain. | Other | Myokinetic Stretching Technique |
| Post facilitation stretchingParticipants in this group will receive Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) along with conventional physiotherapy treatment. The program will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Conventional treatment will include hot pack application to the cervical region, cervical isometric exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), neurodynamic gliding techniques, and continuous cervical traction. PFS will be applied to the cervical musculature, particularly the trapezius muscle. The participant will be positioned in supine, and the therapist will guide the muscle into a neutral position followed by a strong voluntary contraction for approximately 10 seconds. After relaxation, a rapid passive stretch will be applied and held briefly. The procedure will be repeated in sets with short rest intervals to improve muscle extensibility and reduce pain. | Other | post Facilitation stretching |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating scale
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain.
Neck Disability Index
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Functional disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index . The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Goniometer
Time frame: Baseline and 4 week
Cervical range of motion will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer. Higher values indicate greater cervical range of motion.
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 24 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. baseline participants
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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.
Shoaib Waqas study chair
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post facilitation stretching in people with Cervical Radicular Pain, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences 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 4 inclusion and 7 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 24 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 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 Dr.Tariq Shafi, MSPT (03454190056, muhammad.tariq@ubas.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating scale (time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks). 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 24 Jul 2026.