Chronic Nonspecific Neck PainNCT07816939
Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on Pain, Grip Strength, and Anthropometric Measures in Women With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
A study testing Posture and Core Stabilization Exercises and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in people with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain, run by Melike Gültekin at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Chronic nonspecific neck pain may affect the mechanical loading of the cervical region and trunk stabilization. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises may contribute to postural control and trunk stabilization in addition to their role in breathing. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Posture and Core Stabilization Exercises and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 May 2026to 1 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 60 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Women aged 18-60 years.
- Presence of non-specific chronic neck pain lasting for at least 3 months.
- No participation in a physiotherapy program during the previous 3 months.
- Voluntary participation in the study and provision of written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Previous cervical spine surgery.
- Acute infection or major surgery within the previous 3 months.
- History of malignancy.
- Neurological, rheumatological, or respiratory disease that could affect study participation or outcomes.
- Pregnancy.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi
Trabzon, Ortahisar, 61080
About this study
Official title: Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in Addition to Posture and Core Stabilisation Exercises on Pain, Grip Strength, and Anthropometric Measurements in Women With Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain
Chronic nonspecific neck pain may affect the mechanical loading of the cervical region and trunk stabilization. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises may contribute to postural control and trunk stabilization in addition to their role in breathing. This randomized controlled study investigated the effects of adding diaphragmatic breathing exercises to posture and core stabilization exercises on pain, grip strength, and anthropometric measurements in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain.
Forty women aged 18-60 years with chronic nonspecific neck pain lasting at least three months participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group, with 20 participants in each group. Both groups performed posture and core stabilization exercises twice weekly for eight weeks. The intervention group additionally performed 10 minutes of diaphragmatic breathing exercises during each session.
Pain intensity, right and left hand grip strength, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were assessed before and after the exercise program. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, grip strength using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, and anthropometric measurements according to International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry standards. The results showed that adding diaphragmatic breathing exercises may provide additional benefits, particularly in reducing activity-related pain in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain.
Read the detailed description
Chronic nonspecific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that may negatively affect daily activities, physical function, and quality of life. Postural changes and alterations in breathing mechanics may contribute to increased mechanical loading of the cervical region and impaired trunk stabilization. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises may support postural control and trunk stabilization in addition to their respiratory function.
This randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate whether adding diaphragmatic breathing exercises to posture and core stabilization exercises provides additional benefits for pain, grip strength, and anthropometric measurements in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain.
The study included women aged 18-60 years who had experienced nonspecific neck pain for at least three months. A total of 40 participants were included and randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group, with 20 participants in each group. Randomization was performed using a computer-assisted block randomization method with a 1:1 allocation ratio.
Both groups participated in posture and core stabilization exercises twice weekly for eight weeks. Participants in the intervention group additionally performed diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 10 minutes during each session. The control group performed the posture and core stabilization exercises without the additional diaphragmatic breathing component.
Assessments were performed before the exercise program and after eight weeks. Pain intensity at rest and during activity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale. Right and left hand grip strength were measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Anthropometric measurements were obtained according to the standards of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were among the anthropometric variables evaluated.
The primary outcome was pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included right and left hand grip strength and anthropometric measurements. The effects of group, time, and the group-by-time interaction were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. Individual differences were included as a random effect, and baseline body weight was included as a covariate. Bonferroni correction was used for pairwise comparisons, and the statistical significance level was set at p The study was completed with 40 participants. The results indicated a statistically significant group-by-time interaction for rest pain, activity pain, right and left hand grip strength, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. A statistically significant between-group difference in favor of the intervention group was found for activity-related pain. No statistically significant between-group differences were found for the other assessed outcomes.
- Conditions
- Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Posture and Core Stabilization Exercises, Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
- Keywords
- Chronic nonspecific neck pain, Diaphragmatic breathing, Core stabilization, Posture exercises, Grip strength, Anthropometry
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Posture and Core Stabilization ExercisesBehavioural
Participants perform posture and core stabilization exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks.
Diaphragmatic Breathing ExercisesBehavioural
Participants in the intervention group perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 10 minutes twice weekly for 8 weeks in addition to posture and core stabilization exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Diaphragmatic Breathing + Posture and Core Stabilization | Experimental | Participants receive posture and core stabilization exercises plus diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 8 weeks, twice weekly. Receives: Behavioral: Posture and Core Stabilization Exercises; Behavioral: Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises |
| Posture and Core Stabilization | Active comparator | Participants receive posture and core stabilization exercises for 8 weeks, twice weekly, without diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Receives: Behavioral: Posture and Core Stabilization Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Resting Pain Intensity
Resting pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants marked their current pain intensity on a 10-cm line ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). The distance from the starting point was recorded in centimeters.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Right Hand Grip Strength
Right hand grip strength was measured using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Three measurements were performed with a one-minute rest interval between trials, and the highest value was recorded in kilograms
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Secondary outcomes (2)
Activity Pain Intensity
Pain intensity during activity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Participants marked their pain intensity on a 10-cm line, and the distance from the starting point was recorded in centimeters.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Waist-to-hip ratio was calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Sep 2026
- Study start1 May 2026
- Primary completion1 Sep 2026
- Study completion1 Sep 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Nonspecific 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Melike Gültekin
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Melike Gültekin, Karadeniz Technical University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07816939
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026-79
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Bireysel katılımcı verileri, katılımcı gizliliğinin korunması ve etik gereklilikler nedeniyle diğer araştırmacılarla paylaşılmayacaktır.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in Addition to Posture and Core Stabilisation Exercises on Pain, Grip Strength, and Anthropometric Measurements in Women With Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07816939
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2026-79
- Conditions
- Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Chronic nonspecific neck pain, Diaphragmatic breathing, Core stabilization, Posture exercises, Grip strength, Anthropometry
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Melike GültekinUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Sep 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.
Chronic nonspecific neck pain may affect the mechanical loading of the cervical region and trunk stabilization. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises may contribute to postural control and trunk stabilization in addition to their role in breathing. This randomized controlled study investigated the effects of adding diaphragmatic breathing exercises to posture and core stabilization exercises on pain, grip strength, and anthropometric measurements in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain.
Forty women aged 18-60 years with chronic nonspecific neck pain lasting at least three months participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group, with 20 participants in each group. Both groups performed posture and core stabilization exercises twice weekly for eight weeks. The intervention group additionally performed 10 minutes of diaphragmatic breathing exercises during each session.
Pain intensity, right and left hand grip strength, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were assessed before and after the exercise program. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, grip strength using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, and anthropometric measurements according to International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry standards. The results showed that adding diaphragmatic breathing exercises may provide additional benefits, particularly in reducing activity-related pain in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain.
Detailed description
Chronic nonspecific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that may negatively affect daily activities, physical function, and quality of life. Postural changes and alterations in breathing mechanics may contribute to increased mechanical loading of the cervical region and impaired trunk stabilization. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises may support postural control and trunk stabilization in addition to their respiratory function.
This randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate whether adding diaphragmatic breathing exercises to posture and core stabilization exercises provides additional benefits for pain, grip strength, and anthropometric measurements in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain.
The study included women aged 18-60 years who had experienced nonspecific neck pain for at least three months. A total of 40 participants were included and randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group, with 20 participants in each group. Randomization was performed using a computer-assisted block randomization method with a 1:1 allocation ratio.
Both groups participated in posture and core stabilization exercises twice weekly for eight weeks. Participants in the intervention group additionally performed diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 10 minutes during each session. The control group performed the posture and core stabilization exercises without the additional diaphragmatic breathing component.
Assessments were performed before the exercise program and after eight weeks. Pain intensity at rest and during activity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale. Right and left hand grip strength were measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Anthropometric measurements were obtained according to the standards of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were among the anthropometric variables evaluated.
The primary outcome was pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included right and left hand grip strength and anthropometric measurements. The effects of group, time, and the group-by-time interaction were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. Individual differences were included as a random effect, and baseline body weight was included as a covariate. Bonferroni correction was used for pairwise comparisons, and the statistical significance level was set at p The study was completed with 40 participants. The results indicated a statistically significant group-by-time interaction for rest pain, activity pain, right and left hand grip strength, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. A statistically significant between-group difference in favor of the intervention group was found for activity-related pain. No statistically significant between-group differences were found for the other assessed outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Diaphragmatic Breathing + Posture and Core Stabilization | Experimental | Behavioral: Posture and Core Stabilization Exercises, Behavioral: Diaphragmatic Breathing ExercisesParticipants receive posture and core stabilization exercises plus diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 8 weeks, twice weekly. |
| Posture and Core Stabilization | Active comparator | Behavioral: Posture and Core Stabilization ExercisesParticipants receive posture and core stabilization exercises for 8 weeks, twice weekly, without diaphragmatic breathing exercises. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Women aged 18-60 years.
- Presence of non-specific chronic neck pain lasting for at least 3 months.
- No participation in a physiotherapy program during the previous 3 months.
- Voluntary participation in the study and provision of written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Previous cervical spine surgery.
- Acute infection or major surgery within the previous 3 months.
- History of malignancy.
- Neurological, rheumatological, or respiratory disease that could affect study participation or outcomes.
- Pregnancy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Posture and Core Stabilization ExercisesParticipants perform posture and core stabilization exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks. | Behavioural | Diaphragmatic Breathing + Posture and Core Stabilization, Posture and Core Stabilization |
| Diaphragmatic Breathing ExercisesParticipants in the intervention group perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 10 minutes twice weekly for 8 weeks in addition to posture and core stabilization exercises. | Behavioural | Diaphragmatic Breathing + Posture and Core Stabilization |
Primary outcome
Resting Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Resting pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants marked their current pain intensity on a 10-cm line ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). The distance from the starting point was recorded in centimeters.
Right Hand Grip Strength
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Right hand grip strength was measured using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Three measurements were performed with a one-minute rest interval between trials, and the highest value was recorded in kilograms
2 secondary outcomes
Activity Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Bireysel katılımcı verileri, katılımcı gizliliğinin korunması ve etik gereklilikler nedeniyle diğer araştırmacılarla paylaşılmayacaktır.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Posture and Core Stabilization Exercises and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in people with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain, run by Melike Gültekin at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Sep 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Resting Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline and Week 8). The study lists 2 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 14 Sep 2026.