Mechanical Neck PainNCT07920978
Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching in School-aged Children With Mechanical Neck Pain Due to Prolong Screen Use
A study testing Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching in people with Mechanical Neck Pain, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
To compare the effectiveness of strain counter strain and conventional stretching on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in school-aged children with mechanical neck pain related to prolonged screen use. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 8 to 14 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Mechanical Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2026to Mar 2027
- 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 8 to 14 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Children aged 8-14 years
- Mechanical neck pain associated with prolonged screen use
- Screen time of more than 3 hours per day.
Who cannot join
- Congenital cervical deformities.
- Neurological disorders.
- Musculoskeletal disorders affecting neck
- History of cervical spine surgery
- Screen time of less than 3 hours per day.
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
Fz International Hospital
Islamabad, 47000
Qamar Mehmood, 03335151063, qamar.mehmood@riphah.edu.pk
Rameen Pirzada, MS( MS-PPT)
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching on Pain Intensity and Cervical Range of Motion in School- Aged Children With Mechanical Neck Pain Related to Prolonged Screen Use.
To compare the effectiveness of strain counter strain and conventional stretching on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in school-aged children with mechanical neck pain related to prolonged screen use.
- Conditions
- Mechanical Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Strain Counter Strain, Conventional Stretching
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Strain Counter StrainOther
Head and neck held in position of easy for 90 seconds and gentle ROMs. Sessions will be conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks (total 18 sessions).
Conventional StretchingOther
Static stretching of upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocledidomastoid muscles. Each stretch held for 20-30 seconds, repeated 3 times per muscle. Sessions will be conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks (total 18 sessions).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Strain Counter Strain | Experimental | Strain counter strain effect on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in school aged children with mechanical neck pain. Receives: Other: Strain Counter Strain |
| Conventional Stretching | Active comparator | Conventional stretching effect on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in school aged children with mechanical neck pain. Receives: Other: Conventional Stretching |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in pain intensity as measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
It is used to assess intensity of neck pain. It ranges on a scale from 0 ( no pain) to 10 ( severe pain). Pain will be measured at baseline (week 0), mid intervention ( week 3) and post intervention (week 6).
Measured: Week 0 , Week 3, Week 6
Secondary outcomes (2)
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
It is used to asses neck pain related functional disability. It consists of 10 (5 parts) sections. At the end, score is calculated by dividing total score by 50 and multiplied by 100. As the driving section is not required in children, total score considered is 45 instead of 50. It will be measured at baseline (week 0), mid intervention ( week 3) and post intervention (week 6).
Measured: Week 0 , Week 3, Week 6
Pediatric Quality of Life (Peds QL)
It is used to assess health related quality of life in children including; physical, emotional, social and school functioning. It has total 23 items, evaluated on a scale ranging from 0 (never a problem) to 4 (almost always a problem). It will be measured at baseline (week 0), mid intervention ( week 3) and post intervention (week 6).
Measured: Week 0 , Week 3, Week 6
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Nov 2026
- Study start1 Jul 2026
- Primary completionMar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionMar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (12)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Mechanical Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe 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
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Qamar Mehmood, MS, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07920978
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/MSPPT/02469 Rameen Pirzada
- Status last verified
- Nov 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Nov 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
L. C. Positional Release Techniques Elsevier Health Sciences; 2015 Nov 12.
Manipis MD RR, Bernal JB, Canilas LM. Effectiveness Of Self-Management Neck Stretching Exercises Among Students Of Uph-Djgtmu Experiencing Musculoskeletal Neck Pain. Journal of Physical Therapy 2023;1(1):1-. 2023.
Lertsinthai P DT. Effect of exercise for non-specific neck pain and mechanical neck pain: from research to practice. 2017.
El-Khateeb YS, Mahmoud AG, Mohamed MH, Abd El-Azeim AS. Influence of adding strain-counterstrain to standard therapy on axioscapular muscles amplitude and fatigue in mechanical neck pain: a single-blind, randomized trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2022 Aug;58(4):621-629. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.22.07194-5. Epub 2022 Jun 6.
PubMed 35666489Kang D, Yim J. A Study of 45 Patients with Chronic Neck Pain to Compare the Effects on Pain and Disability of 4 Weeks of Physical Therapy with the Active Release Technique and Strain-Counterstrain Manipulation with Massage Alone, Before and After Treatment. Med Sci Monit. 2023 Nov 28;29:e942027. doi: 10.12659/MSM.942027.
PubMed 38013400Wong CK. Strain counterstrain: current concepts and clinical evidence. Man Ther. 2012 Feb;17(1):2-8. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2011.10.001. Epub 2011 Oct 24.
PubMed 22030379Phadke A, Bedekar N, Shyam A, Sancheti P. Effect of muscle energy technique and static stretching on pain and functional disability in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Hong Kong Physiother J. 2016 Apr 14;35:5-11. doi: 10.1016/j.hkpj.2015.12.002. eCollection 2016 Dec.
PubMed 30931028Azadvari M, Sarzaeim M, Rajabi S, Yahyaee A, Razavi SZE, Haghparast A, Biderafsh A, Nakhostin-Ansari A, Hosseini M, Ghahvechi M. Associations between exposure to common technology devices and reported neck pain among Iranian school-age adolescents: a cross sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023 Nov 13;24(1):883. doi: 10.1186/s12891-023-07010-8.
PubMed 37957607Hoy DG, Protani M, De R, Buchbinder R. The epidemiology of neck pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Dec;24(6):783-92. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2011.01.019.
PubMed 21665126Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet. 2015 Aug 22;386(9995):743-800. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60692-4. Epub 2015 Jun 7.
PubMed 26063472Baradaran Mahdavi S, Mazaheri-Tehrani S, Riahi R, Vahdatpour B, Kelishadi R. Sedentary behavior and neck pain in children and adolescents; a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Promot Perspect. 2022 Dec 10;12(3):240-248. doi: 10.34172/hpp.2022.31. eCollection 2022.
PubMed 36686056Abdel-Aziem AA, Abdel-Ghafar MA, Ali OI, Abdelraouf OR. Effects of smartphone screen viewing duration and body position on head and neck posture in elementary school children. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2022;35(1):185-193. doi: 10.3233/BMR-200334.
PubMed 34092602
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching on Pain Intensity and Cervical Range of Motion in School- Aged Children With Mechanical Neck Pain Related to Prolonged Screen Use.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07920978
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/MSPPT/02469 Rameen Pirzada
- Conditions
- Mechanical Neck Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Nov 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.
To compare the effectiveness of strain counter strain and conventional stretching on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in school-aged children with mechanical neck pain related to prolonged screen use.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Strain Counter Strain | Experimental | Other: Strain Counter StrainStrain counter strain effect on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in school aged children with mechanical neck pain. |
| Conventional Stretching | Active comparator | Other: Conventional StretchingConventional stretching effect on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in school aged children with mechanical neck pain. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 8 to 14 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Children aged 8-14 years
- Mechanical neck pain associated with prolonged screen use
- Screen time of more than 3 hours per day.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Congenital cervical deformities.
- Neurological disorders.
- Musculoskeletal disorders affecting neck
- History of cervical spine surgery
- Screen time of less than 3 hours per day.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Strain Counter StrainHead and neck held in position of easy for 90 seconds and gentle ROMs. Sessions will be conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks (total 18 sessions). | Other | Strain Counter Strain |
| Conventional StretchingStatic stretching of upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocledidomastoid muscles. Each stretch held for 20-30 seconds, repeated 3 times per muscle. Sessions will be conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks (total 18 sessions). | Other | Conventional Stretching |
Primary outcome
Change in pain intensity as measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: Week 0 , Week 3, Week 6
It is used to assess intensity of neck pain. It ranges on a scale from 0 ( no pain) to 10 ( severe pain). Pain will be measured at baseline (week 0), mid intervention ( week 3) and post intervention (week 6).
2 secondary outcomes
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: Week 0 , Week 3, Week 6
Pediatric Quality of Life (Peds QL)
Time frame: Week 0 , Week 3, Week 6
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 6 Nov 2026.
- BackgroundL. C. Positional Release Techniques Elsevier Health Sciences; 2015 Nov 12.
- BackgroundManipis MD RR, Bernal JB, Canilas LM. Effectiveness Of Self-Management Neck Stretching Exercises Among Students Of Uph-Djgtmu Experiencing Musculoskeletal Neck Pain. Journal of Physical Therapy 2023;1(1):1-. 2023.
- BackgroundLertsinthai P DT. Effect of exercise for non-specific neck pain and mechanical neck pain: from research to practice. 2017.
- Background: PubMed 35666489El-Khateeb YS, Mahmoud AG, Mohamed MH, Abd El-Azeim AS. Influence of adding strain-counterstrain to standard therapy on axioscapular muscles amplitude and fatigue in mechanical neck pain: a single-blind, randomized trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2022 Aug;58(4):621-629. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.22.07194-5. Epub 2022 Jun 6.
- Background: PubMed 38013400Kang D, Yim J. A Study of 45 Patients with Chronic Neck Pain to Compare the Effects on Pain and Disability of 4 Weeks of Physical Therapy with the Active Release Technique and Strain-Counterstrain Manipulation with Massage Alone, Before and After Treatment. Med Sci Monit. 2023 Nov 28;29:e942027. doi: 10.12659/MSM.942027.
- Background: PubMed 22030379Wong CK. Strain counterstrain: current concepts and clinical evidence. Man Ther. 2012 Feb;17(1):2-8. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2011.10.001. Epub 2011 Oct 24.
- Background: PubMed 30931028Phadke A, Bedekar N, Shyam A, Sancheti P. Effect of muscle energy technique and static stretching on pain and functional disability in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Hong Kong Physiother J. 2016 Apr 14;35:5-11. doi: 10.1016/j.hkpj.2015.12.002. eCollection 2016 Dec.
- Background: PubMed 37957607Azadvari M, Sarzaeim M, Rajabi S, Yahyaee A, Razavi SZE, Haghparast A, Biderafsh A, Nakhostin-Ansari A, Hosseini M, Ghahvechi M. Associations between exposure to common technology devices and reported neck pain among Iranian school-age adolescents: a cross sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023 Nov 13;24(1):883. doi: 10.1186/s12891-023-07010-8.
- Background: PubMed 21665126Hoy DG, Protani M, De R, Buchbinder R. The epidemiology of neck pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Dec;24(6):783-92. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2011.01.019.
- Background: PubMed 26063472Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet. 2015 Aug 22;386(9995):743-800. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60692-4. Epub 2015 Jun 7.
- Background: PubMed 36686056Baradaran Mahdavi S, Mazaheri-Tehrani S, Riahi R, Vahdatpour B, Kelishadi R. Sedentary behavior and neck pain in children and adolescents; a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Promot Perspect. 2022 Dec 10;12(3):240-248. doi: 10.34172/hpp.2022.31. eCollection 2022.
- Background: PubMed 34092602Abdel-Aziem AA, Abdel-Ghafar MA, Ali OI, Abdelraouf OR. Effects of smartphone screen viewing duration and body position on head and neck posture in elementary school children. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2022;35(1):185-193. doi: 10.3233/BMR-200334.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Qamar Mehmood, MS principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching in people with Mechanical Neck Pain, run by Riphah International University 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?
The sponsor lists 3 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Nov 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. 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 Qamar Mehmood (0333 5151063, qamar.mehmood@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in pain intensity as measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: Week 0 , Week 3, Week 6). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07920978, which also lists 12 linked publications.
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 6 Nov 2026.