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Text Neck SyndromeNCT07921004

Effects of Alexander Technique Versus Feldenkrais Somatic Training in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome

A study testing Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Somatic training and Base line Treatment (Standard PT protocol) in people with Text Neck Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

in this era, increasing use of smart gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, computers etc has led to rise in musculoskeletal disorders, particularly Text Neck Syndrome, which is characterized by neck and upper back pain with prolonged neck flexion and forward head posture. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 years
Conditions the study is for
Text Neck Syndrome
What is being tested?
Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Somatic training and Base line Treatment (Standard PT protocol)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
46 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
28 Oct 2026to 10 Jan 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 18 to 40 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Male and Female are included
  • Age between 18- 40 years age
  • Using smart phone ≥4 hours/day
  • Neck pain duration ≥3 months
  • Neck pain increase by sustained posture
  • NDI score range from >20 points
  • Cranio-vertebral angle ≤ 48°

Who cannot join

  • Any trauma or injury on cervical and thoracic spine
  • History of cervical spine surgery
  • Specific neck pathologies (cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, inflammatory conditions, spinal infection and tumor)
  • Congenital Spinal deformity
  • Psychological problem

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
  • Riaz Mansoor Trust Hospital

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

    Mehwish Irfan, +923204435562, Umine2i2@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Effects of Alexander Technique Versus Feldenkrais Somatic Training on Pain, Cranio-Vertebral Angle and Disability in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome

in this era, increasing use of smart gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, computers etc has led to rise in musculoskeletal disorders, particularly Text Neck Syndrome, which is characterized by neck and upper back pain with prolonged neck flexion and forward head posture. Somatic education approaches such as the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method offer alternative strategies by emphasizing postural awareness, movement quality, and neuromuscular re-education rather than repetitive exercise alone. The study will be conducted as a randomized clinical trial and the assessor will be blind. Sample size of 46 subjects will be taken according to inclusion criteria and subjects will be allocated in two groups by computer generator software. Conventional intervention will be received as a standardized treatment protocol in both groups with additional intervention. Group A will receive Alexander technique while Group B will receive Feldenkrais technique. The data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of each intervention. This study's results can provide valuable information to healthcare professionals on how to manage Text neck syndrome.

Read the detailed description

PROJECT SUMMARY:

In this modern era, increasing use of smart gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, computers etc has led to rise in musculoskeletal disorders, particularly Text Neck Syndrome, which is characterized by neck and upper back pain with prolonged neck flexion and forward head posture. Although conventional physiotherapy interventions such as postural correction, strengthening, and stretching have demonstrated benefits; however, persistent symptoms, functional limitations, and reduced treatment adherence remain challenges. Somatic education approaches such as the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method offer alternative strategies by emphasizing postural awareness, movement quality, and neuromuscular re-education rather than repetitive exercise alone. The Alexander Technique focuses on optimizing the head-neck-spine relationship, reducing unnecessary muscle tension, and modifying habitual movement patterns through conscious inhibition and direction, whereas the Feldenkrais Method employs gentle, awareness-based movement lessons and functional integration to enhance sensorimotor organization, proprioception, and movement efficiency. Both approaches may contribute to improved posture, reduced pain and enhanced functional outcomes in individuals with neck pain.

The study will be conducted as a randomized clinical trial and the assessor will be blind. Sample size of 46 subjects will be taken according to inclusion criteria and subjects will be allocated in two groups by computer generator software. Conventional intervention will be received as a standardized treatment protocol in both groups with additional somatic intervention. Group A will receive Alexander technique while Group B will receive Feldenkrais technique. The primary outcomes measured will be pain, disability, and cranio-cervical angle. The study will collect data at baseline and four weeks using validated outcome measures. The data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of each intervention. In this study, participants in both groups will receive treatment twice a week, with a total of eight treatment sessions over the four-week study period. The results of the study will provide valuable insights into the efficacy of Alexander technique and Feldenkrais training in managing Text neck syndrome. This study's results can provide valuable information to healthcare professionals on how to manage Text neck syndrome and may contribute to the development of future research in this area.

Being tested
Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Somatic training, Base line Treatment (Standard PT protocol)
Keywords
Disability, Neck pain, Postural balance, Somatic training, Text Neck syndrome
Medical subject headings
Neck Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Alexander TechniqueOther

    Each patient will receive a total number of eight treatment sessions over a four-week period and each session is about 45 min. There will be 3 sessions in per week. Constructive rest-5 min, Gentle cervical rotation in supine , 4-5 each side, Head and neck release awareness in sitting, Semi supine arm awareness, Sitting Posture Re-education: Ask the patient to hold the phone at eye level, Sitting to standing by Alexander Method, Gentle cervical rotation sitting, Functional Reaching with AT Cues, Stimulated phone use training, Sustained posture awareness drill

  • Feldenkrais Somatic trainingOther

    Each patient will receive a total number of eight treatment sessions over a four-week period and each session is about 45 min. There will be 3 sessions in per week. Body scan in supine, small circles in supine , Chin nodding in supine lying, Jaw-neck awareness (ask the patient to open \& close mouth gently), Head turning with shoulder awareness (patient is in supine position, ask the patient to turn head right while noticing left shoulder and move to the alternate sides.), Eye-head coordination (ask the patient to move eyes right first, then head follows then reverse direction.), Side-lying head lift (1 cm), Scapula-neck relationship (patient in standing, ask the patient to gently slide shoulder up/down while head rests and therapist observe neck response.), Thoracic rolling in supine, Pelvic rocking with in supine lying, Standing weight shift + head response, Walking with free neck, Text neck re education

  • Base line Treatment (Standard PT protocol)Other

    TENS (10 min), Hot pack (10 min), Soft tissue mobilization, Grade I, II matland mobilization of cervical spine, AROM (10 reps- 2 sets), Upper trapezius stretch (5 sets, hold for 15-30 sec), Levator Scapulae stretch (5 sets, hold for 15-30 sec), SCM stretch (5 sets, hold for 15-30 sec), Pectoralis major stretch (5 sets, hold for 15-30 sec), Cervical isometrics in flexion, extension and side bending (5-10 sets, hold for 10 sec).

Study groups in NCT07921004
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Alexander TechniqueExperimentalNot described
Receives: Other: Alexander Technique; Other: Base line Treatment (Standard PT protocol)
Feldenkrais Somatic trainingExperimentalNot described
Receives: Other: Feldenkrais Somatic training; Other: Base line Treatment (Standard PT protocol)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale)

    Numeric pain rating scale were used to measure the intensity level of the patient's pain. Scale consists of 11 points, ranging from 0 -10. 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst imaginable pain. Subjects select the number that best symbolizes their level of pain.

    0= No pain 1-3= Mild pain 4-6= Moderate pain 7-10= severe pain

    Measured: From enrollment to end of week 4

  2. NDI (Neck Disability Index)

    The Neck Disability Index is the most general measure for evaluating self-perceived disability in patients with neck pain. Each question has six options to rate the disability level from 0 (no disability) to 5 (total disability). The numeric responses for each question are summed for a total score between 0 and 50.

    No disability= 0 - 4 Mild= 5 - 14 Moderate= 15 - 24 Severe= 25 - 34 Complete Disability = 35 - 50

    Measured: From enrolment to end of week 4

  3. Photogrammetry for Cranio-vertebral angle

    Photogrammetry is a most commonly used noninvasive tool to assess cranio-vertebral angle or posture alignment. Participants will be asked to stand or seated in normal or relaxed posture. Lateral photographs were taken and mark the spinous process of C7 and tragus of ear. The angle between the line joining from tragus to C7 spinous process and horizontal line will be measured with the help of Image J. Software to determine cranio-vertebral angle.

    Measured: From enrollment to end of week 4

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 Nov 2026
  2. Study start28 Oct 2026
  3. Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion10 Jan 2027 (estimated)

Resources

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
46 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07921004
Sponsor's protocol ID
REC/RCR & AHS/25/0186
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

  • Klein SD, Bayard C, Wolf U. The Alexander Technique and musicians: a systematic review of controlled trials. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Oct 24;14:414. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-414.

    PubMed 25344325
  • Shadi N, Khalaghi K, Seyedahmadi M. Comparing the effects of Pilates, corrective exercises, and Alexander's technique on upper cross syndrome among adolescent girls student (ages 13-16): a six-week study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2024 Jun 28;16(1):143. doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-00933-2.

    PubMed 38943175
  • Qin D, Qin Y, Wang Y, Xue L, Peng Y. RETRACTED: Effects of the Alexander technique on pain and adverse events in chronic non-specific neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024 Nov 22;19(11):e0313526. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313526. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 39576801
  • Brummer M, Walach H, Schmidt S. Feldenkrais 'Functional Integration' Increases Body Contact Surface in the Supine Position: A Randomized-Controlled Experimental Study. Front Psychol. 2018 Oct 24;9:2023. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02023. eCollection 2018.

    PubMed 30405500
  • Jain S, Janssen K, DeCelle S. Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method: a critical overview. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2004 Nov;15(4):811-25, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2004.04.005.

    PubMed 15458754

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Somatic training and Base line Treatment (Standard PT protocol) in people with Text Neck Syndrome, 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 7 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 Imran Amjad (+923324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) (time frame: From enrollment to end of week 4). 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?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07921004, which also lists 5 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.

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