Cervical stabilization exercises for improving hand grip strength in chronic neck pain

Efficacy of Cervical Stabilization Exercises on Hand Grip Strength, Pinch Strength, Pain Pressure Threshold in Patients With Chronic Myofascial Neck Pain

This study tests if doing neck exercises can help people with chronic neck pain improve their hand grip strength and overall function.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 45 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Cairo University (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Giza and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06468904 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of cervical stabilization exercises on hand grip strength and other related outcomes in patients suffering from chronic myofascial neck pain. It focuses on the upper trapezius muscle, which is often implicated in neck pain and can affect shoulder and hand function. Participants will engage in specific exercises designed to stabilize the cervical region, and their progress will be measured through various strength and pain assessments. The study aims to fill a gap in existing literature regarding the therapeutic benefits of these exercises for this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing chronic neck pain for more than three months with active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cervical pathologies, fractures, or other significant medical conditions such as diabetes or fibromyalgia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved hand grip strength and reduced pain for patients with chronic myofascial neck pain.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on cervical stabilization exercises specifically, similar approaches have shown promise in improving muscle function and pain management in related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Chronic neck pain for more than 3 months.
2. Active MTrPs in the UT muscle with a tender nodule.
3. Constant neck pain, a jump sign during palpation of UT muscle.
4. Referred pain.
5. Symptoms of ipsilateral hand muscles weakness.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Signs of severe pathology such as malignancy of the cervical area.
2. Fractures of the cervical spine.
3. Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy.
4. Diabetes.
5. Trauma, congenital anomalies and surgery around neck, shoulder and hand.
6. Fibromyalgia or vascular syndromes such as vertebra-basilar insufficiency.
7. Pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

Giza and 1 other locations

• Cairo University — Giza, Egypt (COMPLETED)
• Faculty of physical therapy — Giza, Egypt (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fatma Alzahraa M Ali, Master

Conditions: Chronic Neck Pain, cervical stabilization, hand grip, myofascial neck pain