Comparing myofascial release and dynamic cupping for kids with neck pain
Comparative Effects of Myofascial Release Therapy and Dynamic Cupping on Neck Pain and Posture in School Going Children.
This trial will test whether myofascial release or dynamic cupping reduces neck pain and improves posture in school-aged children.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore) |
| Trial ID | NCT07575139 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized clinical trial enrolling 40 school-based children with neck pain and postural deviations, who will be randomly assigned to either myofascial release or dynamic cupping for a six-week intervention. Treatments and outcome assessments will be delivered in selected schools and data will be analyzed using SPSS v27. Primary outcomes include pain measured by the Visual Analog Scale and posture measured with goniometer and plumb line testing. Children with skin conditions, neurological symptoms, recent analgesic use, or need for assistive devices are excluded to protect safety and reduce confounding.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children with neck pain and observable postural deviations recruited from participating schools—reported as ages 7 to 12 in the protocol—are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Children with skin infections or open wounds in the neck/upper back, neurological disorders, recent analgesic use, or who rely on assistive devices are excluded and likely would not benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these non-drug therapies could offer safe, school-deliverable options to reduce neck pain and improve posture in children.
How similar studies have performed: Some adult and limited pediatric studies report pain reduction with myofascial techniques and cupping, but comparative evidence in school-aged children is sparse.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children with age 13 to 16. * Both boys and girls * neck pain (NPRS score from 7 to 10) * Presence of postural deviations (will be access by using Plumb line test) Exclusion Criteria: * Skin infections, open wounds, or dermatological conditions in the neck/upper back region * Neurological symptoms (cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis) * Recent use of analgesics * use of assistive devices (collars)
Where this trial is running
Lahore
- Imran Amjad — Lahore, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eayza Riaz, Ms-Pt — Riphah Internatinaal University
- Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
- Email: IMRAN.AMJAD@RIPHAH.EDU.PK
- Phone: 9233224390125
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.