Comparing reverse NAGs and ventro-cranial translatoric glides to treat upper thoracic spine stiffness.
Effects of Reverse Natural Apophyseal Glides as Compared to Ventro-cranial Translatoric Glides in the Management of Upper Thoracic Spine Hypomobility.
This trial will try two hands-on physical therapy techniques—reverse NAGs and ventro-cranial translatoric glides—to see which better reduces pain and improves movement for adults with upper thoracic spine hypomobility.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 39 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Trial ID | NCT07006402 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy in Islamabad will assign adults with upper thoracic hypomobility to receive either reverse natural apophyseal glides (reverse NAGs) or grade III ventro-cranial translatoric glides. Treatments will be delivered in-person using standardized protocols and outcomes measured include upper back pain and thoracic range of motion. Eligible participants are adults aged 18–39 with reduced thoracic flexion, extension, side-bending, or rotation and no major spinal pathology or prior spine surgery. The trial compares the clinical effects of the two manual therapy techniques over the treatment period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–39 with clinically measured upper thoracic hypomobility and no major spinal disease or prior spinal surgery are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis, prior spinal fusion or surgery, degenerative disc disease, cervical radiculopathy, scoliosis, spinal stenosis or myelopathy, recent fracture, spinal TB, spondylolisthesis, fibromyalgia, or those unable to attend regular in-person therapy are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one technique proves superior, patients could get faster pain relief and better thoracic mobility with a clearly recommended manual therapy approach.
How similar studies have performed: Small trials and clinical reports support manual thoracic glide techniques for reducing pain and improving motion, but direct head-to-head evidence comparing reverse NAGs to ventro-cranial translatoric glides is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. Both male and females 2. Adults (18-39 years) 3. Upper Thoracic hypomobility (flexion \<20° or extension \<25° or side bending \<20° or rotation \<35°) Exclusion Criteria: * 1-Ankylosing spondylitis 2-History of Spinal Fusion or spinal surgery (discectomy/laminectomy etc.) 3-Degenerative disc disorders 4-Cervical radiculopathy, Scoliosis 5-Spinal Stenosis or Myelopathy 6-Recent fracture or surgery 7-TB of spine, Spondylolisthesis 8-Not able to attend regular therapy appointments 9-Fibromyalgia/myofascial pain syndrome
Where this trial is running
Islamabad
- Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Islamabad, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Anam Shabbir, DPT
- Email: anamshabbir129@gmail.com
- Phone: +923305848103
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.