Deep neck flexor and sensorimotor training for chronic neck pain

Effect of Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Training and Sensorimotor Training in Patient With Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

NA · Al-Neelain University · NCT07040605

This trial will test whether adding deep neck flexor exercises and sensorimotor (proprioception) training to usual physical therapy helps adults aged 20–40 with chronic mechanical neck pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorAl-Neelain University (other)
Locations1 site (Cairo, Giza Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07040605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll 60 adults with chronic mechanical neck pain at an outpatient clinic in the Faculty of Physical Therapy in Cairo. Participants will be randomly assigned to conventional physical therapy alone or conventional therapy plus a four-week program of deep cervical flexor training (using pressure biofeedback) and sensorimotor exercises. Interventions are delivered in three supervised 45–60 minute sessions per week, and outcomes are measured at baseline and after four weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes include pain intensity, craniovertebral angle, cervical range of motion, segmental mobility, neuromotor control, head repositioning accuracy, and respiratory function (FEV1 and PEF).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 20–40 with mechanical neck pain lasting more than three months, pain >4/10 on the NPRS, a craniovertebral angle between 45° and 50°, and poor cervical muscle endurance.

Not a fit: People with acute or radiating neck pain, recent thoracic/shoulder/cervical surgery, fixed spinal deformity, current treatment for neck pain, or who are pregnant are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined program could reduce pain and improve neck posture, movement control, proprioception, and breathing in people with chronic mechanical neck pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized trials of deep cervical flexor training and sensorimotor exercises have reported improvements in pain, proprioception, and neck function, though combined protocols and effect sizes vary across studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants aged between 20-40 years.
* participant having neck pain report more than 4 in NPRS, and at least within the last three months known as chronic pain.
* participant with CVA more than 45 degrees and less than 50.
* Participant with poor cervical muscle endurance.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant with acute neck pain (less than three month).
* Participant with radiated neck pain.
* Participant who undergone recent surgeries within the thoracic, shoulder girdle, and cervical spine regions.
* Participants who were already undergoing treatment for neck pain.
* Participant with fixed spinal deformity.
* Pregnant women.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Giza Governorate

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mechanical Neck Pain, mechanical neck pain, sensorimotor training, Deep cervical flexors muscles

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.