Effects of neck and upper back mobilization on neck pain and daily living
Official title: Effects of Thoracic Spine and Cervical Spine Mobilization on Pain, Functional Disability, and Quality of Life in Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain.
Run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · NCT07723001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether cervical spine mobilization alone or combined with thoracic mobilization helps people aged 20–40 with mechanical neck pain feel less pain and disability.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07723001 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–40 with mechanical neck pain lasting >4 weeks and mild-to-moderate disability (NDI 10–50%).
✕Probably not a fit
Those with cervical radiculopathy, history of spine surgery, inflammatory or infectious spinal conditions, or severe instability may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this two-arm randomized trial, 66 adults with mechanical neck pain lasting more than 4 weeks are assigned to receive either cervical spine Maitland mobilization alone or both thoracic and cervical Maitland mobilization over an 8-week period. Each session lasts about 30 minutes and occurs twice weekly. The study aims to compare effects on pain, functional disability, and quality of life using standard outcome measures. Participants are assessed at baseline, after treatment, and presumably at follow-up to determine short-term benefits. Safety and eligibility criteria focus on excluding cervical radiculopathy, prior spine surgery, and conditions that could confound results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a more effective conservative treatment option for improving pain and function in mechanical neck pain.
How similar studies have gone: There is some existing evidence for mobilization techniques, but direct comparison of cervical versus combined thoracic–cervical approaches remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants of both genders aged between 20 and 40 years with a clinical diagnosis of mechanical neck pain will be included in the study. Eligible participants must have a history of neck pain lasting more than 4 weeks (subacute to chronic) and demonstrate mild to moderate functional disability, defined by a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score between 10% and 50%. Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded if they present with signs or symptoms of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy, such as a positive Spurling's test accompanied by neurological deficits, dermatomal numbness, or myotome weakness. Individuals with a history of cervical spine fracture, dislocation, or spinal surgery, as well as those with inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic spinal conditions, will also be excluded. Additional exclusion criteria include diagnosed osteoporosis or prolonged use of systemic corticosteroids, severe cervical spine instability or vertebrobasilar insufficiency, recent trauma to the cervical or thoracic spine within the past 6 months, presence of systemic neurological disorders, pregnancy, and current participation in another physiotherapy or clinical trial for neck pain.
Where it's running
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Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences (UBAS)
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr.Tariq Shafi, MSPT
- Email: muhammad.tariq@ubas.edu.pk
- Phone: +923454190056
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.