Effects of neck manipulation on shoulder motion and strength in athletes

Effects of Cervical Manipulation on Cervical Rotation Range of Motion and Shoulder Rotational Range of Motion and Strength in Overhead Athletes

Not applicable Interventional Sacred Heart University · NCT06903793

This study tests if a quick neck stretch can improve shoulder movement and strength in college athletes who play sports like baseball and swimming.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSacred Heart University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fairfield, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT06903793 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how a quick stretch technique applied to the neck affects neck and shoulder motion, as well as shoulder strength in collegiate athletes who participate in overhead sports like baseball and swimming. Overhead athletes are prone to cervical and shoulder dysfunction due to repetitive high-intensity movements, which can lead to injuries. The research aims to understand the relationship between cervical spinal manipulation and improvements in cervical rotation and shoulder strength, potentially informing rehabilitation and prevention strategies for these athletes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are collegiate athletes aged 18 and older who participate in overhead sports.

Not a fit: Patients with recent shoulder or neck pain, or those who have had upper extremity surgery in the last year, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance shoulder performance and reduce injury risk in overhead athletes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a link between cervical rotation deficits and shoulder injuries, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years old and above
* Current overhead college athlete
* No mental health considerations such as generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Upper extremity surgery in the last year
* Current shoulder pain
* Current neck pain
* Recent episodes of vertigo, dizziness, and migraines
* Recent motor vehicle accident
* History of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, arrhythmias, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, and aortic aneurysm
* Fear or unwillingness to undergo cervical manipulation

Where this trial is running

Fairfield, Connecticut

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.
Conditions Cervical SpineManipulation, SpinalShoulderOverhead Athletecervical manipulationshoulder motionshoulder strengthoverhead athlete
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.