Kendall plus scapulothoracic (shoulder-blade) exercise programs for chronic non-specific neck pain

Combined Effect of Kendall and Scapulothoracic Exercises on Brachial Plexus Mechanoreceptors in Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

This trial will test whether Kendall exercises, scapulothoracic (scapular) exercises, or usual care help adults aged 25–50 with chronic non-specific neck pain improve nerve sensitivity, neck motion, posture, and daily function.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 25 Years to 50 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Cairo University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo)
• Trial ID: NCT06980337 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional trial compares three approaches — conventional treatment, scapulothoracic strengthening, and Kendall postural exercises — in people with chronic non-specific neck pain. Sixty participants aged 25–50 with forward-head posture (craniovertebral angle <54°) and BMI 25–30 will be assigned to one of the three groups. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include brachial plexus mechanosensitivity, cervical range of motion, neck functional ability, and craniovertebral angle. Interventions are supervised exercise protocols targeting deep cervical flexors, scapular retractors and specific stretching, versus a conventional treatment program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 25–50 years old with at least 3 months of non-specific neck pain provoked by posture or movement, a craniovertebral angle under 54°, BMI 25–30, no prior neck surgery or major neurologic/systemic disease, and who can perform the exercises.

Not a fit: People with acute or specific cervical disorders (for example cervical spondylosis, disc prolapse), prior neck surgery, inflammatory or rheumatic disease, cancer, recent neck physical therapy or pain medication use, or those unable to exercise are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the exercise programs could lower nerve mechanosensitivity, improve neck posture and range of motion, and make daily activities easier for people with chronic non-specific neck pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous physiotherapy research supports benefits from Kendall-type postural training and from scapulothoracic strengthening individually, but combining these approaches and measuring brachial plexus mechanosensitivity is less well studied.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Sixty patients of both genders were recruited in the study.
* The age of the recruited subjects were ranging from 25 to 50 years old
* Patients having neck pain symptoms provoked by neck postures, neck movement, or palpation of the cervical musculature, for at least the last 3 months
* Patients with a craniovertebral angle of less than 54º
* Subjects with a BMI 25-30

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of previous injury of the neck
* History of surgical intervention at the neck
* History of inflammatory joint disease affecting facet joints
* Neurological disorders such as cervical spondylosis, spondylolisthesis or disc prolapse (Kim et al., 2012).
* Rheumatic diseases.
* Cancer patients
* Patients who received pain medication or physical therapy for their neck pain during the last 3 months
* Patients who are unable to perform the exercises.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

• Physical therapy College - Cairo university — Cairo, Egypt (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Doaa Rafat Assistant professor of physical therapy - Cairo university, Assistant professor

Conditions: Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain, chronic non-specific neck pain, Kendall exercises, Scapulothoracic exercises, Brachial Plexus mechanoreceptors