Muscle Energy Technique to improve neck function and range of motion for people with non-specific neck pain

The Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Neck Disability and Cervical Range of Motion in Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain

NA · Uskudar University · NCT07524075

This study will test whether Muscle Energy Technique helps adults aged 18–65 with non-specific neck pain reduce disability and improve neck range of motion.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUskudar University (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Ataşehir)
Trial IDNCT07524075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study at Avicenna International Hospital in Istanbul will compare Muscle Energy Technique (MET) with standard electrotherapy in adults who have non-specific neck pain. Eligible participants will receive either MET or standard electrotherapy and will be evaluated before and after the treatment course. Outcomes include the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and goniometric measurements of cervical range of motion. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons will be used to determine whether MET produces greater improvement than the comparator.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 years old with non-specific neck pain for at least four weeks who can understand instructions and attend the Istanbul treatment site without neurological deficits or contraindications to manual therapy.

Not a fit: Individuals with specific causes of neck pain (such as tumor, infection, or fracture), severe cervical disc herniation, neurological deficits or radiculopathy, prior cervical spine surgery, pregnancy, or other contraindications to manual therapy are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, MET could reduce neck-related disability and increase cervical range of motion, offering a low-cost manual therapy option for people with non-specific neck pain.

How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies and physiotherapy reports have shown modest improvements in neck pain and range of motion with MET, but evidence is mixed and higher-quality trials are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age between 18 and 65 years Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain Presence of neck pain for at least 4 weeks Ability to understand and follow instructions Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

History of cervical spine surgery Presence of neurological deficits or radiculopathy Specific causes of neck pain (e.g., tumor, infection, fracture) Severe cervical disc herniation Pregnancy Any contraindication to manual therapy

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Ataşehir

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: Non-specific Neck Pain, Neck Pain, Non-Specific Neck Pain, Muscle Energy Technique, Cervical Range of Motion, Neck Disability

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.