Myofascial release for neck pain and posture in university students with text neck
Official title: Effect of Myofascial Release Therapy on Neck Pain, Perceived Stress and Forward Head Posture in University Students With Text Neck Syndrome.
Run by University of Health Sciences Lahore · NCT07444112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether myofascial release therapy can reduce neck pain, improve forward head posture, and lower perceived stress in university students who use handheld devices three or more hours daily.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Health Sciences Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 22, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 22, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 5, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07444112 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are university students aged 18–30 with forward head posture (craniovertebral angle < 50°), VAS pain ≥ 3/10, NDI > 10%, PSS-10 > 14, and at least three hours per day of handheld device use who are not receiving other cervical treatments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior cervical trauma or surgery, congenital spine deformity, diagnosed cervical degenerative disease or disc herniation, neurological or major psychiatric disorders, or those currently on physical therapy or muscle relaxants/painkillers are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled trial that will assign eligible university students with text neck to either a myofascial release therapy group or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy (postural correction and structured stretching). The intervention will be delivered three times per week for four weeks with outcome measures recorded at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Primary outcomes include neck pain (VAS), neck-related disability (NDI), craniovertebral angle measured via Kinovea software for posture, and perceived stress (PSS-10). Between-group and within-group comparisons will be performed to determine relative short-term effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could offer a simple, non-invasive way to reduce neck pain, improve head posture, and decrease stress related to prolonged device use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous smaller trials and manual-therapy studies have reported modest, short-term benefits of myofascial and other hands-on techniques for mechanical neck pain, but high-quality, consistent evidence is still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. university students from age group of 18-30 2. Both genders 3. Students with Text Neck Syndrome diagnosed via Forward head Posture (through measuring craniovertebral angle) \<50° 4. Minimum Pain measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ≥ 3/10 5. Pain Intensity measured through Neck Disability Index (NDI \> 10%) 6. A PSS-10 Score of \>14 in individuals with daily gadget use and FHP. 7. Usage of handheld digital gadgets including smartphones and tablets ≥ 3 hours Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. History of cervical trauma, surgery or any spine deformity which is congenital 2. History of diagnosed cervical disorders i.e cervical spondylosis, cervical spondylolisthesis, disc herniation 3. Any diagnosed neurological condition which affects cognition or any previous cervical spine surgery 4. Any history of diagnosed anxiety and psychiatric conditions 5. Currently receiving any form of physical therapy or using any muscle relaxants or painkillers
Where it's running
-
Zara Zahid
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting -
Dr. Wajeeha Mahmood
Lahore, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zara Zahid, Doctor of Physical Therapy — University of Health Sciences Lahore
- Study coordinator: Zara Zahid, Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Email: zarazahid656@gmail.com
- Phone: +923334790746
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Alexander Technique vs Feldenkrais for Text Neck
This study tests whether two somatic training approaches, the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method, can help people with Text Neck Syndrome who use smart devices regularly.
-
Single-session myofascial release for text neck
This trial will see if one session of myofascial release can quickly reduce neck pain and improve neck movement in adults 18–40 who use mobile devices more than 3 hours a day and have text neck.
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.