Post-isometric relaxation versus post-isometric stretching for neck pain management
Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation as Compared to Post Isometric Stretching Muscle Energy Technique in the Management of Neck Pain
NA · Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07328256
This study will test whether post-isometric relaxation or post-isometric stretching works better to reduce pain and improve neck movement in adults aged 19–44 with subacute or chronic neck pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07328256 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind trial will enroll 50 participants with subacute or chronic neck pain and randomly assign them to receive either post-isometric relaxation (PIR) or post-isometric stretching (PIS). All participants will first receive standard care with TENS and hot pack application, then undergo five consecutive treatment sessions of either PIR (gentle isometric contractions followed by relaxation) or PIS (isometric contraction followed by a stretch) with 3–5 repetitions per session. Outcomes include pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and neck disability, measured before and after the intervention. The design compares two commonly used muscle energy techniques to determine relative effectiveness and tolerability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 19–44 of any gender with subacute or chronic neck pain lasting 4–12 weeks, pain rated 4–8 on the NPRS, and limited neck movement are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with recent cervical fracture or surgery, significant cervical trauma within 12 months, cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy, cervical spondylosis or syringomyelia, systemic inflammatory or malignant disease, infection, thoracic outlet syndrome, or vascular disorders like vertebrobasilar insufficiency are excluded and unlikely to benefit from these techniques in this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better technique could provide a simple, low-risk way to reduce neck pain and improve function for people with subacute or chronic neck pain.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of muscle energy techniques showed benefits over static stretching, but direct head-to-head comparisons of PIR versus PIS are limited, leaving this question relatively untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Age ranging from 19-44 years old * Both gender * With sub-acute or chronic neck pain for at least 4 to 12 weeks * Pain intensity on NPRS ranging 4-8 * Limitation on neck movement Exclusion Criteria: * • Positive history of fracture * Surgery in the cervical region * Any sort of physical trauma in the cervical region in the last 12 months * Thoracic Outlet syndrome * Cervical radiculopathy * Cervical myelopathy * Cervical spondylosis * Cervical syringomyelia * Any systemic disorder including malignancy or inflammatory and rheumatic disorders * Infection * Vascular syndromes such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI).
Where this trial is running
Islamabad, Punjab Province
- Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: FUI — Foundation University Islamabad
- Study coordinator: Areeka Riasat, DPT
- Email: arikariasat4830@gmail.com
- Phone: 03219390688
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Chronic Neck Pain, Subacute neck pain, Neck Muscles, Pain Management, Muscle Relaxation, Isometric Contraction