Scapular stabilization exercises for breastfeeding women with neck pain

Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercise on Breastfeeding Women with Non-specific Neck Pain

This study is testing if special shoulder exercises can help breastfeeding moms with neck pain feel better and move their necks more easily.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 35 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Cairo University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Giza, Dokki)
• Trial ID: NCT06817135 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises in reducing neck pain, improving cervical range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in breastfeeding women experiencing non-specific neck pain. The intervention includes scapular stabilization exercises, Muscle Energy Technique, and ergonomic advice for breastfeeding. The study focuses on mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding infants aged between immediate to 6 months and who report moderate neck pain. By addressing the relationship between scapular stability and neck pain, the study seeks to provide a targeted approach to alleviate discomfort in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are exclusive breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 0 to 6 months who experience moderate neck pain.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with preterm or low-birth-weight infants, pregnant women, or individuals with severe neck conditions or systemic diseases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide breastfeeding mothers with effective strategies to manage and reduce neck pain, enhancing their overall well-being and breastfeeding experience.

How similar studies have performed: While scapular stabilization exercises are gaining popularity for treating neck pain, this specific approach for breastfeeding women is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. exclusive breastfeeding mothers with immediate to 6-month-old infants.
2. The bilateral cradle position is employed by patients when nursing.
3. Patients had mechanical neck pain.
4. Patients with a body mass index below 30 kg/m²
5. Patients have moderate pain intensity, ranging from 3 to 7 on the visual analogue scale
6. The patients' scores on the Neck Disability Index ranged from 10 to 40 out of 50.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Patients had preterm babies or low-birth-weight babies.
2. pregnant patients
3. Patients had postpartum complications.
4. Patients had inflammation, infection, severe degeneration, congenital deformity, and trauma.
5. Patients had sensory abnormalities or a positive motor reflex.
6. Patients had cancer, metabolic, or systemic diseases.

Where this trial is running

Giza, Dokki

• Faculty of Physical Therapy/ Cairo University — Giza, Dokki, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Prof. Dr. Amel M. Yousef, Prof. — Cairo University
• Study coordinator: Saadyya A. Abdalhamed Aladawi, Asst Lect

Conditions Neck Pain; scapular stabilization exercise; Breast feeding women