Sensory Motor Control and Muscle Energy Technique for chronic neck pain
Official title: Effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control and Muscle Energy Techniques on Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
Run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad · NCT07681687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether adding Sensory Motor Control training to Muscle Energy Technique helps people with chronic mechanical neck pain feel less pain and move better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ibadat International University, Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07681687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-35 with chronic mechanical neck pain due to strain or degenerative changes, reduced upper cervical range of motion, and willingness to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent cervical spine surgery, neurological deficits, systemic spine conditions, pregnancy, vestibular disorders, or inability to comply may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares Muscle Energy Technique (MET) alone versus MET combined with Sensory Motor Control (SMC) training in adults with chronic mechanical neck pain. Participants are 18 to 35 years old with neck pain lasting more than 3 months and with reduced cervical range of motion. The study will look at changes in pain, function, range of motion, proprioception, and kinesiophobia after the intervention. Recruitment is at Max Spine Rehab Center and Max Health Hospital in Islamabad, led by Ibadat International University. The trial uses standard inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure a focused analysis of the two treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience greater pain relief and improved neck movement with the combined therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in related neck pain therapies suggests potential benefits for combining manual techniques with motor control training, though this specific combination is being tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:Adults aged 18- 35years,Clinical diagnosis of cervical pain due to strain, degenerative changes of the spine, e.g., spondylosis.Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent,Presence of reduced cervical range of motion, especially in the upper cervical spine,Symptom duration in chronic patients is more than 3 months. Exclusion Criteria:History of surgery to the cervical spine in the last 6 months,Neurological deficits or signs of cervical myelopathy,Presence of systemic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, infections) affecting the spine,Pregnancy or known vestibular disorders,Inability to comply with study procedures or follow-up schedule \-
Where it's running
-
Max Spine Rehab Center, Max Health Hospital
Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Muhammad Ashar Rafi, Dpt, Ms-Nmpt
- Email: ashar.rafi@uipt.iiui.edu.pk
- Phone: 0092-308-3407837
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Thoracic thrust plus gentle neck mobilization for chronic mechanical neck pain
This trial will test whether adding a quick thoracic thrust to gentle neck mobilization helps adults aged 20–40 with chronic mechanical neck pain have less pain and better movement.
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Strain Counter Strain vs. Conventional Stretching for neck pain in school-aged kids who sit too long at screens
This study tests whether strain counter strain or traditional neck stretches relieve pain and improve neck movement in kids aged 8–14 who have neck pain from long screen time.
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Smartphone Overuse and Neck Pain in Galala University Students
A group of university students with mechanical neck pain who use smartphones daily will be examined to see if heavy phone use is linked to how bad their neck pain feels.
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TENS vs Ultrasound with Exercise for Mechanical Neck Pain
A 44-person randomized trial tests whether TENS plus exercise works better than ultrasound plus exercise for neck pain.
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Effects of neck and upper back mobilization on neck pain and daily living
This study tests whether cervical spine mobilization alone or combined with thoracic mobilization helps people aged 20–40 with mechanical neck pain feel less pain and disability.
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Integrated neuromuscular inhibition, dry cupping, and dry needling for neck pain
This trial tests four treatment setups to see which helps people with chronic neck muscle pain best, all alongside standard physical therapy.
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.