Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 8 to 14

Strain Counter Strain vs. Conventional Stretching for neck pain in school-aged kids who sit too long at screens

Official title: Comparison of Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching on Pain Intensity and Cervical Range of Motion in School- Aged Children With Mechanical Neck Pain Related to Prolonged Screen Use.

Run by Riphah International University · NCT07920978 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Mechanical Neck Pain trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages8 Years to 14 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorRiphah International University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 1, 2026
Main results expectedMarch 2027
Study endsMarch 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 6, 2026
Trial IDNCT07920978 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Children aged 8–14 with mechanical neck pain associated with more than 3 hours of daily screen time.

Probably not a fit

Children with neck pain from causes other than prolonged screen use or with conditions excluded by the study criteria 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 interventional study compares two physical therapy approaches—strain counter strain and conventional neck stretching—in school-aged children with mechanical neck pain related to prolonged screen use. Participants will be 8 to 14 years old and must have more than 3 hours of daily screen time. Outcomes include pain intensity and cervical range of motion to determine which method provides greater relief and mobility. The study is conducted at FZ International Hospital in Islamabad with lead sponsorship from Riphah International University. No collaboration affiliations are listed.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could offer an evidence-based option to reduce neck pain and improve neck mobility in children who use screens extensively.

How similar studies have gone: Prior research in adults and limited pediatric work suggest physical therapy approaches can reduce neck pain, but evidence in this specific pediatric population is limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 8-14 years
* Mechanical neck pain associated with prolonged screen use
* Screen time of more than 3 hours per day.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congenital cervical deformities.
* Neurological disorders.
* Musculoskeletal disorders affecting neck
* History of cervical spine surgery
* Screen time of less than 3 hours per day.

Where it's running

  • Fz International Hospital
    Islamabad, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.