Suboccipital release vs smartphone-guided exercises for smartphone neck syndrome
Official title: Comparison of Suboccipital Release and Smartphone App Guided Exercises in Smartphone Neck Syndrome
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07756125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 4-week randomized trial tests whether suboccipital release or a smartphone app-guided exercise program best helps neck pain and posture in young adults who use their phones a lot.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kallar Kahār, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 5, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07756125 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18–30 with chronic neck pain, high smartphone use, and evidence of forward head posture who can follow an app-guided program or tolerate suboccipital release.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with cervical spine surgery history, radiculopathy, or acute systemic conditions may not benefit as much.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled study compares two approaches for smartphone neck syndrome: a manual suboccipital release and a home-based, app-guided exercise program. It enrolls 52 adults aged 18–30 with chronic neck pain and high smartphone use, measuring pain, disability, craniovertebral angle, and cervical range of motion. Participants are randomized to either intervention and follow the assigned treatment for four weeks, with outcomes assessed at the end of the period. The trial aims to determine which method more effectively reduces symptoms and improves posture-related measures in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater relief from neck pain and improved neck posture.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests that posture-improving exercises can help neck symptoms, but this specific comparison is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 -30 years * Both genders * Neck pain (\>3 months duration) * Smartphone use ≥3 h/day * Presence of ≥ 3 symptoms (neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, headache, insomnia,intermittent tingling/numbness in upper limbs) * Smartphone use with neck flexion ≥ 15°. * Pain intensity ≥ 3/10 on NPRS * Disability score ≥ 10/50 on Neck Disability Index (NDI) * Forward head posture with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) \< 50 * Able to understand and independently follow smartphone application-guided Exclusion Criteria: * History of cervical spine trauma, surgery, or fracture. * Presence of clinically confirmed cervical radiculopathy or objective neurological deficits (e.g., dermatomal sensory loss, myotomal weakness, diminished deep tendon reflexes, or positive clinical tests for cervical radiculopathy). * Structural spinal deformities (e.g., scoliosis, torticollis) * Presence of acute infection, inflammatory, or systemic musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) * Vestibular deficits * Current participation in other neck pain treatments
Where it's running
-
Tariq Medical Centre
Kallar Kahār, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kinza Anwar — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Kinza Anwar, Ms-Ompt
- Email: kinza.anwar@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: +92-3239735427
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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.