TENS vs Ultrasound with Exercise for Mechanical Neck Pain
Official title: Therapeutic Benefit of Two Modalities TENS and Ultrasound Along With Exercises in the Management of Mechanical Neck Pain; A Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by Dow University of Health Sciences · NCT07723586 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 44-person randomized trial tests whether TENS plus exercise works better than ultrasound plus exercise for neck pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dow University of Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07723586 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with subacute or chronic mechanical neck pain and a baseline pain score above 5 on the Visual Analog Scale.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with other musculoskeletal disorders, cervical radiculopathy, neurological disorders, trauma history, fibromyalgia, vertigo, or cervical spine malignancy 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 two non-drug treatments for mechanical neck pain, each combined with a standardized exercise program. Participants with subacute or chronic neck pain are randomly assigned to receive either TENS with exercise or ultrasound with exercise, over nine sessions in two weeks. Outcomes include pain intensity, functional disability, and neck range of motion, measured before and after treatment. The study is conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi and is led by Dow University of Health Sciences with no additional collaborators. The goal is to see which modality, when paired with exercise, provides greater relief and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred modality could offer greater pain relief and better neck function when combined with exercise.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has explored TENS and ultrasound separately for neck pain, but direct comparisons with identical exercise regimens are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed and referred patients with mechanical neck pain. * Participants with subacute or chronic neck pain. * Participants willing to participate in the study. * Participants with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score greater than 5 (moderate to severe pain). Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with other musculoskeletal disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, cervical radiculopathy, malignancy, or neurological disorders. * Participants with a history of trauma or whiplash injury. * Participants with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. * Participants with vertigo or dizziness.
Where it's running
-
Dow University of Health Sciences
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bushra naseem, DPT, MSAPT (In progress) — Duhs
- Study coordinator: Bushra Naseem, physiotherapist
- Email: naseembushra321@gmail.com
- Phone: +923131175294
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.