Comparative Effect of Neck Isometrics and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercises on Neck Pain Among Breastfeeding Females.

NCT06877728 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: S23C14G92015
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 48
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Neck pain is a common complaint among breastfeeding females, potentially attributed to sustained postures and muscle imbalance. Breastfeeding females experiencing neck pain, aged between 18-40 years, will be recruited through local healthcare facilities and community outreach. The physical demands of breastfeeding, such as prolonged postures and repetitive movements, can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal issues in the cervical region. Despite the prevalence of neck discomfort among breastfeeding females, there is a paucity of research exploring effective exercise interventions tailored to this specific population. Mothers' awareness of proper nursing positions during breastfeeding may have positive impact on the connection between mother and baby. Most typical positions for nursing a baby are cross cradle hold, cradle hold, side lying and football hold. Most common adapted breastfeeding position is cross cradle.

Conditions

Neck Pain; Range of Motion; Muscle Weakness; Breastfeeding

Keywords

Neck pain; range of motion; Muscle weakness; Breastfeeding

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• 1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

  A Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a commonly used self-report measure to assess pain intensity. It typically involves asking individuals to rate their pain on a numerical scale. Below is a suggested format for a Numeric Pain Rating Scale questionnaire along with instructions and scoring guidelines. Scoring: Ask participants to circle the number on the scale that corresponds to their current pain intensity. The score is a single numeric value ranging from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst imaginable pain. The higher the score, the greater the perceived pain intensity. The NPRS is a widely used subjective pain measure that has good test-retest reliability (r=. 79-. 96)

  8 Weeks

• NECK DISABILITY INDEX QUESTIONNARE

  The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a widely used self-report questionnaire designed to assess disability related to neck pain. The questionnaire consists of 10 items that measure various aspects of daily activities affected by neck pain. Each item is scored on a 0 to 5 scale, and the total score is expressed as a percentage, with 0 indicating "no disability" and 5 indicating "complete disability. Format: 10 items evaluating concerns relating to neck pain. The participant selects the number that best describes their level of disability for each activity. The NDI has a fair to moderate test-retest reliability in patients with mechanical neck pain, intra class correlations can change between 0,50 and 0,98 (

  8 Weeks

• INCLINOMETER NECK ROM:

  An inclinometer is a device used to measure the range of motion (ROM) of joints, including the neck, an inclinometer is often applied to measure flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the cervical spine. The digital inclinometer demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC=0.75-0.86), except for the right lateral flexion (ICC=0.74) and left rotation (ICC=0.72)

  8 Weeks

• MANUAL MUSCLE TESTING FOR MUSCLE WEAKNESS:

  Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a clinical and functional assessment technique used by healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and physicians, to evaluate muscle strength and identify potential muscle weakness. It involves the application of resistance against a person's voluntary muscle contraction, and the resulting force is graded on a scale. 5/5: Normal strength (complete range of motion against gravity with full resistance) 4/5: Good strength (complete range of motion against gravity with moderate resistance) 3/5: Fair strength (complete range of motion against gravity with no resistance) 2/5: Poor strength (partial range of motion against gravity) 1/5: Trace movement (a flicker or trace of movement, but no joint motion) 0/5: No movement (complete paralysis)(

  8 Weeks

Study Arms (2)

Isometric exercises with conservative treatment

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Will receive Neck isometrics exercises with conservative treatment. Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, and 6 sec hold in flexion, extension and side flexion on both right and left.

Other: Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions)

Deep cervical flexion exercises with conservative treatment

OTHER

Will Deep cervical flexion exercises without conservative treatment. Deep cervical flexion exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 session) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, 30 sec rest given between each set. Exercise should target on deep cervical muscle rather than superficial muscle. Exercise should be conducted in supine position.

Other: Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions)

Interventions

Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions) OTHER

Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, and 6 sec hold in flexion, extension and side flexion on both right and left.

Deep cervical flexion exercises with conservative treatment; Isometric exercises with conservative treatment

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 40 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Breastfeeding females are included in the study.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Between the ages of 25 to 40 years
• Mode of delivery (vaginal/c-section)
• Severe neck weakness (above grade III)
• Primigravida

You may not qualify if:

• Previous history of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms
• Radicular neck pain
• History of inflammatory disease (myelopathy)
• History of cervical fracture

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Jinnah Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 56700, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain; Muscle Weakness; Breast Feeding

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Feeding Behavior; Behavior

Study Officials

• Faiza Taufiq, PP-DPT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: participants received scar mobilization combined with kinesio tapping

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 10, 2025
• First Posted: March 14, 2025
• Study Start: February 15, 2024
• Primary Completion: February 15, 2025
• Study Completion: February 15, 2025
• Last Updated: March 14, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)