Effects of Exercise Training Delivered Through Telerehabilitation on Text Neck Syndrome

NCT07200752 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: KBU TEXT NECK
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 31
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

To compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation exercise program with that of supervised in-person physiotherapy in improving neck muscle endurance, pain intensity, and functional disability in university students with text neck syndrome. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 31 university students aged 18-24 diagnosed with text neck syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to either a telerehabilitation group or a supervised in-person exercise group. Both groups received an identical six-week exercise program, delivered three times per week, including stretching, range of motion, isometric, and postural correction exercises with progressive intensity. Primary outcomes included deep cervical flexor and extensor muscle endurance. Secondary outcomes were neck pain intensity and functional disability. Assessments were performed at baseline and post-intervention.

Conditions

Text Neck Syndrome; Telerehabilitation; Exercise

Keywords

TEXT NECK; PAIN MANEGMENT; NECK MUSCLE ENDURANCE; TELEREHABILITATION

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• The Extensor Endurance Test

  The Extensor Endurance Test was conducted in prone position, with the participant asked to hold the head in a neutral position with the chin tucked. Time to fatigue (in seconds) was recorded for both tests

  baseline, immediately after the intervention

• The Neck Flexor Endurance

  The Neck Flexor Endurance Test was performed in a semi-supine position, with the participant instructed to lift and hold the head at 2.5 cm above the table surface until fatigue

  baseline, immediately after the intervention

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Neck Disability Index

  baseline, immediately after the intervention

• Numeric Rating Scale

  baseline, immediately after the intervention

Study Arms (2)

Telerehabilitaion exercise program

EXPERIMENTAL

telerehabilitation based neck exercise training

Behavioral: Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise Training

supervised in-person exercise program

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

supervised physiotherapy exercise training

Behavioral: Supervised physiotherapy exercise training

Interventions

Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants received a 6-week Telerehabilitation exercise program delivered via video calls and digital platforms, three sessions per week. The program included stretching, active range of motion, isometric strengthening, and postural correction exercises with progressive intensity.

Telerehabilitaion exercise program

Supervised physiotherapy exercise training BEHAVIORAL

Participants received the same 6-week exercise program as the Telerehabilitation group, but delivered face-to-face in a supervised clinical setting by a physiotherapist, three sessions per week.

supervised in-person exercise program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 24 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Are between 18 and 24 years of age.
• Report smartphone use exceeding 3 hours per day.
• Present with at least three of the following symptoms:
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Upper back pain
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Tingling or numbness in the hands

You may not qualify if:

• Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria:
• Have a known orthopedic or neurological condition.
• Have a history of recent cervical or spinal surgery.
• Have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
• Have any medical contraindication to performing physical activity or exercise.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University: lead
• The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Karabuk University

Karabük, Karabük Province, 78050, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Director, PT, PhD

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 19, 2025
• First Posted: October 1, 2025
• Study Start: April 23, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 25, 2025
• Study Completion: August 26, 2025
• Last Updated: October 7, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)