Effects of Muscle Energy Technique on Neck Disability and Cervical Range of Motion in Individuals With Non-Specific Neck Pain

NCT07524075 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: USKU-2026-TCT-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the effect of the Muscle Energy Technique on neck disability level and cervical range of motion in individuals with non-specific neck pain. The study will be conducted at Avicenna International Hospital in Istanbul. Participants with non-specific neck pain will be included in the study. The intervention will involve the application of Muscle Energy Technique, and outcomes will be assessed using standardized measures of neck disability and cervical range of motion. The findings are expected to contribute to improving treatment approaches for individuals with non-specific neck pain.

Conditions

Non-specific Neck Pain; Neck Pain

Keywords

Neck Pain; Non-Specific Neck Pain; Muscle Energy Technique; Cervical Range of Motion; Neck Disability

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Neck Disability Index

  Neck disability will be assessed using a validated neck disability questionnaire (e.g., Neck Disability Index - NDI). This scale evaluates the level of disability related to neck pain and daily functional limitations. Neck Disability Index (NDI) score (range: 0 to 50; higher scores indicate greater disability and worse outcome)

  Baseline and at the end of the 10-day treatment period

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Cervical Range of Motion

  Baseline and at the end of the 10-day treatment period

Study Arms (2)

Muscle Energy Technique Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) intervention applied to the cervical region. The technique will be used to improve neck disability and increase cervical range of motion in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Behavioral: Arm 1-Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive a standard electrotherapy protocol. The intervention will be applied according to routine clinical practice for individuals with non-specific neck pain. No Muscle Energy Technique (MET) will be applied in this group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted.

Device: Arm 2- Standard Electrotherapy

Interventions

Arm 2- Standard Electrotherapy DEVICE

Arm 2 - Standard Electrotherapy Participants in this group will receive a standard electrotherapy protocol applied to the cervical region. The intervention will be administered according to routine clinical practice for non-specific neck pain. Electrotherapy parameters will be applied consistently during the treatment sessions. No Muscle Energy Technique (MET) will be used in this group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted to evaluate outcomes.

Control Group

Arm 1-Muscle Energy Technique (MET) BEHAVIORAL

Arm 1-The Muscle Energy Technique (MET) will be applied to the cervical region of participants with non-specific neck pain. The technique will involve the patient performing isometric muscle contractions against a therapist-applied resistance, followed by relaxation and stretching. The intervention will aim to reduce neck pain, improve neck disability, and increase cervical range of motion. The treatment will be applied in a standardized protocol over the study period, with pre- and post-intervention assessments conducted.

Muscle Energy Technique Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age between 18 and 65 years Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain Presence of neck pain for at least 4 weeks Ability to understand and follow instructions Willingness to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• History of cervical spine surgery Presence of neurological deficits or radiculopathy Specific causes of neck pain (e.g., tumor, infection, fracture) Severe cervical disc herniation Pregnancy Any contraindication to manual therapy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Uskudar University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Avicenna International Hospital

Istanbul, Ataşehir, 34750, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Central Study Contacts

Deniz Demirci, PhD

CONTACT

0090 533 240 86 61; deniz.demirci@uskudar.edu.tr

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: Professor

Model Details: This study is designed as a single-group interventional study. Participants diagnosed with non-specific neck pain will be evaluated before and after the intervention. The Muscle Energy Technique (MET) will be applied as the primary intervention. No control group will be included in this study. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will be used to assess changes in neck disability and cervical range of motion. The outcomes will be compared within the same group to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 2, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 15, 2026
• Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)