Myofascial Release and Dynamic Cupping in Children

NCT07575139 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR&AHS/EAYZARIAZ
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 45
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that significantly affects quality of life and daily activities, with an annual prevalence of 30-50% worldwide. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of myofascial release therapy and dynamic cupping on neck pain and posture in school-based children aged 7-12 years. A total of 40 children with neck pain and postural deviations will be recruited from schools and randomly assigned to either a myofascial release group or a dynamic cupping group (20 participants each) for a 6-week intervention. Children with skin conditions, neurological symptoms, recent analgesic use, or assistive device use will be excluded. Outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, goniometer, and plumb line test, and data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27 to determine the effectiveness of both interventions in reducing pain and improving posture.

Conditions

Neck Pain

Keywords

neck pain; posture; dynamic cupping; myofascial release

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• posture correction

  Posture correction refers to the improvement in head, neck, and shoulder alignment, particularly reduction in forward head posture and rounded shoulders. It is measured using objective tools such as craniovertebral angle, postural assessment scales, or photographic analysis. Improvement is indicated by increased alignment angles and a more neutral upright posture.

  4th day

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• rang of motion

  4th day

Study Arms (2)

Myofascial release therapy

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The participants in this group will receive myofascial release therapy. Stretching of neck muscles: hold of 15-30 seconds, repeat for 2 sets Isometric setting of neck muscle: (for 12 seconds, repeated for 2 sets, with 1- minute rest between sets) (neck flexion, neck extension, side flexion without changing their length or the angle of the joint, essentially holding a static position) Postural exercise for neck: (chin tucks) (shoulder elevation and drop) (shoulder retraction and protraction) (Cobra/Sphinx Pose) (hold for 5-10 sec, 2x set)

Other: Myofascial release therapy

Dynamic cupping

EXPERIMENTAL

The participants in this group will receive dynamic cupping. Stretching of neck muscles: hold of 15-30 seconds, repeat for 2 sets Isometric setting of neck muscle: (for 12 seconds, repeated for 2 sets, with 1- minute rest between sets) (neck flexion, neck extension, side flexion without changing their .length or the angle of the joint, essentially holding a static position) 3. Dynamic cupping: Dynamic cupping involves applying a silicone or plastic cup to lubricated skin and creating gentle suction by squeezing the cup 2-3 time. Once suction is established, the therapist glides the cup smoothly over the muscle fibers in slow, controlled stroke linear, circular, or fan-shape to mobilize soft tissue and fascia. The cup should move without causing excessive pulling or discomfort, typically for 2 minutes per area. The suction level is moderate to keep the cup attached while allowing movement

Other: dynamic cupping

Interventions

Myofascial release therapy OTHER

The participants in this group will receive myofascial release therapy. Stretching of neck muscles: hold of 15-30 seconds, repeat for 2 sets Isometric setting of neck muscle: (for 12 seconds, repeated for 2 sets, with 1- minute rest between sets) (neck flexion, neck extension, side flexion without changing their length or the angle of the joint, essentially holding a static position) Postural exercise for neck: (chin tucks) (shoulder elevation and drop) (shoulder retraction and protraction) (Cobra/Sphinx Pose) (hold for 5-10 sec, 2x set)

Myofascial release therapy

dynamic cupping OTHER

Dynamic cupping involves applying a silicone or plastic cup to lubricated skin and creating gentle suction by squeezing the cup 2-3 time. Once suction is established, the therapist glides the cup smoothly over the muscle fibers in slow, controlled stroke linear, circular, or fan-shape to mobilize soft tissue and fascia. The cup should move without causing excessive pulling or discomfort, typically for 2 minutes per area. The suction level is moderate to keep the cup attached while allowing movement, and the therapist continuously adjusts pressure based on feedback. After treatment, the cup is gently lifted to release suction, and the skin is checked for any irritation

Dynamic cupping

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 7 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Children with age 13 to 16.
• Both boys and girls
• neck pain (NPRS score from 7 to 10)
• Presence of postural deviations (will be access by using Plumb line test)

You may not qualify if:

• Skin infections, open wounds, or dermatological conditions in the neck/upper back region
• Neurological symptoms (cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis)
• Recent use of analgesics
• use of assistive devices (collars)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Imran Amjad

Lahore, 54000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Related Publications (2)

• Guo Y, Lv X, Zhou Y, Li Z, She H, Bai L, Bao J. Myofascial release for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clin Rehabil. 2023 Apr;37(4):478-493. doi: 10.1177/02692155221136108. Epub 2022 Oct 27.

  PMID: 36305079 BACKGROUND

• Mihcioglu EK, Guchan Topcu Z, Tunali AN, Mihcioglu S, Tomac H. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization as a promising approach for children with chronic neck pain: A single-blind, randomized study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2026 May;39(3):1044-1052. doi: 10.1177/10538127251401084. Epub 2025 Dec 7.

  PMID: 41355013 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain

Interventions

Myofascial Release Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Massage; Therapy, Soft Tissue; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation

Study Officials

• EAYZA RIAZ, MS-PT

  RIPHAH INTERNATINAAL UNIVERSITY

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

IMRAN AMJAD, PhD

CONTACT

9233224390125; IMRAN.AMJAD@RIPHAH.EDU.PK

MUHAMMAD ASIF JAVEED, MS-PT

CONTACT

9233224209422; a.javeed@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

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

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 23, 2026
• First Posted: May 8, 2026
• Study Start: January 29, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 9, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 19, 2026
• Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)