Influence of Fun Physical Activities on Neck Pain and Posture in Children

NCT07578766 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Armeeza Naseer
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Neck pain is becoming increasingly common in school-aged children, mainly due to prolonged use of electronic devices and poor posture (especially forward head posture), often referred to as "text neck syndrome." Other contributing factors include sedentary lifestyles, heavy school bags, and rapid growth during adolescence. While this issue has been widely studied in adults and teenagers, research focusing on younger children is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of fun-game activities, cervical stretching exercises, and postural education in reducing neck pain and improving posture among school-going children.

Conditions

Neck Pain; Posture Disorders in Children

Keywords

neck pain; stretching exercise; posture; schools; child

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Goniometer

  A goniometer is a simple instrument used to measure the range of motion (ROM) of joints in the body. It is commonly used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation to assess joint angles and monitor progress over time. It typically consists of: A stationary arm (placed along a fixed body part) A movable arm (aligned with the moving body segment) A fulcrum or axis (placed over the joint being measured) The goniometer is used to evaluate movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. It helps clinicians determine joint limitations, track improvements, and guide treatment plans.

  3rd Day

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• NDI Questionnaire

  3rd Day

Other Outcomes (1)

• Visual Analogue Scale

  3rd Day

Study Arms (2)

fun game activities

EXPERIMENTAL

The experimental group will receive fun-game exercises and postural education along with baseline treatment

Other: fun game activities

neck isometrics

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The active comparator will receive fun-game exercises and postural education along with baseline treatment

Other: neck isometrics

Interventions

fun game activities OTHER

The study will run for 10 months, with sessions 3 times per week (30 minutes each). Group A will follow an 8-week fun, structured program including warm-ups, posture exercises (e.g., chin tucks, wall angels, plank), and interactive games and breathing activities, progressing every two weeks.

fun game activities

neck isometrics OTHER

Group B will perform isometric neck exercises and continue normal school activities without additional structured training. The program aims to improve posture and reduce neck pain in children

neck isometrics

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Up to 15 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Student with Forward neck posture with angle 48 ° measured with kinovea software.
• Teenagers (School going age ≤ 15 yrs)
• Both gender
• Children with neck pain

You may not qualify if:

• Children with scoliosis
• Pain due to frank injuries (like fractures)
• Patients having had any recent surgical procedure would not be enrolled in this study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

The Spirit School

Sialkot, Punjab Province, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Related Publications (3)

• David D, Giannini C, Chiarelli F, Mohn A. Text Neck Syndrome in Children and Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 7;18(4):1565. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041565.

  PMID: 33562204 BACKGROUND

• Brattberg G. Do pain problems in young school children persist into early adulthood? A 13-year follow-up. Eur J Pain. 2004 Jun;8(3):187-99. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2003.08.001.

  PMID: 15109969 BACKGROUND

• Hestbaek L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Kyvik KO, Manniche C. The course of low back pain from adolescence to adulthood: eight-year follow-up of 9600 twins. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006 Feb 15;31(4):468-72. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000199958.04073.d9.

  PMID: 16481960 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Study Officials

• Armeeza Naseer, MS

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Imran Amjad, PhD

CONTACT

03324390125; imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk

Muhammad Asif Javed, PhD*

CONTACT

+923224209422; a.javed@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

Model Details: The study will be conducted over 10 months, with sessions held 3 times per week, each lasting 30 minutes. Participants will be divided into two groups. Group A will follow an 8-week structured "Fun-Game Activities" program that includes warm-up exercises, key posture-focused exercises (such as chin tucks, wall angels, tree pose, and plank on knees), and interactive postural games and breathing activities. The program progresses every two weeks, gradually increasing exercise variety and engagement through playful activities like posture games, yoga, and movement-based tasks. Group B will perform isometric neck exercises and continue their regular school routine without any additional structured intervention. Overall, the intervention focuses on improving posture and reducing neck pain through a combination of exercises and engaging

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 5, 2026
• First Posted: May 11, 2026
• Study Start: April 14, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 5, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 5, 2026
• Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)