Comparing Two Muscle Relaxation Techniques for Neck Pain

NCT07644988 | Active Not Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: 2024-MS-PT-059TUF/EIRB/ 216 /26
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 44
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Levator scapulae muscle tightness is a common cause of neck pain due to poor posture. This study compares two manual therapy techniques: Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR). The goal is to determine which technique is more effective at reducing pain, improving neck range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in patients with this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PRT or PIR for 4 weeks

Conditions

Levator Scapulae Tightness; Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Keywords

levator scapulae tightness; PIR in levator scapule tightness

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Pain Intensity

  Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Participants rate their average neck pain on an 11-point scale where 0 = 'no pain' and 10 = 'worst imaginable pain'

  Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Cervical Range of Motion

  Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

• Change in Functional Disability

  Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

Study Arms (2)

Positional Release Technique (PRT)

EXPERIMENTAL

Patient lies prone. The therapist palpates the levator scapulae and uses the far hand to translate the scapula upward and apply rotation. The superior angle of the scapula is tilted downward. This position is held for 90 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session

Procedure: Positional Release Technique

Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Patient lies supine. The therapist stabilizes the shoulder and supports the neck. The patient performs an isometric contraction by moving the head back against resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, a passive stretch is applied for 10 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.

Procedure: post isometric relaxation

Interventions

Positional Release Technique PROCEDURE

Patient lies prone. The therapist palpates the levator scapulae and uses the far hand to translate the scapula upward and apply rotation. The superior angle of the scapula is tilted downward. This position is held for 90 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.

Positional Release Technique (PRT)

post isometric relaxation PROCEDURE

Patient lies supine. The therapist stabilizes the shoulder and supports the neck. The patient performs an isometric contraction by moving the head back against resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, a passive stretch is applied for 10 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.

Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age between 25 to 40 years.
• Both male and female.
• Presence of a trigger point in levator scapulae (palpable tender spot with jump sign).
• Score greater than 20% on the Neck Disability Index.
• Unilateral non-specific neck pain.
• Confirmation of trigger point via algometer.

You may not qualify if:

• History of trauma or fracture to the scapula or cervical spine.
• Pregnancy.
• Previous cervical spine surgery.
• Diagnosis of cancer, cardiac condition, or infectious disease.
• Specific neck pathology (e.g., disc prolapse, nerve root compression, whiplash).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

the University of Faisalabad

Faisalabad, Punjab Province, 38000, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Participants are unaware of which technique is theoretically superior. The outcome assessor measuring NPRS, ROM, and NDI will be blinded to group allocation
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: assistant professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 8, 2026
• First Posted: June 12, 2026
• Study Start: February 15, 2026
• Primary Completion: June 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 10, 2026
• Last Updated: June 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)