Sensory Motor Control and Muscle Energy Technique for Chronic Mechanical Neck

NCT07681687 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: IIUI/RERC/ADT/225
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 52
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control training combined with Muscle Energy Technique in reducing pain and improving function, cervical range of motion, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain

Conditions

Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Keywords

Cervical pain; neck pain; neck ache; chronic neck pain; mechanical neck pain; kinesiophobia; quality of life

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• NPRS

  The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess the intensity of neck pain experienced by participants. The NPRS is a valid, reliable, and widely used self-reported measure of pain intensity. Participants will be asked to rate their current neck pain on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "the worst pain imaginable." Participants will select the number that best represents their average pain intensity over the preceding 24 hours. NPRS scores will be recorded at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. A reduction in NPRS score will indicate improvement in pain symptoms. The scale has demonstrated excellent reliability and responsiveness in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, including chronic mechanical neck pain. Scoring: 0 = No pain 1-3 = Mild pain 4-6 = Moderate pain 7-10 = Severe pain Interpretation: Lower scores indicate lower pain intensity, while higher scores indicate greater pain intensi

  From enrollment to pretreatment assesment and than after 6 weeks post treatment assesment measured by NPRS

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• NDI

  6 WEEKS

• Joint Position Error (JPE)

  6 WEEKS

• INCLINOMETER

  6WEEKS

• Tampa Scale

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

MET only group

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Participants allocated to Group A will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) using the Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) method targeting the cervical musculature. The intervention will be administered by a licensed physiotherapist and will include treatment of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles. For each muscle, the therapist will position the muscle at its initial resistance barrier and instruct the participant to perform a gentle isometric contraction (approximately 20-30% of maximal effort) against therapist resistance for 5-10 seconds, followed by complete relaxation. The therapist will then move the muscle to the new barrier and maintain the stretch for 10-15 seconds. This sequence will be repeated 3-5 times for each muscle group. The treatment protocol includes: Upper Trapezius: Side-bending of the cervical spine away from the affected side following isometric contraction. Levator Scapulae:

Other: Muscle energy technique for MET only group

MET + SMC group

EXPERIMENTAL

Moist Hot Pack for 10 mins,TENS for 10 mins,Manual therapy for 5 mins,MET + SMC exercercises for neck

Other: MET +SMC for experimental group

Interventions

Muscle energy technique for MET only group OTHER

Participants will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) techniques targeting the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles. Each technique involves a gentle isometric contraction (5-10 seconds) followed by relaxation and stretching to a new barrier, repeated 3-5 times. Both groups will receive hot pack therapy (10 minutes), manual therapy (5 minutes), and MET. The intervention group will additionally receive Sensory Motor Control (SMC) training. Participants will undergo a structured SMC program including oculomotor exercises, head-eye coordination training, figure-of-eight tracking, gaze stability, and gaze-shifting exercises. The program is designed to improve cervical proprioception, postural control, movement accuracy, and range of motion while reducing pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. Sessions will be supervised and progressed according to patient tolerance.

MET only group

MET +SMC for experimental group OTHER

articipants in the experimental group will receive a combination of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Sensory Motor Control (SMC) Training. Treatment sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist. MET will be applied to the shortened cervical muscles, including the upper trapezius and levator scapulae, using post-isometric relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tightness, improve cervical mobility, and decrease pain. Following MET, participants will perform a structured SMC training program aimed at improving cervical proprioception, eye-head coordination, gaze stability, movement control, balance, and postural awareness. The SMC program will include the following exercises: Smooth Horizontal and Vertical Tracking: A card measuring approximately 10-15 cm × 7-10 cm will be placed 2 meters from the participant. In Level 1, participants move their eyes while keeping the head stationary; in Level 2, they move the head while maintaining visual fixation on the targe

MET + SMC group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ibadat International University, Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Max Spine Rehab Center, Max Health Hospital

Islamabad, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain; Kinesiophobia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Phobic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Mental Disorders

Central Study Contacts

MUHAMMAD ASHAR RAFI, DPT, MS-NMPT

CONTACT

0092-308-3407837; ashar.rafi@uipt.iiui.edu.pk

Maryam Jawaid, DPT

CONTACT

+923199564534; maryamumair44@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: DIAGNOSTIC
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 26, 2026
• First Posted: July 2, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2026
• Last Updated: July 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Locations

PA (1)