Ischemic Compression and Home Exercise in Non-Specific Neck Pain

NCT07685418 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: E-53938333-050.04-69819
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 52
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ischemic compression combined with home exercise on pain, cervical range of motion, neck disability level, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving ischemic compression plus home exercises, and a control group receiving only home exercises. The study aims to provide clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of combined treatment approaches for non-specific neck pain.

Conditions

Myofascial Trigger Points; Musculoskeletal Pain; Non-specific Neck Pain; Neck Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Pain Intensity

  Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.

  Baseline and post-treatment (week 4)

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) as measured by Baseline Analog Pressure Algometer

  Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)

• Neck Disability

  Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)

• Quality of Life as measured by SF-12 Health Survey

  Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)

• Cervical Range of Motion as measured by Universal Goniometer

  Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)

Study Arms (2)

Experimental Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Ischemic compression will be applied to painful points in the neck region. Pressure will be applied until the patient's pain threshold is reached and maintained for a specific duration.

Other: Ischemic Compression

Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will perform a structured home exercise program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical region.

Other: Home Exercise Program

Interventions

Ischemic Compression OTHER

The intervention group will receive ischemic compression applied to palpable trigger points in the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major/minor, obliquus capitis), and splenius capitis muscles for 90 seconds with gradually increasing pressure at the individual's pain tolerance threshold. Ischemic compression will be performed by the therapist applying perpendicular, controlled, and gradually increasing pressure to the trigger point using the thumb or an appropriate contact surface. The pressure will be maintained at the participant's tolerable pain threshold (uncomfortable but bearable) and sustained for approximately 90 seconds per trigger point. Participant feedback will be obtained during the application; in cases of excessive pain or discomfort, the pressure will be reduced or the application will be terminated. The aim of the application is to reduce local tenderness at the trigger point, regulate muscle tone, and

Experimental Group

Home Exercise Program OTHER

Participants will perform a structured program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical region. The program will be performed twice daily for the duration of the study.

Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 17 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years.
• Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
• Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate and signing the informed consent form.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of specific causes of neck pain (cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, tumor, infection, rheumatic diseases, etc.).
• Having undergone surgical intervention in the neck region within the last 6 months.
• History of neurological disease.
• History of surgery in the cervical or thoracic vertebrae.
• Presence of impaired skin integrity in the application area.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Rumeli University: lead

Study Sites (1)

SZ Clinic Physical Therapy, Dietetics and Health Services Center

Istanbul, Bakırköy, 34140, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Pain; Neck Pain

Interventions

Acupressure

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Central Study Contacts

Muhammet Fatih Yurt, PT

CONTACT

+90 532 273 14 65; fatihyurt66@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Physiotherapist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 29, 2026
• First Posted: July 6, 2026
• Study Start: May 13, 2026
• Primary Completion: June 30, 2026
• Study Completion: July 15, 2026
• Last Updated: July 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)