Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Post Facilitation Stretch Technique in Chronic Neck Pain
1 other identifier
interventional
38
1 country
1
Brief Summary
Chronic neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that commonly results in persistent pain, reduced cervical range of motion (ROM), functional disability, and decreased quality of life. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS) are two manual therapy techniques frequently used in physiotherapy practice; however, limited evidence is available comparing their effectiveness in individuals with chronic neck pain. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of IASTM and PFS on pain intensity, cervical ROM, and neck-related disability. A total of 38 participants aged 18-50 years with non-specific chronic neck pain of at least 12 weeks' duration will be recruited using non-probability purposive sampling and randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A will receive IASTM, while Group B will receive PFS. Both groups will also receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of hot pack application and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Treatment will be provided three times per week for two consecutive weeks, totaling six treatment sessions. Outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to assess pain intensity, the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) instrument to measure cervical mobility, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to evaluate functional disability. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after the third treatment session, and at the completion of the intervention period. The study findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of IASTM and PFS in the management of chronic neck pain and assist physiotherapists in selecting the most effective manual therapy approach to improve pain, cervical mobility, and functional outcomes in individuals with chronic neck pain.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable
Started Feb 2026
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
February 12, 2026
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
October 14, 2026
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
October 21, 2026
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 18, 2026
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
January 18, 2027
October 21, 2026
October 1, 2026
10 months
October 14, 2026
October 14, 2026
Conditions
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (3)
Neck Pain
Pain intensity will be the primary outcome of this study and will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The NPRS is an 11-point self-reported scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst imaginable pain.
Baseline and after 2 weeks
Cerical Range of motion
Cervical range of motion (ROM) will be the second primary outcome of this study and will be assessed using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) instrument. The CROM device is a valid, reliable, and clinically accepted tool designed to measure active cervical movements, including flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation. It provides objective and precise measurements in degrees, allowing accurate evaluation of cervical mobility.
Baseline and after 2 weeks
Neck Disability
Neck disability will be the primary outcome of this study and will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The NDI is a valid, reliable, and widely used self-administered questionnaire that evaluates the impact of neck pain on functional activities and daily living. It consists of 10 items assessing pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreation, with each item scored from 0 to 5. The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Baseline and after 2 weeks
Study Arms (2)
Group A Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
EXPERIMENTALGroup B Post Facilitation Stretch
EXPERIMENTALInterventions
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy technique that utilizes specially designed stainless-steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue restrictions, myofascial adhesions, and scar tissue. The technique involves applying controlled mechanical pressure using longitudinal, fanning, and cross-fiber strokes to improve tissue mobility, enhance local circulation, stimulate tissue remodeling, and reduce pain. In this study, IASTM will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles following conventional physiotherapy. The intervention aims to restore normal soft tissue mobility, improve cervical range of motion, decrease pain, and enhance functional outcomes in individuals with chronic neck pain.
Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS) is a muscle energy-based manual therapy technique designed to reduce muscle tightness, improve flexibility, and restore normal muscle length through neuromuscular inhibition. The technique involves positioning the target muscle at its initial barrier, followed by a controlled submaximal isometric contraction against therapist resistance for 5-10 seconds. After the contraction, the patient relaxes while the therapist gently stretches the muscle to a new barrier. This sequence is repeated for 3-5 cycles to enhance muscle extensibility and reduce stiffness. In this study, PFS will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles following conventional physiotherapy to improve cervical mobility, reduce pain, and enhance functional outcomes in individuals with chronic neck pain.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Patients aged 18-50 years
- Chronic neck pain ≥ 12 weeks
- Nonspecific neck pain
- NPRS score ≥ 3
- Restricted or painful cervical ROM
- Neck disability score 15- \>35 (moderate to severe disability)
You may not qualify if:
- History of cervical surgery or recent trauma
- Inflammatory, infectious, or malignant spinal conditions
- Cervical disc pathology with neurological signs
- Pregnancy
- Skin lesions or conditions contraindicating IASTM
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province, 44000, Pakistan
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
October 14, 2026
First Posted
October 21, 2026
Study Start
February 12, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
December 18, 2026
Study Completion (Estimated)
January 18, 2027
Last Updated
October 21, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-10