ExerciseNCT06465394
Exercise-induced Hypoalgesia and Proprioceptive Changes, Comparing Isometric to Isotonic Neck Exercises
A study testing Exercise in people with Exercise, run by University of South Dakota at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Exercised induced hypoalgesia (EIH) (reduction in pain) after exercise has been studied in the literature, but no comparisons have been made specifically looking at different types of exercise (isometric/dynamic moving through a range of motion with resistance versus isotonic/applying static resistance to a joint not… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 64 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Exercise
- What is being tested?
- Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 27 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 12 Aug 2024to 5 Jul 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 64 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 18-64 years old,
- all genders,
- healthy individuals with no neck pain
Who cannot join
- Medical restrictions to physical activity
- History of chronic pain (pain > 3 months) or current acute neck pain
- Unable to refrain from alcohol, pain medications, and vigorous exercise 24 hours prior to testing
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069
About this study
Exercised induced hypoalgesia (EIH) (reduction in pain) after exercise has been studied in the literature, but no comparisons have been made specifically looking at different types of exercise (isometric/dynamic moving through a range of motion with resistance versus isotonic/applying static resistance to a joint not moving) with neck muscle strengthening. This study will explore to see if one form of exercise is superior to the other in providing EIH.
Another benefit of exercise is improving proprioception (knowing where our body is in space). Again no specific investigation has been done comparing isometric versus isotonic exercises for neck muscles.
Both of these exercises are often prescribed in physical therapy so further understanding the benefits of them can help improve the prescription of exercises for patients.
Read the detailed description
After consent has been obtained, participants will be asked the screening questions to confirm eligibility for the study. The researcher will then ask the participants demographic questions and record the responses for age, gender, racial category, and handedness. Odd-numbered participants will perform isometric exercises first and then isotonic exercises on the second day. Even numbered participants will perform isotonic exercises first and then isometric exercises on the second day. There will be 2-3 days between each test period. Testing each time will have participants do baseline measurements for pain pressure threshold (PPT) and proprioception (JPE), exercise protocol, and then retest PPT and JPE post exercise.
Pain pressure threshold testing consists of measuring the distance between C7 and the distal aspect of the acromion while the participant is seated. If possible, the shirt will be removed for men, or the neck color pulled to the side for females. If unable to move the shirt to the side, the testing can be done over the clothing. The mid-way point will be marked with a pen or other method to indicate the location on the upper trap muscle where the PPT testing will be performed on both the right and left sides. Utilization of a pressure algometer will be used for testing with a 1 cm2 rubber tip. The pressure algometer tip will be placed on the mark of the midpoint of the upper trap previously measured and marked. Pressure is slowly applied until the participant reports a change from pressure to pain and says "STOP". At the moment the participant says stop, the pressure is stopped, and the recording is measured. There will be 3 tests with PPT on both right and left alternating between each side with testing.
Proprioception is measured by the joint position error (JPE) test. This test requires the patient to place a headlamp equipped with a laser pointer. They will be seated in a chair facing a wall with the JPE target on the wall. The subject is to sit with their head in a normal resting state, looking straight ahead. The target is adjusted to the participant's baseline. The participant is instructed to get a "sense" of this position. The participant then moves their head/neck to the right or left, returning to their resting position. The subject then closes their eyes and completed 6 trials of turning their head to the right and 6 trials to the left. The researcher will assist them in recentering to their start position each time before the next rotation of the head/neck.
Once the baseline PPT and JPE are measured, the subjects will go through the exercise protocol.
Isometric test protocol. Participants will be asked to perform the exercise at a moderate exercise level (3/10 on the mRPE scale provided to them). They will complete a 1, 10-second isometric hold to their hand dominant side (if ambidextrous, the side the participant would report as the most dominant side) to allow them to find their "moderate" intensity level. The participant will then take a 2-minute rest before beginning the exercise routine and will be instructed to keep a consistent resistance level during the exercise bout. During the exercise, the subjects will hold the rotation contraction for 10 seconds, take a 2-second rest, complete this 5 times, and then change to the left side. They will do this for 3 sets of right and left. Researchers will time the exercises and give verbal instructions to make sure they are performing for the appropriate amount of time and rest periods. After completing the exercise protocol, they will complete the PPT and JPE tests in the same way as was done for baseline measurement.
Isotonic test protocol. Participants will be asked to perform the exercise at a moderate exercise level (3/10) on the mRPE scale provided to them). They will complete 2 reps using the red rubber band resistance on the 'NecksLevel' neck strengthening device, moving through a full range of motion toward their hand-dominant side as they will do in the isometric test. After completing the 2 test reps, they will be asked if they would like to increase or decrease the resistance to be at a moderate level. The new resistance level or staying the same level will then be done for 3 more reps to ensure they are at a moderate level. The participants will then take a 2-minute rest before beginning the exercise routine. The resistance level will stay at the participant's selected moderate level during the entire testing unless they need to stop due to pain or difficulty completing the exercise. During the exercise, the participants will be rotating to the right first at a pace of 1 second for concentric contraction to full rotation and 1 second for eccentric contraction, returning the head to the neutral position. The participant will continue this pace to complete 5 repetitions and then take a 2-second rest before continuing this sequence 5 times (a total of 25 reps) before switching and doing left rotation in the same fashion. This will be done for a total of 3 sets for both right and left rotation. The use of a metronome will be used along with the researcher's verbal instructions and cueing to maintain the proper sequence and timing of the exercise. After completing the exercise protocol, they will complete the PPT and JPE tests in the same way as was done for baseline measurement.
- Conditions
- Exercise
- Being tested
- Exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ExerciseProcedure or surgery
Neck exercises in a cross over design that the participants will do both types of interventions with a washout period inbetween.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Exercise | Active comparator | Isometric test protocol. Participants will be asked to perform the exercise at a moderate exercise level (3/10 on the mRPE scale provided to them). They will complete a 1, 10-second isometric hold to their hand dominant side (if ambidextrous, the side the participant would report as the most dominant side) to allow them to find their "moderate" intensity level. The participant will then take a 2-minute rest before beginning the exercise routine and will be instructed to keep a consistent resistance level during the exercise bout. During the exercise, the subjects will hold the rotation contraction for 10 seconds, take a 2-second rest, complete this 5 times, and then change to the left side. They will do this for 3 sets of right and left. Researchers will time the exercises and give verbal instructions to make sure they are performing for the appropriate amount of time and rest periods. Receives: Procedure: Exercise |
| Isotonic Exercise | Active comparator | The resistance level will stay at the participant's selected moderate level during the entire testing unless they need to stop due to pain or difficulty completing the exercise. During the exercise, the participants will be rotating to the right first at a pace of 1 second for concentric contraction to full rotation and 1 second for eccentric contraction, returning the head to the neutral position. The participant will continue this pace to complete 5 repetitions and then take a 2-second rest before continuing this sequence 5 times (a total of 25 reps) before switching and doing left rotation in the same fashion. This will be done for a total of 3 sets for both right and left rotation. The use of a metronome will be used along with the researcher's verbal instructions and cueing to maintain the proper sequence and timing of the exercise. Receives: Procedure: Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
PPT
Pain Pressure Threshold with use of algometer
Measured: Pre post measure before and after exercise session taking approximately 10 minutes
Secondary outcomes (1)
JPE
Joint position error utilizing measurement in cm from baseline
Measured: Pre post measure before and after exercise session taking approximately 10 minutes
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Jun 2024
- Study start12 Aug 2024
- Primary completion30 Jun 2025
- Study completion5 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for ExerciseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of South Dakota
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kory Zimney, PT, DPT, PhD, University of South Dakota
- Investigators
- Kory J Zimney, PhD, Principal investigator, University of South Dakota
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06465394
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IRB-24-100
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Jun 2024
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Exercise-induced Hypoalgesia and Proprioceptive Changes, Comparing Isometric to Isotonic Neck Exercises
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06465394
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IRB-24-100
- Conditions
- Exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of South DakotaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 5 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 18 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Exercised induced hypoalgesia (EIH) (reduction in pain) after exercise has been studied in the literature, but no comparisons have been made specifically looking at different types of exercise (isometric/dynamic moving through a range of motion with resistance versus isotonic/applying static resistance to a joint not moving) with neck muscle strengthening. This study will explore to see if one form of exercise is superior to the other in providing EIH.
Another benefit of exercise is improving proprioception (knowing where our body is in space). Again no specific investigation has been done comparing isometric versus isotonic exercises for neck muscles.
Both of these exercises are often prescribed in physical therapy so further understanding the benefits of them can help improve the prescription of exercises for patients.
Detailed description
After consent has been obtained, participants will be asked the screening questions to confirm eligibility for the study. The researcher will then ask the participants demographic questions and record the responses for age, gender, racial category, and handedness. Odd-numbered participants will perform isometric exercises first and then isotonic exercises on the second day. Even numbered participants will perform isotonic exercises first and then isometric exercises on the second day. There will be 2-3 days between each test period. Testing each time will have participants do baseline measurements for pain pressure threshold (PPT) and proprioception (JPE), exercise protocol, and then retest PPT and JPE post exercise.
Pain pressure threshold testing consists of measuring the distance between C7 and the distal aspect of the acromion while the participant is seated. If possible, the shirt will be removed for men, or the neck color pulled to the side for females. If unable to move the shirt to the side, the testing can be done over the clothing. The mid-way point will be marked with a pen or other method to indicate the location on the upper trap muscle where the PPT testing will be performed on both the right and left sides. Utilization of a pressure algometer will be used for testing with a 1 cm2 rubber tip. The pressure algometer tip will be placed on the mark of the midpoint of the upper trap previously measured and marked. Pressure is slowly applied until the participant reports a change from pressure to pain and says "STOP". At the moment the participant says stop, the pressure is stopped, and the recording is measured. There will be 3 tests with PPT on both right and left alternating between each side with testing.
Proprioception is measured by the joint position error (JPE) test. This test requires the patient to place a headlamp equipped with a laser pointer. They will be seated in a chair facing a wall with the JPE target on the wall. The subject is to sit with their head in a normal resting state, looking straight ahead. The target is adjusted to the participant's baseline. The participant is instructed to get a "sense" of this position. The participant then moves their head/neck to the right or left, returning to their resting position. The subject then closes their eyes and completed 6 trials of turning their head to the right and 6 trials to the left. The researcher will assist them in recentering to their start position each time before the next rotation of the head/neck.
Once the baseline PPT and JPE are measured, the subjects will go through the exercise protocol.
Isometric test protocol. Participants will be asked to perform the exercise at a moderate exercise level (3/10 on the mRPE scale provided to them). They will complete a 1, 10-second isometric hold to their hand dominant side (if ambidextrous, the side the participant would report as the most dominant side) to allow them to find their "moderate" intensity level. The participant will then take a 2-minute rest before beginning the exercise routine and will be instructed to keep a consistent resistance level during the exercise bout. During the exercise, the subjects will hold the rotation contraction for 10 seconds, take a 2-second rest, complete this 5 times, and then change to the left side. They will do this for 3 sets of right and left. Researchers will time the exercises and give verbal instructions to make sure they are performing for the appropriate amount of time and rest periods. After completing the exercise protocol, they will complete the PPT and JPE tests in the same way as was done for baseline measurement.
Isotonic test protocol. Participants will be asked to perform the exercise at a moderate exercise level (3/10) on the mRPE scale provided to them). They will complete 2 reps using the red rubber band resistance on the 'NecksLevel' neck strengthening device, moving through a full range of motion toward their hand-dominant side as they will do in the isometric test. After completing the 2 test reps, they will be asked if they would like to increase or decrease the resistance to be at a moderate level. The new resistance level or staying the same level will then be done for 3 more reps to ensure they are at a moderate level. The participants will then take a 2-minute rest before beginning the exercise routine. The resistance level will stay at the participant's selected moderate level during the entire testing unless they need to stop due to pain or difficulty completing the exercise. During the exercise, the participants will be rotating to the right first at a pace of 1 second for concentric contraction to full rotation and 1 second for eccentric contraction, returning the head to the neutral position. The participant will continue this pace to complete 5 repetitions and then take a 2-second rest before continuing this sequence 5 times (a total of 25 reps) before switching and doing left rotation in the same fashion. This will be done for a total of 3 sets for both right and left rotation. The use of a metronome will be used along with the researcher's verbal instructions and cueing to maintain the proper sequence and timing of the exercise. After completing the exercise protocol, they will complete the PPT and JPE tests in the same way as was done for baseline measurement.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Exercise | Active comparator | Procedure: ExerciseIsometric test protocol. Participants will be asked to perform the exercise at a moderate exercise level (3/10 on the mRPE scale provided to them). They will complete a 1, 10-second isometric hold to their hand dominant side (if ambidextrous, the side the participant would report as the most dominant side) to allow them to find their "moderate" intensity level. The participant will then take a 2-minute rest before beginning the exercise routine and will be instructed to keep a consistent resistance level during the exercise bout. During the exercise, the subjects will hold the rotation contraction for 10 seconds, take a 2-second rest, complete this 5 times, and then change to the left side. They will do this for 3 sets of right and left. Researchers will time the exercises and give verbal instructions to make sure they are performing for the appropriate amount of time and rest periods. |
| Isotonic Exercise | Active comparator | Procedure: ExerciseThe resistance level will stay at the participant's selected moderate level during the entire testing unless they need to stop due to pain or difficulty completing the exercise. During the exercise, the participants will be rotating to the right first at a pace of 1 second for concentric contraction to full rotation and 1 second for eccentric contraction, returning the head to the neutral position. The participant will continue this pace to complete 5 repetitions and then take a 2-second rest before continuing this sequence 5 times (a total of 25 reps) before switching and doing left rotation in the same fashion. This will be done for a total of 3 sets for both right and left rotation. The use of a metronome will be used along with the researcher's verbal instructions and cueing to maintain the proper sequence and timing of the exercise. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 64 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 18-64 years old,
- all genders,
- healthy individuals with no neck pain
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Medical restrictions to physical activity
- History of chronic pain (pain > 3 months) or current acute neck pain
- Unable to refrain from alcohol, pain medications, and vigorous exercise 24 hours prior to testing
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ExerciseNeck exercises in a cross over design that the participants will do both types of interventions with a washout period inbetween. | Procedure or surgery | Isometric Exercise, Isotonic Exercise |
Primary outcome
PPT
Time frame: Pre post measure before and after exercise session taking approximately 10 minutes
Pain Pressure Threshold with use of algometer
1 secondary outcome
JPE
Time frame: Pre post measure before and after exercise session taking approximately 10 minutes
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Exercise
RecruitingPhase 2
Neurovascular Regulation During Exercise in Humans With Chronic Kidney Disease: Sympatholysis in CKD
Chronic Kidney Disease
Not yet recruiting
Combined Versus Multicomponent Training in People With Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3a and 3b
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3A, Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3B
Recruiting
Understanding the Feasibility of a Co-designed Pre-radiotherapy Exercise Programme - A Single-arm Study
Lung Cancer
Not yet recruiting
Integrated Core Stability Exercises and Yoga Program on Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome
RecruitingPhase 2
Spironolactone for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Kory J Zimney, PhD principal investigator
University of South Dakota
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise in people with Exercise, run by University of South Dakota at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
PPT (time frame: Pre post measure before and after exercise session taking approximately 10 minutes). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Jul 2026.