Neck PainRCTNCT06918535
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users.
A study testing Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique and Muscle Energy Technique in people with Neck Pain and Chronic Neck Pain, run by IQRA University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Chronic Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique and Muscle Energy Technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 22 Apr 2025to 30 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 20 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Persons using computer more than 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently both genders.
- Age between 20-45.
- Hypertonicity of trapezius muscle and SCM muscle. Specifically, those workers have neck pain and stiffness (including trouble tilting or turning head). Patients who reported small tightening and spasm at the posterior aspect of their neck are included, also associated with more diffuse neck pain patterns that included the following: headache, (upper back, neck and shoulder pain) numbness/ tingling in the hand/arm.
- Pain intensity of 2 on the NRS and presence of at least one latent trigger point in a taut band in the neck region.
Who cannot join
- Recent trauma to the cervical region
- Exclusion criteria based on with any serious pathology such as specific neck pain due to disc prolapsed, tumor of cervical spine, whiplash injury, cervical fractures, Cervicogenic headache, and any neurological signs consistent with nerve root compression
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Karachi, Sindh, 74200
Iram Shamsi, PhD (scholar), Mphil, DPT, +923012135230, iramiqbalshamsi@gmail.com
Iram Shamsi, PhD (scholar), MPhil, DPT
About this study
Official title: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users. A Randomized Controlled Trial
The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. The study will be conducted in a workplace setting, where desk-type computer users are expected to regularly engage in their professional activities for ≥ 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently. This study will be conducted at the Outpatient Physiotherapy department of Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi among 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain on the basis of non-probability purposive sample technique. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups through a investigator (blinded) the same investigator will be screening the individuals, doing baseline assessment, and post treatment assessment while another investigator will be providing intervention. Group 1 will receive Progressive muscle relaxation technique while Group 2 will receive Muscle Energy Technique on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius bilaterally. Patients will also be blinded. A total of 12 sessions will be provided. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post treatment after 2 weeks intervention.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Chronic Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique, Muscle Energy Technique
- Keywords
- chronic pain, Computer user, Muscle relaxation, Progressive muscle relaxation,, neck pain, chronic neck pain, Sternocleidomastoid muscle, Trapezius, neck pain musculoskeletal
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Chronic Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation TechniqueOther
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a relaxation technique that involves systematically tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body to reduce physical tension and stress. Developed by Edmund Jacobson in the 1930s, PMR aims to promote deep relaxation by increasing awareness of muscle tension and learning to release it. The technique is typically performed in a quiet environment, starting from the feet and progressing upward or vice versa. It is commonly used for stress management, pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improving overall well-being.
Muscle Energy TechniqueOther
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy approach that uses the patient's voluntary muscle contractions against a controlled resistance provided by the therapist to improve musculoskeletal function. It is commonly used to lengthen shortened muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. MET works by engaging the target muscles in an isometric or isotonic contraction, followed by a relaxation phase, allowing for a greater stretch or repositioning of the joint. It is frequently used in physiotherapy for conditions such as muscle tightness, joint restrictions, and postural imbalances.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A (Intervention) | Experimental | To start Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique with deep breathing, individuals will be trained to sit in a comfortable position with or without eyes opening. It will involve relaxing neck muscles through a two-step process. First, participants will be commanded to tense the particular SCM and upper trapezius muscle by active contraction along with deep breathing (deeply and slowly inhaling through the nose). Then, they will be commanded to squeeze the muscles as hard as they can, holding for 5-10 seconds, after that employees will be asked to relax the muscle for 10-15 seconds while relaxing the muscle employees will be asked to exhale slowly through the mouth (5 repetitions for each side). Intervention will be given for 30 minutes for 6 days a week for 2 weeks. Receives: Other: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique |
| Group B (Control) | Active comparator | Muscle Energy Technique with deep breathing
* Trapezius Muscle: The therapist will position the patient supine, supporting the back of the patient's head with one hand and placing the other on the clavicle. The head will be bent forward, rotated, and bent toward the same side to test for flexibility, and then brought midway between the initial and fully rotated positions. The patient will breathe in, hold their breath, and perform isometric (20% of max force) while the therapist provides resistance for 6-7 seconds, followed by a stretch during exhalation, to be repeated 3-4 times.
* Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: The patient will be supine with a cushion under the shoulder, tilting the head slightly back. The therapist will place one hand on the mastoid and the other on the sternum. The patient will rotate the head to the opposite side, lift it while holding breath while the therapist provides resistance for 6-7 second Receives: Other: Muscle Energy Technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in pain on Numeric Rating Scale
On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. Individuals will be asked to rate the pain. Increase in number suggests increase in pain and decrease in number suggests decrease in pain.
Measured: Baseline and week 2
Change in disability on the Neck Pain Disability Index Scale
The questionnaire, consists of 10 sections with scores ranging from 0 to 5, has demonstrated validity and reliability. The percentage of disability score will be calculated, where item scores range from 0 (no limitation) to 5 (major activity limitation), and the total score is a sum of the item scores (possible range 0 (no pain) - 50 (maximal pain)). A score of less than 4 indicates no disability; 5-14 mild disability, 15-24 moderate disability and 25-34 severe disability. A score of above 35 indicate complete perceived disability. The patient will rate each section based on their level of difficulty due to neck pain. Increase in score suggests increase in disability and decrease in score suggests decrease in disability.
Measured: Baseline and week 2
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Range of Motion on the Goniometer
A goniometer, a tool used to measure joint angles, is used to assess range of motion, which is the degree of movement a joint can achieve. Goniometry, the measurement of joint angles. Increase in scores suggests increase in range of motion.
Measured: Baseline and week 2
Change from baseline in head posture on plumb line
A plumb line is a simple tool to check posture by comparing head and shoulder alignment. Landmarks: Mastoid process \& auditory meatus (ear canal). Any forward head posture is noted if the tragus (ear) moves ahead of the plumb line. Measured in inches while standing or sitting. Increase in inches suggests increase and decrease suggests decrease in forward head posture.
Measured: Baseline and week 2
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Apr 2025
- Study start22 Apr 2025
- Primary completion15 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Apr 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (23)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Neck PainStudies 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
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- It is a randomized controlled trial. Total 60 patients will be recruited, 30 in each group that includes 6 patients as a dropout in both groups. There will be one interventional group and one control group. Treatment will be allocated using a random number sheet generated by SPSS software version 23. Participants are assigned to one of two groups in parallel for the duration of the study.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- IQRA University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Syeda Waniya Riaz, IQRA University
- Investigators
- Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT, Principal investigator, IQRA University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06918535
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IQRAU
- Acronym
- RCT
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The investigators will publish the results in academic journals. The study data will be shared through multiple channels. We aim to make our findings accessible to researchers and potential collaborators with an interest in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and chronic neck pain.
Publications
Ramasamy S, Panneerselvam S, Govindharaj P, Kumar A, Nayak R. Progressive muscle relaxation technique on anxiety and depression among persons affected by leprosy. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018 Jun 30;14(3):375-381. doi: 10.12965/jer.1836158.079. eCollection 2018 Jun.
PubMed 30018921Batool A, Soomro RR, Baig AAM. Comparing the effects of neck stabilization exercises versus dynamic exercises among patients having nonspecific neck pain with forward head posture: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Sep 4;25(1):707. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07749-8.
PubMed 39232708Sukari AAA, Singh S, Bohari MH, Idris Z, Ghani ARI, Abdullah JM. Examining the Range of Motion of the Cervical Spine: Utilising Different Bedside Instruments. Malays J Med Sci. 2021 Apr;28(2):100-105. doi: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.9. Epub 2021 Apr 21.
PubMed 33958964Vernon H, Mior S. The Neck Disability Index: a study of reliability and validity. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Sep;14(7):409-15.
PubMed 1834753Bielewicz J, Daniluk B, Kamieniak P. VAS and NRS, Same or Different? Are Visual Analog Scale Values and Numerical Rating Scale Equally Viable Tools for Assessing Patients after Microdiscectomy? Pain Res Manag. 2022 Mar 29;2022:5337483. doi: 10.1155/2022/5337483. eCollection 2022.
PubMed 35391853Rezaeian T, Mosallanezhad Z, Nourbakhsh MR, Noroozi M, Sajedi F. Effects of Dry Needling Technique Into Trigger Points of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle in Migraine Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Dec;99(12):1129-1137. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001504.
PubMed 32544109Pathan NM, Thakur S, Kadam K, Lohade S, Chandak N. Immediate effects of positional release therapy and manual trigger point release on neck pain and range of motion in computer users with upper trapezitis. J Family Med Prim Care. 2021 Aug;10(8):2839-2844. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1608_20. Epub 2021 Aug 27.
PubMed 34660415Khan ZK, Ahmed SI, Baig AAM, Farooqui WA. Effect of post-isometric relaxation versus myofascial release therapy on pain, functional disability, rom and qol in the management of non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 Jun 13;23(1):567. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05516-1.
PubMed 35698187Lauche R, Materdey S, Cramer H, Haller H, Stange R, Dobos G, Rampp T. Effectiveness of home-based cupping massage compared to progressive muscle relaxation in patients with chronic neck pain--a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2013 Jun 7;8(6):e65378. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065378. Print 2013.
PubMed 23762355Sbardella S, La Russa C, Bernetti A, Mangone M, Guarnera A, Pezzi L, Paoloni M, Agostini F, Santilli V, Saggini R, Paolucci T. Muscle Energy Technique in the Rehabilitative Treatment for Acute and Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2021 Jun 17;9(6):746. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9060746.
PubMed 34204590Loh EW, Shih HF, Lin CK, Huang TW. Effect of progressive muscle relaxation on postoperative pain, fatigue, and vital signs in patients with head and neck cancers: A randomized controlled trial. Patient Educ Couns. 2022 Jul;105(7):2151-2157. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.10.034. Epub 2021 Nov 3.
PubMed 34785078Liu K, Chen Y, Wu D, Lin R, Wang Z, Pan L. Effects of progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety and sleep quality in patients with COVID-19. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 May;39:101132. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101132. Epub 2020 Mar 6.
PubMed 32379667Vambheim SM, Kyllo TM, Hegland S, Bystad M. Relaxation techniques as an intervention for chronic pain: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Heliyon. 2021 Aug 20;7(8):e07837. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07837. eCollection 2021 Aug.
PubMed 34485731Toussaint L, Nguyen QA, Roettger C, Dixon K, Offenbacher M, Kohls N, Hirsch J, Sirois F. Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Deep Breathing, and Guided Imagery in Promoting Psychological and Physiological States of Relaxation. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021 Jul 2;2021:5924040. doi: 10.1155/2021/5924040. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34306146Jun D, Johnston V, McPhail SM, O'Leary S. A Longitudinal Evaluation of Risk Factors and Interactions for the Development of Nonspecific Neck Pain in Office Workers in Two Cultures. Hum Factors. 2021 Jun;63(4):663-683. doi: 10.1177/0018720820904231. Epub 2020 Mar 2.
PubMed 32119582
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users. A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06918535
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RCT / IQRAU
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Chronic Neck Pain
- Keywords
- chronic pain, Computer user, Muscle relaxation, Progressive muscle relaxation,, neck pain, chronic neck pain, Sternocleidomastoid muscle, Trapezius
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- IQRA UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Study start
- 22 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Apr 2025 (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.
The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. The study will be conducted in a workplace setting, where desk-type computer users are expected to regularly engage in their professional activities for ≥ 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently. This study will be conducted at the Outpatient Physiotherapy department of Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi among 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain on the basis of non-probability purposive sample technique. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups through a investigator (blinded) the same investigator will be screening the individuals, doing baseline assessment, and post treatment assessment while another investigator will be providing intervention. Group 1 will receive Progressive muscle relaxation technique while Group 2 will receive Muscle Energy Technique on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius bilaterally. Patients will also be blinded. A total of 12 sessions will be provided. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post treatment after 2 weeks intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- It is a randomized controlled trial. Total 60 patients will be recruited, 30 in each group that includes 6 patients as a dropout in both groups. There will be one interventional group and one control group. Treatment will be allocated using a random number sheet generated by SPSS software version 23. Participants are assigned to one of two groups in parallel for the duration of the study.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A (Intervention) | Experimental | Other: Progressive Muscle Relaxation TechniqueTo start Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique with deep breathing, individuals will be trained to sit in a comfortable position with or without eyes opening. It will involve relaxing neck muscles through a two-step process. First, participants will be commanded to tense the particular SCM and upper trapezius muscle by active contraction along with deep breathing (deeply and slowly inhaling through the nose). Then, they will be commanded to squeeze the muscles as hard as they can, holding for 5-10 seconds, after that employees will be asked to relax the muscle for 10-15 seconds while relaxing the muscle employees will be asked to exhale slowly through the mouth (5 repetitions for each side). Intervention will be given for 30 minutes for 6 days a week for 2 weeks. |
| Group B (Control) | Active comparator | Other: Muscle Energy TechniqueMuscle Energy Technique with deep breathing * Trapezius Muscle: The therapist will position the patient supine, supporting the back of the patient's head with one hand and placing the other on the clavicle. The head will be bent forward, rotated, and bent toward the same side to test for flexibility, and then brought midway between the initial and fully rotated positions. The patient will breathe in, hold their breath, and perform isometric (20% of max force) while the therapist provides resistance for 6-7 seconds, followed by a stretch during exhalation, to be repeated 3-4 times. * Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: The patient will be supine with a cushion under the shoulder, tilting the head slightly back. The therapist will place one hand on the mastoid and the other on the sternum. The patient will rotate the head to the opposite side, lift it while holding breath while the therapist provides resistance for 6-7 second |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Persons using computer more than 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently both genders.
- Age between 20-45.
- Hypertonicity of trapezius muscle and SCM muscle. Specifically, those workers have neck pain and stiffness (including trouble tilting or turning head). Patients who reported small tightening and spasm at the posterior aspect of their neck are included, also associated with more diffuse neck pain patterns that included the following: headache, (upper back, neck and shoulder pain) numbness/ tingling in the hand/arm.
- Pain intensity of 2 on the NRS and presence of at least one latent trigger point in a taut band in the neck region.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Recent trauma to the cervical region
- Exclusion criteria based on with any serious pathology such as specific neck pain due to disc prolapsed, tumor of cervical spine, whiplash injury, cervical fractures, Cervicogenic headache, and any neurological signs consistent with nerve root compression
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Muscle Relaxation TechniqueProgressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a relaxation technique that involves systematically tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body to reduce physical tension and stress. Developed by Edmund Jacobson in the 1930s, PMR aims to promote deep relaxation by increasing awareness of muscle tension and learning to release it. The technique is typically performed in a quiet environment, starting from the feet and progressing upward or vice versa. It is commonly used for stress management, pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improving overall well-being. | Other | Group A (Intervention) |
| Muscle Energy TechniqueMuscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy approach that uses the patient's voluntary muscle contractions against a controlled resistance provided by the therapist to improve musculoskeletal function. It is commonly used to lengthen shortened muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. MET works by engaging the target muscles in an isometric or isotonic contraction, followed by a relaxation phase, allowing for a greater stretch or repositioning of the joint. It is frequently used in physiotherapy for conditions such as muscle tightness, joint restrictions, and postural imbalances. | Other | Group B (Control) |
Primary outcome
Change in pain on Numeric Rating Scale
Time frame: Baseline and week 2
On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. Individuals will be asked to rate the pain. Increase in number suggests increase in pain and decrease in number suggests decrease in pain.
Change in disability on the Neck Pain Disability Index Scale
Time frame: Baseline and week 2
The questionnaire, consists of 10 sections with scores ranging from 0 to 5, has demonstrated validity and reliability. The percentage of disability score will be calculated, where item scores range from 0 (no limitation) to 5 (major activity limitation), and the total score is a sum of the item scores (possible range 0 (no pain) - 50 (maximal pain)). A score of less than 4 indicates no disability; 5-14 mild disability, 15-24 moderate disability and 25-34 severe disability. A score of above 35 indicate complete perceived disability. The patient will rate each section based on their level of difficulty due to neck pain. Increase in score suggests increase in disability and decrease in score suggests decrease in disability.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Range of Motion on the Goniometer
Time frame: Baseline and week 2
Change from baseline in head posture on plumb line
Time frame: Baseline and week 2
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Jan 2026.
- Background: PubMed 30018921Ramasamy S, Panneerselvam S, Govindharaj P, Kumar A, Nayak R. Progressive muscle relaxation technique on anxiety and depression among persons affected by leprosy. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018 Jun 30;14(3):375-381. doi: 10.12965/jer.1836158.079. eCollection 2018 Jun.
- Background: PubMed 39232708Batool A, Soomro RR, Baig AAM. Comparing the effects of neck stabilization exercises versus dynamic exercises among patients having nonspecific neck pain with forward head posture: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Sep 4;25(1):707. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07749-8.
- Background: PubMed 33958964Sukari AAA, Singh S, Bohari MH, Idris Z, Ghani ARI, Abdullah JM. Examining the Range of Motion of the Cervical Spine: Utilising Different Bedside Instruments. Malays J Med Sci. 2021 Apr;28(2):100-105. doi: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.9. Epub 2021 Apr 21.
- Background: PubMed 1834753Vernon H, Mior S. The Neck Disability Index: a study of reliability and validity. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Sep;14(7):409-15.
- Background: PubMed 35391853Bielewicz J, Daniluk B, Kamieniak P. VAS and NRS, Same or Different? Are Visual Analog Scale Values and Numerical Rating Scale Equally Viable Tools for Assessing Patients after Microdiscectomy? Pain Res Manag. 2022 Mar 29;2022:5337483. doi: 10.1155/2022/5337483. eCollection 2022.
- Background: PubMed 32544109Rezaeian T, Mosallanezhad Z, Nourbakhsh MR, Noroozi M, Sajedi F. Effects of Dry Needling Technique Into Trigger Points of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle in Migraine Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Dec;99(12):1129-1137. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001504.
- Background: PubMed 34660415Pathan NM, Thakur S, Kadam K, Lohade S, Chandak N. Immediate effects of positional release therapy and manual trigger point release on neck pain and range of motion in computer users with upper trapezitis. J Family Med Prim Care. 2021 Aug;10(8):2839-2844. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1608_20. Epub 2021 Aug 27.
- Background: PubMed 35698187Khan ZK, Ahmed SI, Baig AAM, Farooqui WA. Effect of post-isometric relaxation versus myofascial release therapy on pain, functional disability, rom and qol in the management of non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 Jun 13;23(1):567. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05516-1.
- Background: PubMed 23762355Lauche R, Materdey S, Cramer H, Haller H, Stange R, Dobos G, Rampp T. Effectiveness of home-based cupping massage compared to progressive muscle relaxation in patients with chronic neck pain--a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2013 Jun 7;8(6):e65378. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065378. Print 2013.
- Background: PubMed 34204590Sbardella S, La Russa C, Bernetti A, Mangone M, Guarnera A, Pezzi L, Paoloni M, Agostini F, Santilli V, Saggini R, Paolucci T. Muscle Energy Technique in the Rehabilitative Treatment for Acute and Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2021 Jun 17;9(6):746. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9060746.
- Background: PubMed 34785078Loh EW, Shih HF, Lin CK, Huang TW. Effect of progressive muscle relaxation on postoperative pain, fatigue, and vital signs in patients with head and neck cancers: A randomized controlled trial. Patient Educ Couns. 2022 Jul;105(7):2151-2157. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.10.034. Epub 2021 Nov 3.
- Background: PubMed 32379667Liu K, Chen Y, Wu D, Lin R, Wang Z, Pan L. Effects of progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety and sleep quality in patients with COVID-19. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 May;39:101132. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101132. Epub 2020 Mar 6.
- Stress effects on the body \[Internet\]. American Psychological AssociationLink provided by the sponsor.
- Jacobson, E. Progressive relaxation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 1929.Link provided by the sponsor.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Benefits, techniques, and more \[Internet\]. MediLexicon International.Link provided by the sponsor.
- Norelli SK, Long A, Krepps JM. Relaxation Techniques. StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2021.Link provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The investigators will publish the results in academic journals. The study data will be shared through multiple channels. We aim to make our findings accessible to researchers and potential collaborators with an interest in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and chronic neck pain.
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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.
Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT principal investigator
IQRA University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique and Muscle Energy Technique in people with Neck Pain and Chronic Neck Pain, run by IQRA University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 4 inclusion and 2 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jan 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 Pakistan. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT (+923352783584, waniya.riaz@iqra.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in pain on Numeric Rating Scale (time frame: Baseline and week 2). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06918535, which also lists 23 linked publications.
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 8 Jan 2026.