Neck Pain MusculoskeletalNCT07169084
Comparison of Different Rehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Manual Therapy and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in people with Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, run by Atlas University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects daily life and quality of life. Exercise and manual therapy are widely used treatment strategies, but there is limited evidence comparing different rehabilitation approaches. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain Musculoskeletal
- What is being tested?
- Manual Therapy and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to 15 Dec 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 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 18-40 years
- Diagnosis of chronic neck pain (≥12 weeks duration)
- Pain intensity ≥ 3 cm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- Voluntary participation and signed informed consent
Who cannot join
- Previous cervical spine surgery
- History of acute trauma, fracture, or dislocation in the cervical region
- Presence of neurological deficit, inflammatory disease, or systemic rheumatic condition
- Malignancy, severe cardiovascular or neurological disorder
- Participation in a similar treatment program within the past 6 months
- Current use of corticosteroids
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Istanbul Atlas University
Kâğıthane, Istanbul, 34408
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Different Rehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects daily life and quality of life. Exercise and manual therapy are widely used treatment strategies, but there is limited evidence comparing different rehabilitation approaches. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and manual therapy on pain, functional status, cervical muscle endurance, and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain. Twenty-four participants will be randomly assigned to two groups and receive treatment three times per week for four weeks. Assessments will include the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, cervical muscle endurance tests, and goniometric range of motion. The results are expected to support evidence-based strategies for managing chronic neck pain.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain Musculoskeletal
- Being tested
- Manual Therapy, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Keywords
- Rehabilitation Approaches, Manual Therapy, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Physical Therapy, Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Medical subject headings
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Manual TherapyOther
Manual mobilization techniques applied to the cervical and upper thoracic regions, 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Other
Mobilization applied with instruments to cervical and upper thoracic muscles, 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Therapy Group | Experimental | Participants receive manual therapy interventions, including posterior-anterior mobilizations, lateral glides, suboccipital release, and traction techniques based on Maitland principles. Receives: Other: Manual Therapy |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Group | Experimental | Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization using specialized tools on the cervical and upper thoracic regions. Receives: Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 0-10 cm (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable)
The VAS will be used to assess the intensity of neck pain. A higher score indicates greater pain intensity.
Measured: Change from baseline to 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Sep 2025
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completion15 Nov 2025
- Study completion15 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Neck Pain MusculoskeletalStudies 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Atlas University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gamze Demircioğlu, Atlas University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07169084
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PI-DEMIRCIOGLU-2025
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 5 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 9 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Mylonas K, Angelopoulos P, Billis E, Tsepis E, Fousekis K. Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Feb 21;22(1):212. doi: 10.1186/s12891-021-04080-4.
PubMed 33612123Cohen SP, Hooten WM. Advances in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. BMJ. 2017 Aug 14;358:j3221. doi: 10.1136/bmj.j3221.
PubMed 28807894Tunwattanapong P, Kongkasuwan R, Kuptniratsaikul V. The effectiveness of a neck and shoulder stretching exercise program among office workers with neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2016 Jan;30(1):64-72. doi: 10.1177/0269215515575747. Epub 2015 Mar 16.
PubMed 25780258
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Different Rehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07169084
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PI-DEMIRCIOGLU-2025
- Conditions
- Neck Pain Musculoskeletal
- Keywords
- Rehabilitation Approaches, Manual Therapy, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Physical Therapy, Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Atlas UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 Sep 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.
Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects daily life and quality of life. Exercise and manual therapy are widely used treatment strategies, but there is limited evidence comparing different rehabilitation approaches. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and manual therapy on pain, functional status, cervical muscle endurance, and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain. Twenty-four participants will be randomly assigned to two groups and receive treatment three times per week for four weeks. Assessments will include the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, cervical muscle endurance tests, and goniometric range of motion. The results are expected to support evidence-based strategies for managing chronic neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Therapy Group | Experimental | Other: Manual TherapyParticipants receive manual therapy interventions, including posterior-anterior mobilizations, lateral glides, suboccipital release, and traction techniques based on Maitland principles. |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Group | Experimental | Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Participants receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization using specialized tools on the cervical and upper thoracic regions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age between 18-40 years
- Diagnosis of chronic neck pain (≥12 weeks duration)
- Pain intensity ≥ 3 cm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- Voluntary participation and signed informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Previous cervical spine surgery
- History of acute trauma, fracture, or dislocation in the cervical region
- Presence of neurological deficit, inflammatory disease, or systemic rheumatic condition
- Malignancy, severe cardiovascular or neurological disorder
- Participation in a similar treatment program within the past 6 months
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manual TherapyManual mobilization techniques applied to the cervical and upper thoracic regions, 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks. | Other | Manual Therapy Group |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Mobilization applied with instruments to cervical and upper thoracic muscles, 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks. | Other | Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Group |
Primary outcome
Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 0-10 cm (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable)
Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks
The VAS will be used to assess the intensity of neck pain. A higher score indicates greater pain intensity.
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 9 Feb 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 33612123Mylonas K, Angelopoulos P, Billis E, Tsepis E, Fousekis K. Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Feb 21;22(1):212. doi: 10.1186/s12891-021-04080-4.
- Results publication: PubMed 28807894Cohen SP, Hooten WM. Advances in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. BMJ. 2017 Aug 14;358:j3221. doi: 10.1136/bmj.j3221.
- Results publication: PubMed 25780258Tunwattanapong P, Kongkasuwan R, Kuptniratsaikul V. The effectiveness of a neck and shoulder stretching exercise program among office workers with neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2016 Jan;30(1):64-72. doi: 10.1177/0269215515575747. Epub 2015 Mar 16.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Manual Therapy and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in people with Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, run by Atlas University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 6 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 9 Feb 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 0-10 cm (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable) (time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks). 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 NCT07169084, which also lists 3 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 9 Feb 2026.