Text Neck SyndromeTEXT NECKNCT07200752
Effects of Exercise Training Delivered Through Telerehabilitation on Text Neck Syndrome
A study testing Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise Training and Supervised physiotherapy exercise training in people with Text Neck Syndrome and Telerehabilitation, run by Karabuk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
To compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation exercise program with that of supervised in-person physiotherapy in improving neck muscle endurance, pain intensity, and functional disability in university students with text neck syndrome. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 24 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Text Neck Syndrome, Telerehabilitation, Exercise
- What is being tested?
- Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise Training and Supervised physiotherapy exercise training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 31 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 26 Aug 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 24 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants will be eligible for inclusion if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Are between 18 and 24 years of age.
- Report smartphone use exceeding 3 hours per day.
- Present with at least three of the following symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
Show all 11Show fewer
- Upper back pain
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
- All participants will be screened for eligibility by a licensed physiotherapist, and only those who meet all inclusion and none of the exclusion criteria will be randomized.
Who cannot join
- Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Have a known orthopedic or neurological condition.
- Have a history of recent cervical or spinal surgery.
- Have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
- Have any medical contraindication to performing physical activity or exercise.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Karabuk University
Karabük, Karabük Province, 78050
About this study
Official title: Effects of Telerehabilitation Versus Supervised Physiotherapy on Neck Muscle Endurance, Pain, and Disability in KARABUK University Students With Text Neck Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
To compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation exercise program with that of supervised in-person physiotherapy in improving neck muscle endurance, pain intensity, and functional disability in university students with text neck syndrome. Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 31 university students aged 18-24 diagnosed with text neck syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to either a telerehabilitation group or a supervised in-person exercise group. Both groups received an identical six-week exercise program, delivered three times per week, including stretching, range of motion, isometric, and postural correction exercises with progressive intensity. Primary outcomes included deep cervical flexor and extensor muscle endurance. Secondary outcomes were neck pain intensity and functional disability. Assessments were performed at baseline and post-intervention.
Read the detailed description
Introduction
Text Neck Syndrome, also known as turtle neck posture, is a repetitive stress injury of the neck associated with prolonged use of handheld electronic devices that disrupts cervical spine alignment and function. When users maintain a forward head posture, particularly while using smartphones, this can lead to upper back discomfort, muscle spasms, shoulder stiffness, and cramps due to increased mechanical load on cervical tissues. The term Text Neck was introduced to describe this phenomenon. Biomechanical modeling has shown that as cervical flexion increases, the mechanical load on the cervical spine rises substantially, which can encourage loss of the natural cervical curvature and promote kyphotic changes in the upper thoracic spine. These postural alterations may destabilize ergonomics and contribute to musculoskeletal dysfunction. If left untreated, text neck posture may result in long-term structural changes, including vertebral misalignment, neuromuscular impairment, and chronic pain syndromes. Additionally, abnormal head posture is associated with impaired proprioception, increased postural sway, and reduced balance control. Telerehabilitation, defined as the delivery of therapeutic interventions through digital platforms, offers a promising alternative to in-person therapy by overcoming barriers related to distance, mobility, and cost. Its widespread adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that remotely supervised neck exercise programs can produce results comparable to traditional care for chronic neck pain. Telerehabilitation has been associated with reduced pain intensity, improved physical function, and enhanced quality of life in individuals experiencing neck pain.
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome, Telerehabilitation, Exercise
- Being tested
- Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise Training, Supervised physiotherapy exercise training
- Keywords
- TEXT NECK, PAIN MANEGMENT, NECK MUSCLE ENDURANCE, TELEREHABILITATION
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise TrainingBehavioural
Participants received a 6-week Telerehabilitation exercise program delivered via video calls and digital platforms, three sessions per week. The program included stretching, active range of motion, isometric strengthening, and postural correction exercises with progressive intensity.
Supervised physiotherapy exercise trainingBehavioural
Participants received the same 6-week exercise program as the Telerehabilitation group, but delivered face-to-face in a supervised clinical setting by a physiotherapist, three sessions per week.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitaion exercise program | Experimental | telerehabilitation based neck exercise training Receives: Behavioral: Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise Training |
| supervised in-person exercise program | Active comparator | supervised physiotherapy exercise training Receives: Behavioral: Supervised physiotherapy exercise training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The Extensor Endurance Test
The Extensor Endurance Test was conducted in prone position, with the participant asked to hold the head in a neutral position with the chin tucked. Time to fatigue (in seconds) was recorded for both tests
Measured: baseline, immediately after the intervention
The Neck Flexor Endurance
The Neck Flexor Endurance Test was performed in a semi-supine position, with the participant instructed to lift and hold the head at 2.5 cm above the table surface until fatigue
Measured: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Secondary outcomes (2)
Neck Disability Index
The NDI consisted of 10 items assessing neck-related functional limitations, with a maximum score of 50, higher scores indicating greater disability.
Measured: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Numeric Rating Scale
The NRS ranged from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain) and was administered pre- and post-intervention.
Measured: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Oct 2025
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completion25 Jun 2025
- Study completion26 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Text Neck SyndromeStudies 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
- 31 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, METEHAN YANA, Karabuk University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07200752
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KBU TEXT NECK
- Acronym
- TEXT NECK
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 26 Aug 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 26 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Telerehabilitation Versus Supervised Physiotherapy on Neck Muscle Endurance, Pain, and Disability in KARABUK University Students With Text Neck Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07200752
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TEXT NECK / KBU TEXT NECK
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome, Telerehabilitation, Exercise
- Keywords
- TEXT NECK, PAIN MANEGMENT, NECK MUSCLE ENDURANCE, TELEREHABILITATION
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 31 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Oct 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.
To compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation exercise program with that of supervised in-person physiotherapy in improving neck muscle endurance, pain intensity, and functional disability in university students with text neck syndrome. Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 31 university students aged 18-24 diagnosed with text neck syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to either a telerehabilitation group or a supervised in-person exercise group. Both groups received an identical six-week exercise program, delivered three times per week, including stretching, range of motion, isometric, and postural correction exercises with progressive intensity. Primary outcomes included deep cervical flexor and extensor muscle endurance. Secondary outcomes were neck pain intensity and functional disability. Assessments were performed at baseline and post-intervention.
Detailed description
Introduction
Text Neck Syndrome, also known as turtle neck posture, is a repetitive stress injury of the neck associated with prolonged use of handheld electronic devices that disrupts cervical spine alignment and function. When users maintain a forward head posture, particularly while using smartphones, this can lead to upper back discomfort, muscle spasms, shoulder stiffness, and cramps due to increased mechanical load on cervical tissues. The term Text Neck was introduced to describe this phenomenon. Biomechanical modeling has shown that as cervical flexion increases, the mechanical load on the cervical spine rises substantially, which can encourage loss of the natural cervical curvature and promote kyphotic changes in the upper thoracic spine. These postural alterations may destabilize ergonomics and contribute to musculoskeletal dysfunction. If left untreated, text neck posture may result in long-term structural changes, including vertebral misalignment, neuromuscular impairment, and chronic pain syndromes. Additionally, abnormal head posture is associated with impaired proprioception, increased postural sway, and reduced balance control. Telerehabilitation, defined as the delivery of therapeutic interventions through digital platforms, offers a promising alternative to in-person therapy by overcoming barriers related to distance, mobility, and cost. Its widespread adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that remotely supervised neck exercise programs can produce results comparable to traditional care for chronic neck pain. Telerehabilitation has been associated with reduced pain intensity, improved physical function, and enhanced quality of life in individuals experiencing neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitaion exercise program | Experimental | Behavioral: Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise Trainingtelerehabilitation based neck exercise training |
| supervised in-person exercise program | Active comparator | Behavioral: Supervised physiotherapy exercise trainingsupervised physiotherapy exercise training |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 24 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Are between 18 and 24 years of age.
- Report smartphone use exceeding 3 hours per day.
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Upper back pain
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Have a known orthopedic or neurological condition.
- Have a history of recent cervical or spinal surgery.
- Have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
- Have any medical contraindication to performing physical activity or exercise.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise TrainingParticipants received a 6-week Telerehabilitation exercise program delivered via video calls and digital platforms, three sessions per week. The program included stretching, active range of motion, isometric strengthening, and postural correction exercises with progressive intensity. | Behavioural | Telerehabilitaion exercise program |
| Supervised physiotherapy exercise trainingParticipants received the same 6-week exercise program as the Telerehabilitation group, but delivered face-to-face in a supervised clinical setting by a physiotherapist, three sessions per week. | Behavioural | supervised in-person exercise program |
Primary outcome
The Extensor Endurance Test
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
The Extensor Endurance Test was conducted in prone position, with the participant asked to hold the head in a neutral position with the chin tucked. Time to fatigue (in seconds) was recorded for both tests
The Neck Flexor Endurance
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
The Neck Flexor Endurance Test was performed in a semi-supine position, with the participant instructed to lift and hold the head at 2.5 cm above the table surface until fatigue
2 secondary outcomes
Neck Disability Index
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
Numeric Rating Scale
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
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 26 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Progressive Neck Motor Control Exercises With and Without Conventional Therapy in Text Neck Syndrome.(PNMCE-TNS)
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Comparative Study Between Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Post-facilitation Stretching in Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Comparison of Cervical and TMJ Parameters in Young Adults With and Without Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Enrolling by invitation
Eyeball Exercises and Cervical Stabilization in Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Sensory Motor Mismatch in Text Neck Syndrome.
Text Neck Syndrome
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 Telerehabilitation-Based Neck Exercise Training and Supervised physiotherapy exercise training in people with Text Neck Syndrome and Telerehabilitation, run by Karabuk 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 11 inclusion and 5 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 26 Aug 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?
The Extensor Endurance Test (time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention). 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?
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 26 Aug 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.