Neck PainNCT07321054
Comparative Effects of Cervical Stabilization and Isometric Neck Exercises in Eyeglass Wearers With Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Cervical Stabilization Exercises and Isometric Neck Exercises in people with Neck Pain and Exercise Therapy, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of cervical stabilization exercises and isometric neck exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in eyeglasses wearers with Non-specific chronic neck pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Exercise Therapy, Isometric Exercise
- What is being tested?
- Cervical Stabilization Exercises and Isometric Neck Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 26 May 2025to 27 Oct 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 25 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 25-50 years, using any form of eyeglasses for more than 2 years, with active non-specific chronic (more than three months) neck pain with pain intensity ≥ 5/10 on the numeric pain rating scale were included.
Who cannot join
- Participants with cognitive impairments or limitations that could impact their ability to provide informed consent or adhere to the study protocol.
- Individuals with a history of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or endocrine disease that could pose a risk to their health during exercise.
- Participants with health conditions that may prevent them from engaging in physical activity, such as severe musculoskeletal disorders or neurological impairments.
- Individuals with red flag symptoms indicative of underlying serious pathology, such as recent trauma, infection, or malignancy.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Cervical Stabilization and Isometric Neck Exercises on Pain, Disability, Quality of Life and Kinesiophobia in Eyeglass Wearers With Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of cervical stabilization exercises and isometric neck exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in eyeglasses wearers with Non-specific chronic neck pain. Participants were randomly assigned to either Group A (Isometric Neck Exercises) or Group B (Cervical Stabilization Exercises) using a toss-and-trial method.
The intervention was provided over four weeks, with three sessions per week (total of 12 sessions):
Read more
Group A (Isometric Neck Exercises): Participants performed isometric neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Each movement was hold for 10 seconds, repeated 5 times, with a 5-second rest between repetitions.
Group B (Cervical Stabilization Exercises): Participants performed chin tucks, neck extensions, shoulder shrugging, shoulder rolling, and scapular retractions in a sitting position. Each exercise was performed 15 repetitions, 1 set, holding a 6-second contraction followed by 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition.
Read the detailed description
Non-specific neck pain, a common disorder of the musculoskeletal system, frequently manifests as discomfort and stiffness in the lateral and posterior aspects of the neck, often lacking distinctive diagnostic indicators.(1) Young adults are disproportionately affected by neck pain, with a significant proportion, between 42% and 67%, experiencing episodes within a one-year period. Notably, the Global Burden of Disease Study identifies neck pain, in tandem with low back pain, as the second most prevalent cause of disability among young adults aged 20-24, resulting in substantial years lived with disability.(2) Kinesiophobia refers to an excessive and debilitating fear of physical movement, stemming from a perceived vulnerability to pain or re-injury. This phenomenon is closely linked to pain catastrophizing, a cognitive and emotional response characterized by exaggerated negative thoughts and feelings about pain. In individuals experiencing chronic pain, pain catastrophizing can lead to a vicious cycle of increased pain perception, disability, and worsening impairment. Initially, these coping mechanisms may provide temporary relief during acute pain episodes. However, when pain persists, they can become maladaptive, perpetuating a cycle of fear, avoidance, and distress.(3) Wearing eyeglasses can significantly influence head and neck posture, as the body compensates for a reduced visual field by adjusting alignment. This compensatory mechanism may lead to chronic postural changes, including forward head posture and deep neck flexor weakness. The likelihood of developing forward head posture increases with the duration of eyeglasses use, highlighting the importance of assessing visual devices as part of patient care, especially when addressing neck pain and functional limitations.
Exercise plays a vital role in managing neck pain by restoring tissue function and maintaining daily activities. Research has demonstrated that targeted exercises, such as isometric and cervical stabilization exercises, can effectively reduce pain, improve muscle performance, and enhance endurance. Neck stabilization exercises improve joint mobility, sensorimotor function, and relaxation, while isometric exercises strengthen weak muscles through proprioceptive engagement. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of cervical stabilization versus isometric neck exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in eyeglass wearers with non-specific chronic neck pain, providing insights into the most effective exercise approach for this population.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Exercise Therapy, Isometric Exercise, Eyeglasses, Pain Measurement, Disability Evaluation
- Being tested
- Cervical Stabilization Exercises, Isometric Neck Exercises
- Keywords
- Neck Pain, Kinesiophobia, Cervical Stabilization Exercises, Isometric Neck Exercises
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Kinesiophobia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Cervical Stabilization ExercisesOther
Intervention Group B (Cervical Stabilization Exercises Group) Group B participants received each neck stabilization exercises (Tucking in of chin, extending the neck, shrugging of shoulder, rolling of shoulder, retraction of scapular) in sitting position with a frequency of 15 repetitions 1 set with relaxation maintaining 6 seconds of contraction followed by 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition.
Isometric Neck ExercisesOther
Intervention Group A (Isometric Neck Exercises Group) Group A participants received isometric neck exercises (Isometric neck flexion, Isometric neck extension, Isometric lateral flexion and rotation), holding each movement for 10 s, and repeating each 5 times with a 5-s rest between each of them.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Neck Exercises | Active comparator | Participants received isometric neck exercises (Isometric neck flexion, Isometric neck extension, Isometric lateral flexion and rotation), holding each movement for 10 s, and repeating each 5 times with a 5-s rest between each of them Receives: Other: Isometric Neck Exercises |
| Cervical Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Participants received each neck stabilization exercises (Tucking in of chin, extending the neck, shrugging of shoulder, rolling of shoulder, retraction of scapular) in sitting position with a frequency of 15 repetitions 1 set with relaxation maintaining 6 seconds of contraction followed by 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition. Receives: Other: Cervical Stabilization Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Neck Pain
Pain was measured by NPRS
Measured: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4
Disability
Disability was measured by Neck Disability Index
Measured: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4
Kinesiophobia
Kinesiophobia was measured by Tempa Scale-11
Measured: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4
Secondary outcomes (1)
Quality of life of Patients having Neck pain
Quality of life was measured by SF-12
Measured: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Jan 2026
- Study start26 May 2025
- Primary completion27 Oct 2025
- Study completion27 Oct 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 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
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Muhammad Nazim Farooq, PhD-PT, Principal investigator, Ibadat International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07321054
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2025/04/180
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 22 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 6 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Asiri F, Reddy RS, Tedla JS, ALMohiza MA, Alshahrani MS, Govindappa SC, Sangadala DR. Kinesiophobia and its correlations with pain, proprioception, and functional performance among individuals with chronic neck pain. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 8;16(7):e0254262. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254262. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34237105Jahre H, Grotle M, Smedbraten K, Dunn KM, Oiestad BE. Risk factors for non-specific neck pain in young adults. A systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Jun 9;21(1):366. doi: 10.1186/s12891-020-03379-y.
PubMed 32517732Bernal-Utrera C, Gonzalez-Gerez JJ, Anarte-Lazo E, Rodriguez-Blanco C. Manual therapy versus therapeutic exercise in non-specific chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2020 Jul 28;21(1):682. doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-04610-w.
PubMed 32723399
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Cervical Stabilization and Isometric Neck Exercises on Pain, Disability, Quality of Life and Kinesiophobia in Eyeglass Wearers With Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07321054
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2025/04/180
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Exercise Therapy, Isometric Exercise, Eyeglasses, Pain Measurement, Disability Evaluation
- Keywords
- Neck Pain, Kinesiophobia, Cervical Stabilization Exercises, Isometric Neck Exercises
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 26 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 27 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 27 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Jan 2026 (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 goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of cervical stabilization exercises and isometric neck exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in eyeglasses wearers with Non-specific chronic neck pain. Participants were randomly assigned to either Group A (Isometric Neck Exercises) or Group B (Cervical Stabilization Exercises) using a toss-and-trial method.
The intervention was provided over four weeks, with three sessions per week (total of 12 sessions):
Group A (Isometric Neck Exercises): Participants performed isometric neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Each movement was hold for 10 seconds, repeated 5 times, with a 5-second rest between repetitions.
Group B (Cervical Stabilization Exercises): Participants performed chin tucks, neck extensions, shoulder shrugging, shoulder rolling, and scapular retractions in a sitting position. Each exercise was performed 15 repetitions, 1 set, holding a 6-second contraction followed by 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition.
Detailed description
Non-specific neck pain, a common disorder of the musculoskeletal system, frequently manifests as discomfort and stiffness in the lateral and posterior aspects of the neck, often lacking distinctive diagnostic indicators.(1) Young adults are disproportionately affected by neck pain, with a significant proportion, between 42% and 67%, experiencing episodes within a one-year period. Notably, the Global Burden of Disease Study identifies neck pain, in tandem with low back pain, as the second most prevalent cause of disability among young adults aged 20-24, resulting in substantial years lived with disability.(2) Kinesiophobia refers to an excessive and debilitating fear of physical movement, stemming from a perceived vulnerability to pain or re-injury. This phenomenon is closely linked to pain catastrophizing, a cognitive and emotional response characterized by exaggerated negative thoughts and feelings about pain. In individuals experiencing chronic pain, pain catastrophizing can lead to a vicious cycle of increased pain perception, disability, and worsening impairment. Initially, these coping mechanisms may provide temporary relief during acute pain episodes. However, when pain persists, they can become maladaptive, perpetuating a cycle of fear, avoidance, and distress.(3) Wearing eyeglasses can significantly influence head and neck posture, as the body compensates for a reduced visual field by adjusting alignment. This compensatory mechanism may lead to chronic postural changes, including forward head posture and deep neck flexor weakness. The likelihood of developing forward head posture increases with the duration of eyeglasses use, highlighting the importance of assessing visual devices as part of patient care, especially when addressing neck pain and functional limitations.
Exercise plays a vital role in managing neck pain by restoring tissue function and maintaining daily activities. Research has demonstrated that targeted exercises, such as isometric and cervical stabilization exercises, can effectively reduce pain, improve muscle performance, and enhance endurance. Neck stabilization exercises improve joint mobility, sensorimotor function, and relaxation, while isometric exercises strengthen weak muscles through proprioceptive engagement. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of cervical stabilization versus isometric neck exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in eyeglass wearers with non-specific chronic neck pain, providing insights into the most effective exercise approach for this population.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Neck Exercises | Active comparator | Other: Isometric Neck ExercisesParticipants received isometric neck exercises (Isometric neck flexion, Isometric neck extension, Isometric lateral flexion and rotation), holding each movement for 10 s, and repeating each 5 times with a 5-s rest between each of them |
| Cervical Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Other: Cervical Stabilization ExercisesParticipants received each neck stabilization exercises (Tucking in of chin, extending the neck, shrugging of shoulder, rolling of shoulder, retraction of scapular) in sitting position with a frequency of 15 repetitions 1 set with relaxation maintaining 6 seconds of contraction followed by 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Adults aged 25-50 years, using any form of eyeglasses for more than 2 years, with active non-specific chronic (more than three months) neck pain with pain intensity ≥ 5/10 on the numeric pain rating scale were included.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Participants with cognitive impairments or limitations that could impact their ability to provide informed consent or adhere to the study protocol.
- Individuals with a history of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or endocrine disease that could pose a risk to their health during exercise.
- Participants with health conditions that may prevent them from engaging in physical activity, such as severe musculoskeletal disorders or neurological impairments.
- Individuals with red flag symptoms indicative of underlying serious pathology, such as recent trauma, infection, or malignancy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Stabilization ExercisesIntervention Group B (Cervical Stabilization Exercises Group) Group B participants received each neck stabilization exercises (Tucking in of chin, extending the neck, shrugging of shoulder, rolling of shoulder, retraction of scapular) in sitting position with a frequency of 15 repetitions 1 set with relaxation maintaining 6 seconds of contraction followed by 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition. | Other | Cervical Stabilization Exercises |
| Isometric Neck ExercisesIntervention Group A (Isometric Neck Exercises Group) Group A participants received isometric neck exercises (Isometric neck flexion, Isometric neck extension, Isometric lateral flexion and rotation), holding each movement for 10 s, and repeating each 5 times with a 5-s rest between each of them. | Other | Isometric Neck Exercises |
Primary outcome
Neck Pain
Time frame: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4
Pain was measured by NPRS
Disability
Time frame: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4
Disability was measured by Neck Disability Index
Kinesiophobia
Time frame: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4
Kinesiophobia was measured by Tempa Scale-11
1 secondary outcome
Quality of life of Patients having Neck pain
Time frame: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4
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 6 Jan 2026.
- Background: PubMed 34237105Asiri F, Reddy RS, Tedla JS, ALMohiza MA, Alshahrani MS, Govindappa SC, Sangadala DR. Kinesiophobia and its correlations with pain, proprioception, and functional performance among individuals with chronic neck pain. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 8;16(7):e0254262. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254262. eCollection 2021.
- Background: PubMed 32517732Jahre H, Grotle M, Smedbraten K, Dunn KM, Oiestad BE. Risk factors for non-specific neck pain in young adults. A systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Jun 9;21(1):366. doi: 10.1186/s12891-020-03379-y.
- Background: PubMed 32723399Bernal-Utrera C, Gonzalez-Gerez JJ, Anarte-Lazo E, Rodriguez-Blanco C. Manual therapy versus therapeutic exercise in non-specific chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2020 Jul 28;21(1):682. doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-04610-w.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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.
Muhammad Nazim Farooq, PhD-PT principal investigator
Ibadat International 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 Cervical Stabilization Exercises and Isometric Neck Exercises in people with Neck Pain and Exercise Therapy, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad 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 1 inclusion and 4 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 6 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?
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?
Neck Pain (time frame: Assessment was done at baseline, Week 2 and Week4). The study lists 3 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 NCT07321054, 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 6 Jan 2026.