Non Specific Chronic Neck PainNCT07331571
Myofascial Release With and Without Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique in Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique, Myofasical Release Therapy and Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment in people with Non Specific Chronic Neck Pain, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The study was conducted to determine the effects of myofascial release therapy with and without autogenic inhibition muscle energy technique in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Non Specific Chronic Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique, Myofasical Release Therapy and Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 44 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 13 Jan 2025to 31 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 20 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Neck pain for at least 3 months
- Pain intensity on NPRS between 4 to 7
- Limited neck range of motion
- Use of computer for at least 2 hours daily
- Negative Sharp-Purser and alar ligaments test (to rule out atlantoaxial instability, integrity of transverse and alar ligaments)
Who cannot join
- History of trauma
- Cervical spine fracture
- Open neck surgery
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Paresthesia
- Cervical myelopathy
Show all 12Show fewer
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Hemorrhage tendency and/or anticoagulation treatment
- Whiplash Injury
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Rehab Max Physio & Sports Injury Clinic
Layyah, Punjab Province, 31200
About this study
Official title: Effects of Myofascial Release With and Without Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique in Patients With Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
The study was conducted to determine the effects of myofascial release therapy with and without autogenic inhibition muscle energy technique in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain.
- Conditions
- Non Specific Chronic Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique, Myofasical Release Therapy, Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment
- Keywords
- Neck Ache, Myofascial Release Therapy, Autogenic Inhibition Technique, Muscle Energy Technique, Chronic Neck Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy TechniqueOther
AI MET was applied for upper trapezius 5 times for each side, similarly for levator scapulae it was applied 5 times for each side. AI MET was applied for posterior, middle and anterior fibres of scalene muscle. For sternocleidomastoid muscle it was applied for at least twice for each side. 8 sessions were conducted for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions scheduled every week.
Myofasical Release TherapyOther
MFR for upper trapezius and levator scapulae was carried out 5 times for each side. A total of 18 sessions were conducted for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions scheduled every week.
Standardized Physiotherapy TreatmentOther
Electric hot pack for 10 minutes for 10 minutes, TENS with frequency of 120Hz at low intensity having pulse duration of 50-200μs for 10 minutes \& Grade I and II Maitland posteroanterior central glide with 3 sets of 30 oscillations, for alleviation of pain at the target vertebral segment.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial Release with Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique; Other: Myofasical Release Therapy; Other: Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment |
| Myofascial Release Therapy | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Myofasical Release Therapy; Other: Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Numeric Pain Rating Scale is utilized to evaluate pain. It consists of 11 points, having an overall score ranging from 0 and 10, where: 0 represents no pain, 1 - 3 represents mild pain, 4 - 6 represents moderate pain and 7 - 10 represents the most severe pain.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Neck Disability Index
Neck Disability Index is a questionnaire that has 10-questions for determining cervical pain and functional disability linked with the activities of daily living. It consists of questions on pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping and recreation. Scores in each item is described in 6 stages, from 0 to 5 points. The total of 0-4 points indicate no disability, 5-14 points indicate mild disability, 15-24 points indicate moderate disability, 25-34 points indicate severe disability and 35-50 points indicate complete disability
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (6)
ROM Cervical Spine (Flexion)
Changes in cervical spine flexion ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Extension)
Changes in cervical spine extension ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Lateral Flexion) Left Side
Changes in cervical spine lateral flexion on left side ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Lateral Flexion) Right Side
Changes in cervical spine lateral flexion on right side ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Left Side
Changes in cervical spine rotation on left side ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Right
Changes in cervical spine rotation on right side ROM at baseline and 6th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Jan 2026
- Study start13 Jan 2025
- Primary completion31 May 2025
- Study completion31 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Non Specific Chronic Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- 44 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Shakil ur Rehman, Ph.D, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07331571
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0178
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 29 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 12 Jan 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 12 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Myofascial Release With and Without Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique in Patients With Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07331571
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0178
- Conditions
- Non Specific Chronic Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Neck Ache, Myofascial Release Therapy, Autogenic Inhibition Technique, Muscle Energy Technique, Chronic Neck Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 12 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 study was conducted to determine the effects of myofascial release therapy with and without autogenic inhibition muscle energy technique in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial Release with Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique | Experimental | Other: Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique, Other: Myofasical Release Therapy, Other: Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment |
| Myofascial Release Therapy | Active comparator | Other: Myofasical Release Therapy, Other: Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Neck pain for at least 3 months
- Pain intensity on NPRS between 4 to 7
- Limited neck range of motion
- Use of computer for at least 2 hours daily
- Negative Sharp-Purser and alar ligaments test (to rule out atlantoaxial instability, integrity of transverse and alar ligaments)
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- History of trauma
- Cervical spine fracture
- Open neck surgery
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Paresthesia
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy TechniqueAI MET was applied for upper trapezius 5 times for each side, similarly for levator scapulae it was applied 5 times for each side. AI MET was applied for posterior, middle and anterior fibres of scalene muscle. For sternocleidomastoid muscle it was applied for at least twice for each side. 8 sessions were conducted for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions scheduled every week. | Other | Myofascial Release with Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique |
| Myofasical Release TherapyMFR for upper trapezius and levator scapulae was carried out 5 times for each side. A total of 18 sessions were conducted for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions scheduled every week. | Other | Myofascial Release Therapy, Myofascial Release with Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique |
| Standardized Physiotherapy TreatmentElectric hot pack for 10 minutes for 10 minutes, TENS with frequency of 120Hz at low intensity having pulse duration of 50-200μs for 10 minutes \& Grade I and II Maitland posteroanterior central glide with 3 sets of 30 oscillations, for alleviation of pain at the target vertebral segment. | Other | Myofascial Release Therapy, Myofascial Release with Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale is utilized to evaluate pain. It consists of 11 points, having an overall score ranging from 0 and 10, where: 0 represents no pain, 1 - 3 represents mild pain, 4 - 6 represents moderate pain and 7 - 10 represents the most severe pain.
Neck Disability Index
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Neck Disability Index is a questionnaire that has 10-questions for determining cervical pain and functional disability linked with the activities of daily living. It consists of questions on pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping and recreation. Scores in each item is described in 6 stages, from 0 to 5 points. The total of 0-4 points indicate no disability, 5-14 points indicate mild disability, 15-24 points indicate moderate disability, 25-34 points indicate severe disability and 35-50 points indicate complete disability
6 secondary outcomes
ROM Cervical Spine (Flexion)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Extension)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Lateral Flexion) Left Side
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Lateral Flexion) Right Side
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Left Side
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Right
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks
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 12 Jan 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Non Specific Chronic Neck Pain
Active, not recruiting
Multimodal Manual Therapy vs. Maitland Mobilization for Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Chronic Neck Pain
Not yet recruiting
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Exercises and Suboccipital Myofascial Release Techniques in Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain
Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
Active, not recruiting
Cervical Stabilization vs Scapular Clock Exercises for Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
RecruitingObservational study
Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity in Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain
Neck Pain
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Telerehabilitation, Face-to-Face Exercises, and a Mixed Model in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain
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.
Shakil ur Rehman, Ph.D principal investigator
Riphah 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 Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique, Myofasical Release Therapy and Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment in people with Non Specific Chronic Neck Pain, run by Riphah International 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 5 inclusion and 12 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 12 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?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks). 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 12 Jan 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.