Chronic Mechanical Neck PainNCT07387016
Self-Mobilization With SNAGs Vs. DIE on CMNP in Computer Professionals
A study testing Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, Dynamic Isometric Exercise and Conventional Adjuncts in people with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, run by King Saud University at 1 site in India.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial was to find out whether a self-applied neck mobilization technique (called self-SNAGs) or neck strengthening exercises (dynamic isometric exercises) works better to reduce pain and improve daily function in computer professionals aged 25-45 years who had long-lasting mechanical neck… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, Dynamic Isometric Exercise and Conventional Adjuncts
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteIndia
- Study dates
- 22 Mar 2021to 16 Dec 2021
- 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 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants' ages ranged from 25 to 45 years.
- Having chronic mechanical neck pain persisting for at least 3 months.
- Computer users of at least 4 to 5 hours daily for greater than 3 years.
- Understand and be able to perform the indicated exercises well.
- Cooperation in the study with voluntary participation.
Who cannot join
- Prior history of musculoskeletal neck disorders, trauma, fracture, inflammation, malignancy, active infection, any neurological disorders or deficits, and any spinal surgeries.
- Acute mechanical neck pain
- Non-cooperation in the study,
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
India1 site
Prakash Institute of Physiotherapy Rehabililation and Allied Medical Sciences
Greater Noida, Utter Pradesh, 201315
About this study
Official title: Self-Mobilization With Self-Applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides Versus Dynamic Isometric Exercises for Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain in Computer Professionals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial was to find out whether a self-applied neck mobilization technique (called self-SNAGs) or neck strengthening exercises (dynamic isometric exercises) works better to reduce pain and improve daily function in computer professionals aged 25-45 years who had long-lasting mechanical neck pain.
The main questions it aimed to answer were:
Read more
- Does self-SNAG treatment reduce neck pain more than strengthening exercises?
- Does self-SNAG treatment improve neck-related daily activities more than strengthening exercises?
Researchers compared self-SNAG exercises with dynamic isometric neck exercises to see which approach led to greater pain relief and better function over six weeks.
Participants were asked to:
- Perform either self-SNAG neck movements using a towel or neck-strengthening exercises using elastic bands.
- Do the exercises five days per week for six weeks.
- Follow ergonomic advice for proper posture during computer work.
- Complete pain and disability questionnaires before and after the program.
- Conditions
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, Dynamic Isometric Exercise, Conventional Adjuncts
- Keywords
- Chronic Neck Pain, Self Mobilization, SNAG, Occupatrional Health, Mulligan, Isometric Exercise, Computer Users, Disability
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal GlidesOther
Also called Self-applied SNAGs
Participants in the Self-SNAG Group performed self-administered cervical SNAG mobilizations using a towel following initial physiotherapist instruction to ensure correct technique. Movements included cervical extension, bilateral rotation, and bilateral lateral flexion. The towel edge was placed beneath the targeted vertebral level to apply a sustained glide while participants actively moved through the available range, with brief end-range overpressure before returning to neutral. Each movement was repeated 6-10 times per session.
Dynamic Isometric ExerciseOther
Also called DIE
Participants in the DIE Group performed dynamic isometric exercises using elastic resistance bands, including resisted flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. The band was secured around the head and anchored to a stable surface while participants maintained upright posture and controlled cervical alignment. The head was displaced approximately 10 cm against resistance and slowly returned to the starting position. Each session comprised 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions per movement, with instruction to prevent compensatory motions.
Conventional AdjunctsOther
All participants of both groups received a standard ergonomic education and postural advice program, which included guidance on neutral spine alignment, workstation optimization, and the incorporation of regular movement breaks during computer work to minimize cervical strain.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Self-SNAGs Group | Experimental | Participants assigned to the self-SNAG arm engaged in structured Mulligan self-mobilization sessions conducted on a five-day weekly schedule for six weeks, with ongoing oversight and instructional feedback to promote correct application and consistent participation. Receives: Other: Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides; Other: Conventional Adjuncts |
| DIE Group | Active comparator | Participants assigned to the DIE arm performed structured dynamic isometric cervical exercises using elastic resistance bands. Sessions were conducted on a five-day weekly schedule for six weeks, with ongoing oversight and instructional feedback to promote correct application and consistent participation. Receives: Other: Dynamic Isometric Exercise; Other: Conventional Adjuncts |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity was assessed using a reliable and valid Visual Analog Scale, marked with 0 and 10 at either end, indicating no pain and unbearable pain, respectively.
Measured: 6 weeks
Functional Disability
Participants' functional disability was measured using the reliable and validated Neck Disability Index (NDI), with total scores ranging from 0 (no disability) to 50 (severe disability).
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Feb 2026
- Study start22 Mar 2021
- Primary completion25 Aug 2021
- Study completion16 Dec 2021
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Mechanical 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
- This study was comparing the effects of self-applied sustained natural apophyseal glides and dynamic isometric cervical exercises on pain intensity and functional disability among computer professionals with chronic mechanical neck pain.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- King Saud University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- PIPRAMS, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradseh, India
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, AMIR IQBAL, King Saud University
- Investigators
- Ahmad H. Alghadir, PhD, Study director, King Saud University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07387016
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RRC-2021-03
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Self-Mobilization With Self-Applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides Versus Dynamic Isometric Exercises for Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain in Computer Professionals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07387016
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RRC-2021-03
- Conditions
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Chronic Neck Pain, Self Mobilization, SNAG, Occupatrional Health, Mulligan, Isometric Exercise, Computer Users, Disability
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- King Saud UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- PIPRAMS, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradseh, India
- Study start
- 22 Mar 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Aug 2021 (actual)
- Study completion
- 16 Dec 2021 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Feb 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 clinical trial was to find out whether a self-applied neck mobilization technique (called self-SNAGs) or neck strengthening exercises (dynamic isometric exercises) works better to reduce pain and improve daily function in computer professionals aged 25-45 years who had long-lasting mechanical neck pain.
The main questions it aimed to answer were:
- Does self-SNAG treatment reduce neck pain more than strengthening exercises?
- Does self-SNAG treatment improve neck-related daily activities more than strengthening exercises?
Researchers compared self-SNAG exercises with dynamic isometric neck exercises to see which approach led to greater pain relief and better function over six weeks.
Participants were asked to:
- Perform either self-SNAG neck movements using a towel or neck-strengthening exercises using elastic bands.
- Do the exercises five days per week for six weeks.
- Follow ergonomic advice for proper posture during computer work.
- Complete pain and disability questionnaires before and after the program.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study was comparing the effects of self-applied sustained natural apophyseal glides and dynamic isometric cervical exercises on pain intensity and functional disability among computer professionals with chronic mechanical neck pain.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Self-SNAGs Group | Experimental | Other: Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, Other: Conventional AdjunctsParticipants assigned to the self-SNAG arm engaged in structured Mulligan self-mobilization sessions conducted on a five-day weekly schedule for six weeks, with ongoing oversight and instructional feedback to promote correct application and consistent participation. |
| DIE Group | Active comparator | Other: Dynamic Isometric Exercise, Other: Conventional AdjunctsParticipants assigned to the DIE arm performed structured dynamic isometric cervical exercises using elastic resistance bands. Sessions were conducted on a five-day weekly schedule for six weeks, with ongoing oversight and instructional feedback to promote correct application and consistent participation. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Participants' ages ranged from 25 to 45 years.
- Having chronic mechanical neck pain persisting for at least 3 months.
- Computer users of at least 4 to 5 hours daily for greater than 3 years.
- Understand and be able to perform the indicated exercises well.
- Cooperation in the study with voluntary participation.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Prior history of musculoskeletal neck disorders, trauma, fracture, inflammation, malignancy, active infection, any neurological disorders or deficits, and any spinal surgeries.
- Acute mechanical neck pain
- Non-cooperation in the study,
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal GlidesAlso: Self-applied SNAGsParticipants in the Self-SNAG Group performed self-administered cervical SNAG mobilizations using a towel following initial physiotherapist instruction to ensure correct technique. Movements included cervical extension, bilateral rotation, and bilateral lateral flexion. The towel edge was placed beneath the targeted vertebral level to apply a sustained glide while participants actively moved through the available range, with brief end-range overpressure before returning to neutral. Each movement was repeated 6-10 times per session. | Other | Self-SNAGs Group |
| Dynamic Isometric ExerciseAlso: DIEParticipants in the DIE Group performed dynamic isometric exercises using elastic resistance bands, including resisted flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. The band was secured around the head and anchored to a stable surface while participants maintained upright posture and controlled cervical alignment. The head was displaced approximately 10 cm against resistance and slowly returned to the starting position. Each session comprised 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions per movement, with instruction to prevent compensatory motions. | Other | DIE Group |
| Conventional AdjunctsAll participants of both groups received a standard ergonomic education and postural advice program, which included guidance on neutral spine alignment, workstation optimization, and the incorporation of regular movement breaks during computer work to minimize cervical strain. | Other | DIE Group, Self-SNAGs Group |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: 6 weeks
Pain intensity was assessed using a reliable and valid Visual Analog Scale, marked with 0 and 10 at either end, indicating no pain and unbearable pain, respectively.
Functional Disability
Time frame: 6 weeks
Participants' functional disability was measured using the reliable and validated Neck Disability Index (NDI), with total scores ranging from 0 (no disability) to 50 (severe disability).
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 Feb 2026.
- 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.
Ahmad H. Alghadir, PhD study director
King Saud 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 Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, Dynamic Isometric Exercise and Conventional Adjuncts in people with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, run by King Saud University at 1 site in India.
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 3 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 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 India. 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?
Pain Intensity (time frame: 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 6 Feb 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 31 Oct 2026.