Text Neck SyndromeNCT07403344
Comparative Effects of Sahrmann and Kendall Exercises in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome.
A study testing Sahrmann exercise, Kendall exercise and Standard Physical Therapy Treatment in people with Text Neck Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The study was conducted to determine the comparative effects of Sahrmann and Kendall exercises on pain, range of motion and disability in patients with text neck syndrome. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Text Neck Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Sahrmann exercise, Kendall exercise and Standard Physical Therapy Treatment
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 64 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 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged from 18 to 35 years
- Both male and female were included.
- Participants who used smartphone for more than 2 hours daily
- Participant with neck pain aggravated by sustained posture, stiffness on neck and neck turning, the Craniovertebral angle (CVA) <50°
- Participant with rounded shoulder angle (RSA) greater than 52° (51)
- Participants with pain greater than 5 on numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)
- Participants with neck disability index (NDI) of >10
Who cannot join
- • Participants with any spinal infection example: osteomyelitis
- Participant with any inflammatory condition example: rheumatoid arthritis
- Participant with any previous cervical surgery
- Traumatic injury
- Torticollis, and scoliosis or any pregnant females
- Participant with any disc prolapse or other spinal issues like stenosis, herniation of disc, spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis
- Participants taking pain related medication or have gone under physical therapy sessions
- Participant with Malignancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
PulseCore Physio and Rehab Centre
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Sahrmann and Kendall Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome.
The study was conducted to determine the comparative effects of Sahrmann and Kendall exercises on pain, range of motion and disability in patients with text neck syndrome.
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome
- Being tested
- Sahrmann exercise, Kendall exercise, Standard Physical Therapy Treatment
- Keywords
- Disability, Neck pain, Range of motion, Kendall exercise, Sahrmann exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sahrmann exerciseOther
Sahrmann exercises which include Deep Neck Flexor Activation (Chin Tucks), Cervical Flexion with Scapular Stabilization, Shoulder Blade Retractions, Controlled Cervical Rotations, Scapular Depression with Resistance Bands, Neck Flexion Isometric, Cervical Side Bending with Resistance, Thoracic Extension Exercises. Each containing 5 repetitions, each held for 5-10 seconds, Total 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks.
Kendall exerciseOther
Kendall exercise includes Deep Neck Flexor Activation (supine chin tucks) for 2 to 8s, stretch cervical extensors, Scapular Retraction with resistance, Pectoralis major and minor stretch. Each posture was maintained for 30s and 6 sets of 12 repetitions were performed with 3 sessions per week on alternate days for 4 weeks.
Standard Physical Therapy TreatmentOther
Both groups were given Standard Physical Therapy treatment including hot pack (applying a moist heat pack to the neck for 7-10 minutes, relaxing muscles, and alleviating pain. Use a towel as a barrier to avoid burns.) and Soft Tissue Mobilization Protocol (involves applying targeted pressure to neck muscles, releasing tension and improving circulation. Additionally, postural education focused on maintaining an upright posture while using mobile devices. This involved holding the device close to eye level and using it while either standing or sitting. Repeat 2-3 times daily for 4 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sahrmann exercise | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Sahrmann exercise; Other: Standard Physical Therapy Treatment |
| Kendall Exercise | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Kendall exercise; Other: Standard Physical Therapy Treatment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure in which individuals rate their pain on an eleven-point numerical scale. The scale is composed of 0 (no pain at all) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Neck Disability Index
Neck pain disability index is used for the disability of the neck or the impact of neck pain on a person. This 10-item questionnaire is used to assess the patient overall quality of life as well as the personal ability to perform activities of daily living. It has various categories ranging from personal care, lifting, reading etc. it has a scoring range from zero disability. The greater the scored the higher the disability of neck.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (6)
ROM Cervical Spine (Flexion)
Changes in cervical spine flexion ROM at baseline and 4th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Extension)
Changes in cervical spine extension ROM at baseline and 4th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Lateral Flexion) Left Side
Changes in cervical spine Lateral flexion on left side ROM at baseline and 4th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (lateral Flexion) Right Side
Changes in cervical spine lateral flexion on right side ROM at baseline and 4th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Left Side
Changes in cervical spine rotation on left side ROM at baseline and 4th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Right Side
Changes in cervical spine rotation on right side ROM at baseline and 4th week of intervention was measured using goniometer.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 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 Feb 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.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Text Neck SyndromeStudies 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Saba Rafique, MS-OMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07403344
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0183
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 4 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 11 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Letafatkar A, Rabiei P, Alamooti G, Bertozzi L, Farivar N, Afshari M. Effect of therapeutic exercise routine on pain, disability, posture, and health status in dentists with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2020 Apr;93(3):281-290. doi: 10.1007/s00420-019-01480-x. Epub 2019 Oct 25.
PubMed 31654125Jabbar KM, Gandomi F. The comparison of two corrective exercise approaches for hyperkyphosis and forward head posture: A quasi-experimental study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2021;34(4):677-687. doi: 10.3233/BMR-200160.
PubMed 33896809Abdel-Aziem AA, Mohamed RR, Draz AH, Azab AR, Hegazy FA, Diab RH. The effect of McKenzie protocol vs. deep neck flexor and scapulothoracic exercises in subjects with chronic neck pain - a randomized controlled study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022 May;26(9):3138-3150. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28731.
PubMed 35587064Abu-Taleb W, Yamany AA, Aneis YM, Abu El Kasem ST. Effect of adding global postural reeducation to kendall exercises for treating asymptomatic forward head posture: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025 Jun;42:938-947. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.01.039. Epub 2025 Feb 6.
PubMed 40325777
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Sahrmann and Kendall Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07403344
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0183
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome
- Keywords
- Disability, Neck pain, Range of motion, Kendall exercise, Sahrmann exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 64 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
- 11 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 study was conducted to determine the comparative effects of Sahrmann and Kendall exercises on pain, range of motion and disability in patients with text neck syndrome.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sahrmann exercise | Experimental | Other: Sahrmann exercise, Other: Standard Physical Therapy Treatment |
| Kendall Exercise | Active comparator | Other: Kendall exercise, Other: Standard Physical Therapy Treatment |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Aged from 18 to 35 years
- Both male and female were included.
- Participants who used smartphone for more than 2 hours daily
- Participant with neck pain aggravated by sustained posture, stiffness on neck and neck turning, the Craniovertebral angle (CVA) <50°
- Participant with rounded shoulder angle (RSA) greater than 52° (51)
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- • Participants with any spinal infection example: osteomyelitis
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sahrmann exerciseSahrmann exercises which include Deep Neck Flexor Activation (Chin Tucks), Cervical Flexion with Scapular Stabilization, Shoulder Blade Retractions, Controlled Cervical Rotations, Scapular Depression with Resistance Bands, Neck Flexion Isometric, Cervical Side Bending with Resistance, Thoracic Extension Exercises. Each containing 5 repetitions, each held for 5-10 seconds, Total 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. | Other | Sahrmann exercise |
| Kendall exerciseKendall exercise includes Deep Neck Flexor Activation (supine chin tucks) for 2 to 8s, stretch cervical extensors, Scapular Retraction with resistance, Pectoralis major and minor stretch. Each posture was maintained for 30s and 6 sets of 12 repetitions were performed with 3 sessions per week on alternate days for 4 weeks. | Other | Kendall Exercise |
| Standard Physical Therapy TreatmentBoth groups were given Standard Physical Therapy treatment including hot pack (applying a moist heat pack to the neck for 7-10 minutes, relaxing muscles, and alleviating pain. Use a towel as a barrier to avoid burns.) and Soft Tissue Mobilization Protocol (involves applying targeted pressure to neck muscles, releasing tension and improving circulation. Additionally, postural education focused on maintaining an upright posture while using mobile devices. This involved holding the device close to eye level and using it while either standing or sitting. Repeat 2-3 times daily for 4 weeks. | Other | Kendall Exercise, Sahrmann exercise |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure in which individuals rate their pain on an eleven-point numerical scale. The scale is composed of 0 (no pain at all) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Neck Disability Index
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Neck pain disability index is used for the disability of the neck or the impact of neck pain on a person. This 10-item questionnaire is used to assess the patient overall quality of life as well as the personal ability to perform activities of daily living. It has various categories ranging from personal care, lifting, reading etc. it has a scoring range from zero disability. The greater the scored the higher the disability of neck.
6 secondary outcomes
ROM Cervical Spine (Flexion)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Extension)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Lateral Flexion) Left Side
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (lateral Flexion) Right Side
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Left Side
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
ROM Cervical Spine (Rotation) Right Side
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 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 11 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 31654125Letafatkar A, Rabiei P, Alamooti G, Bertozzi L, Farivar N, Afshari M. Effect of therapeutic exercise routine on pain, disability, posture, and health status in dentists with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2020 Apr;93(3):281-290. doi: 10.1007/s00420-019-01480-x. Epub 2019 Oct 25.
- Background: PubMed 33896809Jabbar KM, Gandomi F. The comparison of two corrective exercise approaches for hyperkyphosis and forward head posture: A quasi-experimental study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2021;34(4):677-687. doi: 10.3233/BMR-200160.
- Background: PubMed 35587064Abdel-Aziem AA, Mohamed RR, Draz AH, Azab AR, Hegazy FA, Diab RH. The effect of McKenzie protocol vs. deep neck flexor and scapulothoracic exercises in subjects with chronic neck pain - a randomized controlled study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022 May;26(9):3138-3150. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28731.
- Background: PubMed 40325777Abu-Taleb W, Yamany AA, Aneis YM, Abu El Kasem ST. Effect of adding global postural reeducation to kendall exercises for treating asymptomatic forward head posture: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025 Jun;42:938-947. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.01.039. Epub 2025 Feb 6.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Text Neck Syndrome
Recruiting
Effects of Alexander Technique Versus Feldenkrais Somatic Training in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome
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
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.
Saba Rafique, MS-OMPT 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 Sahrmann exercise, Kendall exercise and Standard Physical Therapy Treatment in people with Text Neck Syndrome, 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 7 inclusion and 8 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 11 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 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 4 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?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07403344, which also lists 4 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 11 Feb 2026.