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Nonspecific Neck PainNCT07439354

Positional Relaxation Technique and Static Stretching in Nonspecific Neck Pain

A study testing Positional Relaxation Technique and Breathing Exercises and Static Stretching and Breathing Exercises in people with Nonspecific Neck Pain, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Neck pain is one of the most common and painful musculoskeletal disorders. Between 20% and 70% of adults experience neck pain during their lifetime. The lifetime prevalence ranges from 14.2% to 71%. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 30 years
Conditions the study is for
Nonspecific Neck Pain
What is being tested?
Positional Relaxation Technique and Breathing Exercises and Static Stretching and Breathing Exercises
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
30 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Dec 2025to 1 May 2026
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 30 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Diagnosis of nonspecific neck pain.
  • Being between 18 and 30 years of age.
  • Pain intensity of at least 3/10 on the Visual Analog Scale at baseline.
  • Limited cervical movement in any direction.
  • Ability to follow verbal instructions and perform basic exercises independently.
  • Not having participated in another neck pain treatment program in the last 4 weeks.
  • Voluntarily agreeing to participate and signing the informed consent form.

Who cannot join

  • History of neck trauma, surgery, or fracture.
  • Diagnosis of any neurological disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke).
  • Concomitant structural causes of neck pain (e.g., herniated disc, cervical radiculopathy).
  • Use of muscle relaxants or painkillers within 48 hours before the evaluation.
  • Presence of a known psychiatric disorder that would prevent participation.
  • Presence of a vestibular or balance disorder affecting head or neck movement.
  • Inability to perform required exercises due to severe pain or other physical limitations.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Istinye University

    Istanbul, 34010

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Comparison of the Immediate Effects of Positional Relaxation Technique and Static Stretching in Young Individuals With Nonspecific Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common and painful musculoskeletal disorders. Between 20% and 70% of adults experience neck pain during their lifetime. The lifetime prevalence ranges from 14.2% to 71%. In the vast majority of neck pain cases, no obvious pathology or anatomical abnormality can be identified, and this condition is defined as "nonspecific neck pain".

Although nonspecific neck pain generally has a benign course, it can progress to chronic pain in approximately one-third of individuals. Furthermore, 20-50% of patients still experience limitations in activities of daily living after one year and develop persistent symptoms. It has been suggested that nociplastic pain mechanisms may be involved in nonspecific neck pain, and understanding these mechanisms has become crucial for effective treatment planning.

Read more

Factors such as non-ergonomic working postures, stress, negative emotions, and carrying heavy loads play a role in the development of nonspecific neck pain. The widespread use of computers, tablets, and smartphones also increases the prevalence of nonspecific neck pain by causing strained postures. The multidimensional and complex nature of risk factors for neck pain indicates that this condition is not usually due to a single factor but rather arises as a result of multiple and persistent exposures.

Individuals with neck pain experience decreased cervical muscle strength, impaired intermuscular coordination, myofascial trigger points, decreased cervical range of motion, and increased tone, particularly in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoideus muscles. These physiological changes can negatively impact participation in school, work, and social life, leading to a decrease in quality of life.

Various physiotherapy approaches are used in the management of non-specific neck pain. One of these, the Positional Relaxation Technique, is based on the principle of strain-counterstrain and involves placing dysfunctional tissues in painless, comfortable positions to reduce muscle spasm or tension. This position, held for approximately 90 seconds, facilitates neuromuscular realignment by decreasing muscle spindle sensitivity and gamma motor neuron activity. This technique reduces muscle tension and fascial dysfunction, increases circulation, alleviates edema and pain, and supports muscle strength.

Static stretching exercises, on the other hand, involve holding the muscle in a lengthened position for a specific period of time and are a frequently preferred method in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Static stretching has been shown to have positive effects such as increasing flexibility and reducing pain. This technique has been evaluated in the literature, both alone and in combination with other exercises.

Breathing exercises, particularly diaphragmatic breathing, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote relaxation, reduce muscle tone, and enhance the therapeutic effect by regulating the physiological stress response. These exercises have been reported to improve neuroimmune responses, reduce sympathetic tone, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate pain. Furthermore, respiratory training provides short-term pain reduction, increased cervical range of motion, and improved neck muscle activation.

However, studies comparing the immediate effects of positional relaxation and static stretching exercises, particularly when applied in combination with breathing exercises under the same protocol, in young individuals with nonspecific neck pain are quite limited. Most existing studies have examined these techniques separately or focused on long-term outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of positional relaxation and static stretching exercises on muscle viscoelastic properties, pain intensity, and cervical range of motion in young individuals with nonspecific neck pain.

Being tested
Positional Relaxation Technique and Breathing Exercises, Static Stretching and Breathing Exercises
Keywords
Positional Relaxation Technique, Static Stretching, Nonspecific Neck Pain, Myoton, Pain Threshold, Neck disability index

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Positional Relaxation Technique and Breathing ExercisesOther

    Based on Strain-Counterstrain principles, the Positional Relaxation Technique will be applied to cervical muscles commonly affected by non-specific neck pain, such as the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid. The participant will be placed in a supine position, where the targeted muscle will be shortened and placed in a pain-free position. After determining the ideal position for each muscle that minimizes pain, this position will be maintained for 30 seconds and three repetitions will be performed. During this time, the participant will engage in slow diaphragmatic breathing during these repetitions. The same procedure will be repeated for the other muscles. A 15-second rest will be given between each new muscle. No active movement will be expected from the participant during the exercise. The entire exercise is expected to last approximately 5 minutes.

  • Static Stretching and Breathing ExercisesOther

    In this group, a passive static stretching protocol will be applied to the same cervical muscles (upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae) on the painful side. The stretching position will be held for 30 seconds for each muscle, repeated three times. A 15-second rest will be given between each new muscle. The participant will be guided to diaphragmatic breathing during the stretching. The exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure participant comfort and proper technique. The entire session is planned to last approximately 5 minutes.

Study groups in NCT07439354
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Positional Relaxation Technique and Breathing ExercisesExperimentalBased on Strain-Counterstrain principles, the Positional Relaxation Technique will be applied to cervical muscles commonly affected by non-specific neck pain, such as the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid. The participant will be placed in a supine position, where the targeted muscle will be shortened and placed in a pain-free position. After determining the ideal position for each muscle that minimizes pain, this position will be maintained for 30 seconds and three repetitions will be performed. During this time, the participant will engage in slow diaphragmatic breathing during these repetitions. The same procedure will be repeated for the other muscles. A 15-second rest will be given between each new muscle. No active movement will be expected from the participant during the exercise. The entire exercise is expected to last approximately 5 minutes
Receives: Other: Positional Relaxation Technique and Breathing Exercises
Static Stretching and Breathing ExercisesExperimentalIn this group, a passive static stretching protocol will be applied to the same cervical muscles (upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae) on the painful side. The stretching position will be held for 30 seconds for each muscle, repeated three times. A 15-second rest will be given between each new muscle. The participant will be guided to diaphragmatic breathing during the stretching. The exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure participant comfort and proper technique. The entire session is planned to last approximately 5 minutes.
Receives: Other: Static Stretching and Breathing Exercises

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Muscle Tone

    The Myoton Digital Palpation Device will be used to measure muscle tone, This device has proven reliable in measuring neck muscle tone. The device applies a mechanical impulse via a probe placed at a right angle to the muscle. The muscle tissue response parameters are automatically recorded by the device and used to calculate the muscle's biomechanical properties.For each participant, measurements will be made on the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid muscles on the side where the pain is most intense. The probe will first apply a preload of 0.18 N, followed by a brief mechanical impulse of 0.40 N, resulting in a total force of 0.58 N. Each muscle will be measured three times, and the average value will be recorded. Standard positioning and skin contact will be ensured during the measurement.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  2. Muscle Stiffness

    The Myoton Digital Palpation Device will be used to measure muscle stiffness. This device has proven reliable in measuring neck muscle tone. The device applies a mechanical impulse via a probe placed at a right angle to the muscle. The muscle tissue response parameters are automatically recorded by the device and used to calculate the muscle's biomechanical properties. For each participant, measurements will be made on the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid muscles on the side where the pain is most intense. The probe will first apply a preload of 0.18 N, followed by a brief mechanical impulse of 0.40 N, resulting in a total force of 0.58 N. Each muscle will be measured three times, and the average value will be recorded. Standard positioning and skin contact will be ensured during the measurement.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  3. Muscle Elasticity

    The Myoton Digital Palpation Device will be used to measure muscle elasticity. This device has proven reliable in measuring neck muscle tone. The device applies a mechanical impulse via a probe placed at a right angle to the muscle. The muscle tissue response parameters are automatically recorded by the device and used to calculate the muscle's biomechanical properties. For each participant, measurements will be made on the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid muscles on the side where the pain is most intense. The probe will first apply a preload of 0.18 N, followed by a brief mechanical impulse of 0.40 N, resulting in a total force of 0.58 N. Each muscle will be measured three times, and the average value will be recorded. Standard positioning and skin contact will be ensured during the measurement.

    Measured: 4 weeks

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Pressure Pain Threshold

    A digital pressure algometer will be used to assess the pressure pain threshold on the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. The probe will be pressed with increasing force at a right angle until the participant indicates the onset of pain. The average of three trials will be recorded.

    Measured: 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 Feb 2026
  2. Study start1 Dec 2025
  3. Primary completion1 Apr 2026
  4. Study completion1 May 2026

Resources

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
Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
30 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07439354
Sponsor's protocol ID
175
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
28 Nov 2025
Last updated
8 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Positional Relaxation Technique and Breathing Exercises and Static Stretching and Breathing Exercises in people with Nonspecific Neck Pain, run by Istinye 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 7 inclusion and 7 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 8 May 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?

Muscle Tone (time frame: 4 weeks). 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?
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 8 May 2026.

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