Cervical SpineSTRETCHNCT07440030
The Cervical "STRETCH" Study
A study testing Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen in people with Cervical Spine, run by Western University of Health Sciences at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) are common musculoskeletal concerns that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily routine. This is especially true for medical students who spend a disproportionate amount of time on their computers or mobile devices, as is required by… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Cervical Spine
- What is being tested?
- Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 75 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 10 Mar 2026to 30 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Must be currently enrolled OMSI or OMSII student at the Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS), College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP).
- Demonstrates a range of motion restriction or presents with cervical pain or both. (Normal range of motion in the cervical spine is Flexion and Extension of 60 degrees, Sidebending of 45 degrees, and Rotation of 8090 degrees.)
- Reports mild to moderate cervical pain (VAS score between 2 and 5 or mild to moderate).
- Agrees to complete daily cervical stretching exercises as instructed and will adhere to all study protocols.
- Must be 18 years or older.
Who cannot join
- History of severe cervical spine injuries (e.g., fractures, herniated discs requiring surgical intervention, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy).
- Diagnosed inflammatory or degenerative conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- Contraindications to stretching exercises, such as recent surgery or other physical therapy restrictions.
- Conditions that affect neuromuscular function or ROM measurements, such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.
- VAS score > 7 or pain severe enough to inhibit participation in daily stretching exercises.
- Below the age of 18
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, California, 91767
Krista Lund, DO, 909-469-8384, lundk@westernu.edu
About this study
Official title: The Cervical "STRETCH" (Stretching Trials for Range, Ease, and Teaching Curriculum Health) Study
Neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) are common musculoskeletal concerns that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily routine. This is especially true for medical students who spend a disproportionate amount of time on their computers or mobile devices, as is required by their long study hours. A simple stretching routine is often recommended by physicians and physical therapists alike, but there is little research examining short-term changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) and pain when a brief, structured daily stretching program is used.
The goal of this single-group study is to test feasibility and determine how well a daily cervical stretching regimen affects cervical ROM and self-reported pain in osteopathic medical students with cervical ROM restrictions. Researchers will measure changes in cervical ROM using a goniometer and changes in pain levels via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Participants will be asked to complete a 7-day period of no stretching, during which natural measurements will be taken, followed by 7 days of completing the 5-minute stretching routine, after which more measurements will be taken. Participants will also be asked to complete a post-study survey and a 1-month follow-up survey to provide feedback on the study and the stretching routine.
- Conditions
- Cervical Spine
- Being tested
- Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen
- Keywords
- cervical spine, stretching, flexion, extension, cervical restrictions
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Guided Cervical Stretching RegimenBehavioural
Participants will perform a standardized 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine once daily for 7 days. The instruction will be delivered via an in-person tutorial on the first day, followed by a pre-recorded instructional video that participants will follow each of the following 6 days. The stretching routine will target cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen | Experimental | Participants will complete a 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine and will be given a video to follow for 7 consecutive days (Days 8-14), following a 7-day baseline observation period without intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)
Changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) will be analyzed using goniometer measurements in degrees. The measurements of cervical ROM will include flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. A blinded assessor will conduct assessments to minimize measurement bias.
Measured: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14.
Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Changes in pain levels will be measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). This will allow for assessment of subjective pain intensity. The instrument is scored on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), with accompanying representative facial expressions.
Measured: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14
Secondary outcomes (3)
Changes in the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to evaluate neck-related disability and quality of life in participants. This survey evaluates the impact of cervical pain and ROM on daily activities. It will be measured on an interval scale of 0 to 50.
Measured: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14
Participant Feedback on the Feasibility/Effectiveness of the Stretching Routine and How Experience Might Influence Their Approach to Patient Care
Participant feedback will be collected through structured post-intervention Qualtrics Surveys designed by the research team to evaluate perceptions of the intervention's effectiveness, feasibility, and clinical applicability
Measured: Day 14 post-intervention to Day 30 (1-month follow-up)
Adherence Rates to Stretching Regimen
Self-reported adherence rates will be documented through daily compliance diaries and a one-month follow-up survey.
Measured: Baseline to Day 14 to 1 Month Follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Feb 2026
- Study start10 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cervical SpineStudies 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
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- A single-arm prospective study with a non-randomized within-subject control phase.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Western University of Health Sciences
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Krista Lund, Western University of Health Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07440030
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- X26IRB003
- Acronym
- STRETCH
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 27 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Cervical "STRETCH" (Stretching Trials for Range, Ease, and Teaching Curriculum Health) Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07440030
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STRETCH / X26IRB003
- Conditions
- Cervical Spine
- Keywords
- cervical spine, stretching, flexion, extension, cervical restrictions
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Western University of Health SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 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.
Neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) are common musculoskeletal concerns that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily routine. This is especially true for medical students who spend a disproportionate amount of time on their computers or mobile devices, as is required by their long study hours. A simple stretching routine is often recommended by physicians and physical therapists alike, but there is little research examining short-term changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) and pain when a brief, structured daily stretching program is used.
The goal of this single-group study is to test feasibility and determine how well a daily cervical stretching regimen affects cervical ROM and self-reported pain in osteopathic medical students with cervical ROM restrictions. Researchers will measure changes in cervical ROM using a goniometer and changes in pain levels via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Participants will be asked to complete a 7-day period of no stretching, during which natural measurements will be taken, followed by 7 days of completing the 5-minute stretching routine, after which more measurements will be taken. Participants will also be asked to complete a post-study survey and a 1-month follow-up survey to provide feedback on the study and the stretching routine.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- A single-arm prospective study with a non-randomized within-subject control phase.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen | Experimental | Behavioral: Guided Cervical Stretching RegimenParticipants will complete a 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine and will be given a video to follow for 7 consecutive days (Days 8-14), following a 7-day baseline observation period without intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Must be currently enrolled OMSI or OMSII student at the Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS), College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP).
- Demonstrates a range of motion restriction or presents with cervical pain or both. (Normal range of motion in the cervical spine is Flexion and Extension of 60 degrees, Sidebending of 45 degrees, and Rotation of 8090 degrees.)
- Reports mild to moderate cervical pain (VAS score between 2 and 5 or mild to moderate).
- Agrees to complete daily cervical stretching exercises as instructed and will adhere to all study protocols.
- Must be 18 years or older.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- History of severe cervical spine injuries (e.g., fractures, herniated discs requiring surgical intervention, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy).
- Diagnosed inflammatory or degenerative conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- Contraindications to stretching exercises, such as recent surgery or other physical therapy restrictions.
- Conditions that affect neuromuscular function or ROM measurements, such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.
- VAS score > 7 or pain severe enough to inhibit participation in daily stretching exercises.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Cervical Stretching RegimenParticipants will perform a standardized 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine once daily for 7 days. The instruction will be delivered via an in-person tutorial on the first day, followed by a pre-recorded instructional video that participants will follow each of the following 6 days. The stretching routine will target cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements. | Behavioural | Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen |
Primary outcome
Changes in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)
Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14.
Changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) will be analyzed using goniometer measurements in degrees. The measurements of cervical ROM will include flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. A blinded assessor will conduct assessments to minimize measurement bias.
Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14
Changes in pain levels will be measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). This will allow for assessment of subjective pain intensity. The instrument is scored on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), with accompanying representative facial expressions.
3 secondary outcomes
Changes in the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14
Participant Feedback on the Feasibility/Effectiveness of the Stretching Routine and How Experience Might Influence Their Approach to Patient Care
Time frame: Day 14 post-intervention to Day 30 (1-month follow-up)
Adherence Rates to Stretching Regimen
Time frame: Baseline to Day 14 to 1 Month Follow-up
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Feb 2026.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen in people with Cervical Spine, run by Western University of Health Sciences at 1 site in United States.
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 6 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 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 United States. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Krista Lund, DO (909-469-8384, lundk@westernu.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) (time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14.). 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 27 Feb 2026.