Non-specific Neck PainNCT07448857
Kinematics and Muscle Activation of Scapula in Upper String Players With Neck Pain
An observational study of Non-specific Neck Pain and Playing Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, run by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
This study will analyze and compare scapular kinematics and muscle activation patterns between upper string musicians with and without neck pain during arm elevation and playing tasks (open strings, scales, musical pieces), providing insights for performance training and rehabilitation programs to reduce… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Non-specific Neck Pain, Playing Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
- What is being tested?
- motion capture system, surface electromyography
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 10 May 2026to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- 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
Study population: upper string musicians
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥ 18 years old.
- Having at least 5 years of string instrument playing experience and practicing for more than 6 hours per week.
- For the neck pain group: Experiencing non-specific neck pain for at least 2 weeks, with pain located between the superior nuchal line and the T1 spinous process, and a pain intensity of at least 3 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS ≥ 3).
- For the healthy control group: Having no history of neck or shoulder pain within the past year (matched with the neck pain group by age, gender, and handedness).
Who cannot join
- History of any neck or shoulder surgery or fracture.
- Experiencing pain below the elbow with an intensity of at least 3 (NRS ≥ 3).
- Diagnosed history of any structural cervical spine issues, such as herniation of intervertebral disc (HIVD), cervical spine spondylosis, or spondylolisthesis.
- Positive response on any of the following 5 cervical spine screening tests: cervical distraction test, Spurling's test, Valsalva test, rotational alar ligament stress test, or Sharp-Purser test.
- Any neurological disorders.
- Pregnancy during the study period.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
HSUAN-I SU, MS contact
Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Taipei, Taiwan, 112
About this study
This study will analyze and compare scapular kinematics and muscle activation patterns between upper string musicians with and without neck pain during arm elevation and playing tasks (open strings, scales, musical pieces), providing insights for performance training and rehabilitation programs to reduce playing-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Read the detailed description
The study participants will be right-handed upper string musicians (violinists and violists) aged 18 years and older. Participants must have at least 5 years of playing experience and practice more than 6 hours per week.
Neck pain group: non-specific neck pain (between superior nuchal line and T1) lasting at least 2 weeks with NRS ≥3.
Healthy control group: no neck/shoulder pain history in the past year, matched for age, gender, handedness, playing experience (>5 years), and practice hours (>6 hours/week).
The study involves arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°); open string playing (at 60-120 bpm); A major scale (at 60-120 bpm); E major scale (at 60-120 bpm); and Vittorio Monti Csárdás.
- Being tested
- motion capture system, surface electromyography
- Keywords
- Non-specific neck pain, upper string musicians, scapular kinematics, muscle activity, shoulder electromyography, Playing Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
motion capture system, surface electromyographyDevice
Arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°), open string playing, scale practice, and musical piece performance
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| upper string musicians (healthy group) | upper string musicians without non-specific neck pain Receives: Device: motion capture system, surface electromyography | |
| upper string musicians (neck pain group) | upper string musicians with non-specific neck pain Receives: Device: motion capture system, surface electromyography |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Scapular muscles activation during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks.
Muscle activation levels of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior will be measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) during arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°) and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) and expressed as root mean square (RMS) amplitude.
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1 hour
Scapular kinematics during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Three-dimensional scapular orientation (upward/downward rotation, internal/external rotation, anterior/posterior tilt) will be measured using an electromagnetic tracking system during arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°) and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be expressed in degrees.
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1 hour
Secondary outcomes (6)
Cervical muscles activation during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Muscle activation levels of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and cervical extensors (CE) will be measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) and expressed as root mean square (RMS) amplitude.
Measured: : Through study completion, an average of 1 hour
Cervical kinematic during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Three-dimensional movement of the cervical spine will be measured using the VIPER electromagnetic tracking system during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be expressed in degrees.
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1 hour
Shoulder muscle strength
Isometric muscle strength of the upper/lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles will be evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer (MicroFET2). Data will be expressed in kilograms (kg).
Measured: Immediately during the experiment
Cervical and Shoulder mobility
cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation) will be measured using CROM. Shoulder range of motion will be measured using inclinometer. Data will be expressed in degrees (°).
Measured: Immediately during the experiment
Shoulder muscle length test
Resting length of the pectoralis minor and levator scapulae muscles will be measured using a tape measure and vernier caliper. Pectoralis minor index (PMI) and levator scapulae index (LSI) will be calculated and expressed as percentages (%). Pectoralis major flexibility assessed in supine via ability to rest the posterior shoulder flat on the table (pass/fail).
Measured: Immediately during the experiment
Postural Angles (CVA and FSA)
Craniovertebral angle (CVA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA) will be measured using digital photography to assess static head and shoulder posture.
Measured: Immediately during the experiment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Mar 2026
- Study start10 May 2026
- Primary completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Non-specific Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Yin-Liang Lin, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Investigators
- YIN-LIANG LIN, PhD, Principal investigator, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07448857
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NYCU114204AE
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 14 May 2026
- Results posted
- 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 14 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Kinematics and Muscle Activation of Scapula in Upper String Players With Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07448857
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NYCU114204AE
- Keywords
- Non-specific neck pain, upper string musicians, scapular kinematics, muscle activity, shoulder electromyography, Playing Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 4 Mar 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.
This study will analyze and compare scapular kinematics and muscle activation patterns between upper string musicians with and without neck pain during arm elevation and playing tasks (open strings, scales, musical pieces), providing insights for performance training and rehabilitation programs to reduce playing-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Detailed description
The study participants will be right-handed upper string musicians (violinists and violists) aged 18 years and older. Participants must have at least 5 years of playing experience and practice more than 6 hours per week.
Neck pain group: non-specific neck pain (between superior nuchal line and T1) lasting at least 2 weeks with NRS ≥3.
Healthy control group: no neck/shoulder pain history in the past year, matched for age, gender, handedness, playing experience (>5 years), and practice hours (>6 hours/week).
The study involves arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°); open string playing (at 60-120 bpm); A major scale (at 60-120 bpm); E major scale (at 60-120 bpm); and Vittorio Monti Csárdás.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| upper string musicians (healthy group) | – | Device: motion capture system, surface electromyographyupper string musicians without non-specific neck pain |
| upper string musicians (neck pain group) | – | Device: motion capture system, surface electromyographyupper string musicians with non-specific neck pain |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- upper string musicians
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age ≥ 18 years old.
- Having at least 5 years of string instrument playing experience and practicing for more than 6 hours per week.
- For the neck pain group: Experiencing non-specific neck pain for at least 2 weeks, with pain located between the superior nuchal line and the T1 spinous process, and a pain intensity of at least 3 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS ≥ 3).
- For the healthy control group: Having no history of neck or shoulder pain within the past year (matched with the neck pain group by age, gender, and handedness).
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- History of any neck or shoulder surgery or fracture.
- Experiencing pain below the elbow with an intensity of at least 3 (NRS ≥ 3).
- Diagnosed history of any structural cervical spine issues, such as herniation of intervertebral disc (HIVD), cervical spine spondylosis, or spondylolisthesis.
- Positive response on any of the following 5 cervical spine screening tests: cervical distraction test, Spurling's test, Valsalva test, rotational alar ligament stress test, or Sharp-Purser test.
- Any neurological disorders.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| motion capture system, surface electromyographyArm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°), open string playing, scale practice, and musical piece performance | Device | upper string musicians (healthy group), upper string musicians (neck pain group) |
Primary outcome
Scapular muscles activation during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 hour
Muscle activation levels of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior will be measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) during arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°) and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) and expressed as root mean square (RMS) amplitude.
Scapular kinematics during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 hour
Three-dimensional scapular orientation (upward/downward rotation, internal/external rotation, anterior/posterior tilt) will be measured using an electromagnetic tracking system during arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°) and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be expressed in degrees.
6 secondary outcomes
Cervical muscles activation during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Time frame: : Through study completion, an average of 1 hour
Cervical kinematic during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 hour
Shoulder muscle strength
Time frame: Immediately during the experiment
Cervical and Shoulder mobility
Time frame: Immediately during the experiment
Shoulder muscle length test
Time frame: Immediately during the experiment
Postural Angles (CVA and FSA)
Time frame: Immediately during the experiment
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 14 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
HSUAN-I SU, MS contact
YIN-LIANG LIN, PhD principal investigator
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Non-specific Neck Pain and Playing Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, run by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University at 1 site in Taiwan.
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 4 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 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 Taiwan. 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 YIN-LIANG LIN, PhD (+886-2-28267288, yllin1020@nycu.edu.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Scapular muscles activation during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. (time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 hour). 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 14 May 2026.