Text Neck SyndromeNCT07480746
Comparison of Bowen Therapy and Post-isometric Relaxation Technique in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome
A study testing Bowen therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) in people with Text Neck Syndrome, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) in the management of Text Neck Syndrome, a musculoskeletal condition caused by prolonged forward head posture during mobile phone or screen use. 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?
- Bowen therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 11 Dec 2025to 11 Feb 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 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged between 18 to 35 years, inclusive of both genders. Craniovertebral angle less than 50 degrees indicating forward head posture. Self-reported neck pain onset or worsening associated with screen use e.g. pain and stiffness during or after prolonged device use.
- Neck pain intensity of at least 4 to 7 on Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Daily screen time of ≥4 hours per day including smartphones, tablet, laptop, and desktop use for at least 5 days per week.
Who cannot join
- Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. History of Cervical Spine Surgery. Recent (within three months) trauma to neck or shoulder region. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or any other inflammatory joint condition.
- Ongoing treatment for neck pain from another healthcare provider. Neurological conditions affecting muscle tone or coordination. Severe postural abnormalities from congenital conditions.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Bowen Therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) in the management of Text Neck Syndrome, a musculoskeletal condition caused by prolonged forward head posture during mobile phone or screen use.
The study follows a randomized clinical trial design, ensuring that participants are randomly assigned to either the Bowen Therapy group or the PIRT group to minimize bias.
Read more
The total study duration is nine months, including a six-week treatment phase and a three-week follow-up period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), post-intervention (6 weeks), and follow-up (9 weeks) to evaluate the short-term and sustained effects of both interventions.
A consecutive sampling technique will be used, and participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will provide informed written consent before enrollment.
The sample size was determined using G*Power software (v3.1.9.7), based on previous research (Seemal et al., 2022), with an assumed large effect size (d = 1.0), α = 0.05, and 80% power. After accounting for a 20% attrition rate, a total of 42 participants (21 per group) will be included in the study.
Overall, this study seeks to provide evidence on which therapeutic approach-Bowen Therapy or Post-Isometric Relaxation-is more effective in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing posture in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome.
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome
- Being tested
- Bowen therapy, Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT)
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Bowen therapyOther
Participants will receive Bowen Therapy sessions three times per week for six weeks. Gentle rolling moves will be applied to the cervical and upper back muscles to reduce pain, muscle tension, and improve posture.
Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT)Other
Participants will undergo PIRT sessions three times per week for six weeks, involving gentle isometric contractions and relaxation of targeted neck and shoulder muscles to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Bowen Therapy Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive Bowen Therapy after baseline assessment of forward head posture, cervical range of motion, pain intensity, and functional limitation. The intervention will consist of three sessions per week for six weeks (total 18 sessions), each lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. A standardized Bowen Therapy protocol will be applied, focusing on the cervical and upper back/shoulder regions.
Techniques include gentle rolling moves with the therapist's thumb over the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalenes, suboccipitals, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoralis muscles, performed while the patient is in prone or seated position. The procedure incorporates short pauses between moves to facilitate neuromuscular integration. Receives: Other: Bowen therapy; Other: Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) |
| Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique Group | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) sessions, administered three times per week for six weeks (total 18 sessions), each lasting 30-45 minutes. The intervention involves the standardized application of PIRT on upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, suboccipital, scalene, and pectoralis muscles.
Each muscle will be positioned at its resistance barrier, and participants will perform a 5-10 second, 20% effort isometric contraction against therapist resistance, followed by 2-3 seconds of relaxation and gentle stretch toward the new barrier. The process will be repeated 3-5 times per muscle. Receives: Other: Bowen therapy; Other: Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Neck Pain Intensity Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Neck pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point self-reported scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will rate their average neck pain over the previous 24 hours by selecting a number from 0 to 10. The primary outcome is the change in NPRS score from baseline to 6 weeks, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity and lower scores indicating improvement.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks (post-intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Mar 2026
- Study start11 Dec 2025
- Primary completion11 Feb 2026
- Study completion11 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Text Neck SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of LahoreThe 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
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ayesha Iftikhar Ahmad, University of Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07480746
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Ayesha Iftikhar
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 20 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Bowen Therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07480746
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Ayesha Iftikhar
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 11 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 11 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 11 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 18 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 aims to compare the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) in the management of Text Neck Syndrome, a musculoskeletal condition caused by prolonged forward head posture during mobile phone or screen use.
The study follows a randomized clinical trial design, ensuring that participants are randomly assigned to either the Bowen Therapy group or the PIRT group to minimize bias.
The total study duration is nine months, including a six-week treatment phase and a three-week follow-up period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), post-intervention (6 weeks), and follow-up (9 weeks) to evaluate the short-term and sustained effects of both interventions.
A consecutive sampling technique will be used, and participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will provide informed written consent before enrollment.
The sample size was determined using G*Power software (v3.1.9.7), based on previous research (Seemal et al., 2022), with an assumed large effect size (d = 1.0), α = 0.05, and 80% power. After accounting for a 20% attrition rate, a total of 42 participants (21 per group) will be included in the study.
Overall, this study seeks to provide evidence on which therapeutic approach-Bowen Therapy or Post-Isometric Relaxation-is more effective in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing posture in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Bowen Therapy Group | Experimental | Other: Bowen therapy, Other: Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT)Participants in this group will receive Bowen Therapy after baseline assessment of forward head posture, cervical range of motion, pain intensity, and functional limitation. The intervention will consist of three sessions per week for six weeks (total 18 sessions), each lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. A standardized Bowen Therapy protocol will be applied, focusing on the cervical and upper back/shoulder regions. Techniques include gentle rolling moves with the therapist's thumb over the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalenes, suboccipitals, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoralis muscles, performed while the patient is in prone or seated position. The procedure incorporates short pauses between moves to facilitate neuromuscular integration. |
| Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique Group | Active comparator | Other: Bowen therapy, Other: Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT)Participants in this group will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) sessions, administered three times per week for six weeks (total 18 sessions), each lasting 30-45 minutes. The intervention involves the standardized application of PIRT on upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, suboccipital, scalene, and pectoralis muscles. Each muscle will be positioned at its resistance barrier, and participants will perform a 5-10 second, 20% effort isometric contraction against therapist resistance, followed by 2-3 seconds of relaxation and gentle stretch toward the new barrier. The process will be repeated 3-5 times per muscle. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Adults aged between 18 to 35 years, inclusive of both genders. Craniovertebral angle less than 50 degrees indicating forward head posture. Self-reported neck pain onset or worsening associated with screen use e.g. pain and stiffness during or after prolonged device use.
- Neck pain intensity of at least 4 to 7 on Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Daily screen time of ≥4 hours per day including smartphones, tablet, laptop, and desktop use for at least 5 days per week.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. History of Cervical Spine Surgery. Recent (within three months) trauma to neck or shoulder region. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or any other inflammatory joint condition.
- Ongoing treatment for neck pain from another healthcare provider. Neurological conditions affecting muscle tone or coordination. Severe postural abnormalities from congenital conditions.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bowen therapyParticipants will receive Bowen Therapy sessions three times per week for six weeks. Gentle rolling moves will be applied to the cervical and upper back muscles to reduce pain, muscle tension, and improve posture. | Other | Bowen Therapy Group, Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique Group |
| Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT)Participants will undergo PIRT sessions three times per week for six weeks, involving gentle isometric contractions and relaxation of targeted neck and shoulder muscles to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort. | Other | Bowen Therapy Group, Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Neck Pain Intensity Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks (post-intervention)
Neck pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point self-reported scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will rate their average neck pain over the previous 24 hours by selecting a number from 0 to 10. The primary outcome is the change in NPRS score from baseline to 6 weeks, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity and lower scores indicating improvement.
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 20 Mar 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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Bowen therapy and Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique (PIRT) in people with Text Neck Syndrome, run by University of Lahore 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 2 inclusion and 2 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 20 Mar 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?
Change in Neck Pain Intensity Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks (post-intervention)). 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 20 Mar 2026.