Non Specific Neck PainNCT07566637
Effectiveness of LASER Therapy and PNF Technique in Neck Pain
A study testing Low-intensity Laser Therapy Treatment, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique and Conventional physiotherapy in people with Non Specific Neck Pain, run by Istanbul Gedik University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of low-intensity laser therapy, a photobiomodulation treatment, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on pain and disability in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Non Specific Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Low-intensity Laser Therapy Treatment, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique and Conventional physiotherapy
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 75 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 5 Feb 2024to 28 Mar 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 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Volunteering to participate in the study
- A neck pain score of at least 3 on the Numerical Pain Scale in the assessment conducted prior to inclusion in the study
- A Neck Disability Index score of 5 or higher
- No comorbid conditions affecting the orthopaedic, neurological or cardiopulmonary systems
- Participants who have not been enrolled in another clinical trial within the last month
Who cannot join
- Individuals who have undergone upper limb surgery (e.g. shoulder blade, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, etc.) within the last year
- Individuals with a pacemaker or subcutaneous implant
- Pregnant women or women who have recently given birth
- Use of antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs or anxiolytics within the last 6 months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Low-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation for Pain and Disability in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of low-intensity laser therapy, a photobiomodulation treatment, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on pain and disability in individuals with non-specific neck pain. This randomized controlled trial used the Numerical Pain Scale (primary outcome) and the Bournemouth Neck Pain Questionnaire to assess pain, a manual algometer to assess pain threshold, and the Neck Disability Index to assess disability. Three groups were included in this randomized controlled trial: Group 1: Photobiomodulation therapy (low-intensity laser therapy) + conventional physiotherapy; Group 2: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with stretching and strengthening + conventional physiotherapy; Group 3: Conventional physiotherapy only. We hypothesized that low-intensity laser therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation would have distinct effects on pain and disability in chronic non-specific neck pain.
- Conditions
- Non Specific Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Low-intensity Laser Therapy Treatment, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique, Conventional physiotherapy
- Keywords
- Low-Level Light Therapy, Photobiomodulation, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Neck Pain, Laser Therapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Low-intensity Laser Therapy TreatmentDevice
Also called Low-dose laser therapy, Photobiomodulation therapy, Low-level laser therapy
Low-dose laser therapy was administered twice a week for a total of 10 sessions using a Chattanoga Advance device, at a power of 100 mW and an energy dose of 4 J/cm², with each trigger point receiving treatment plus four additional points marked with a cross (Legouté et al. 2019).
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation TechniqueOther
Also called PNF
Stretching and strengthening exercises were performed twice a week for a total of 10 sessions on the scalene, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, intercostal and serratus anterior muscles, and three times a week for 10 minutes (including the neck extensors). The specific method involved the 'hold-release' technique for 10 repetitions of PNF stretching and the maximum isometric contraction technique for strengthening (Liu et al. 2021; Cruz-Montecinos et al. 2017).
Conventional physiotherapyOther
Conventional physiotherapy involved traditional heat therapy, pain-relieving electrical stimulation and neck exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Low-intensity Laser Therapy Group | Experimental | Low-intensity Laser Therapy + Conventional Physiotherapy Receives: Device: Low-intensity Laser Therapy Treatment; Other: Conventional physiotherapy |
| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Group | Experimental | Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique + + Conventional Physiotherapy Receives: Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique; Other: Conventional physiotherapy |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Conventional physiotherapy Receives: Other: Conventional physiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numerical Pain Scale
It was used to assess neck pain. Pain is assessed using a rating scale of 1-10. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.
Measured: at baseline and week 5
Secondary outcomes (3)
Pressure-Pain Threshold Measurement
A manual algometer was used to assess the pain threshold. The pain threshold increases as the amount of pressure applied increases in kilograms.
Measured: at baseline and week 5
The Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire
The study was used to assess the severity of neck pain, functional limitations, and biopsychosocial factors. This indicates that neck pain has a greater impact on the person's life (high level of limitation/pain).
Measured: at baseline and week 5
The Neck Disability Index
It was used to examine disability. An increase in the score means an increase in disability.
Measured: at baseline and week 5
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 May 2026
- Study start5 Feb 2024
- Primary completion28 Mar 2026
- Study completion28 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Non Specific Neck PainStudies 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
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gedik University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Medipol University
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07566637
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-56365223-050.02.04-2023.1375
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 20 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 5 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Liu K, Yu X, Cui X, Su Y, Sun L, Yang J, Han W. Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Combined with Aerobic Training on Pulmonary Function in COPD Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2021 Apr 13;16:969-977. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S300569. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 33880021Cruz-Montecinos C, Godoy-Olave D, Contreras-Briceno FA, Gutierrez P, Torres-Castro R, Miret-Venegas L, Engel RM. The immediate effect of soft tissue manual therapy intervention on lung function in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2017 Feb 21;12:691-696. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S127742. eCollection 2017.
PubMed 28260875Legoute F, Bensadoun RJ, Seegers V, Pointreau Y, Caron D, Lang P, Prevost A, Martin L, Schick U, Morvant B, Capitain O, Calais G, Jadaud E. Low-level laser therapy in treatment of chemoradiotherapy-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer: results of a randomised, triple blind, multicentre phase III trial. Radiat Oncol. 2019 May 22;14(1):83. doi: 10.1186/s13014-019-1292-2.
PubMed 31118057
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Low-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation for Pain and Disability in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07566637
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-56365223-050.02.04-2023.1375
- Conditions
- Non Specific Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Low-Level Light Therapy, Photobiomodulation, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Neck Pain, Laser Therapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gedik UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Medipol University
- Study start
- 5 Feb 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 28 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 5 May 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 aimed to investigate and compare the effects of low-intensity laser therapy, a photobiomodulation treatment, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on pain and disability in individuals with non-specific neck pain. This randomized controlled trial used the Numerical Pain Scale (primary outcome) and the Bournemouth Neck Pain Questionnaire to assess pain, a manual algometer to assess pain threshold, and the Neck Disability Index to assess disability. Three groups were included in this randomized controlled trial: Group 1: Photobiomodulation therapy (low-intensity laser therapy) + conventional physiotherapy; Group 2: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with stretching and strengthening + conventional physiotherapy; Group 3: Conventional physiotherapy only. We hypothesized that low-intensity laser therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation would have distinct effects on pain and disability in chronic non-specific neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Low-intensity Laser Therapy Group | Experimental | Device: Low-intensity Laser Therapy Treatment, Other: Conventional physiotherapyLow-intensity Laser Therapy + Conventional Physiotherapy |
| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Group | Experimental | Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique, Other: Conventional physiotherapyProprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique + + Conventional Physiotherapy |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Other: Conventional physiotherapyConventional physiotherapy |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Volunteering to participate in the study
- A neck pain score of at least 3 on the Numerical Pain Scale in the assessment conducted prior to inclusion in the study
- A Neck Disability Index score of 5 or higher
- No comorbid conditions affecting the orthopaedic, neurological or cardiopulmonary systems
- Participants who have not been enrolled in another clinical trial within the last month
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Individuals who have undergone upper limb surgery (e.g. shoulder blade, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, etc.) within the last year
- Individuals with a pacemaker or subcutaneous implant
- Pregnant women or women who have recently given birth
- Use of antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs or anxiolytics within the last 6 months
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Low-intensity Laser Therapy TreatmentAlso: Low-dose laser therapy, Photobiomodulation therapy, Low-level laser therapyLow-dose laser therapy was administered twice a week for a total of 10 sessions using a Chattanoga Advance device, at a power of 100 mW and an energy dose of 4 J/cm², with each trigger point receiving treatment plus four additional points marked with a cross (Legouté et al. 2019). | Device | Low-intensity Laser Therapy Group |
| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation TechniqueAlso: PNFStretching and strengthening exercises were performed twice a week for a total of 10 sessions on the scalene, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, intercostal and serratus anterior muscles, and three times a week for 10 minutes (including the neck extensors). The specific method involved the 'hold-release' technique for 10 repetitions of PNF stretching and the maximum isometric contraction technique for strengthening (Liu et al. 2021; Cruz-Montecinos et al. 2017). | Other | Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Group |
| Conventional physiotherapyConventional physiotherapy involved traditional heat therapy, pain-relieving electrical stimulation and neck exercises. | Other | Control Group, Low-intensity Laser Therapy Group, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Group |
Primary outcome
Numerical Pain Scale
Time frame: at baseline and week 5
It was used to assess neck pain. Pain is assessed using a rating scale of 1-10. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.
3 secondary outcomes
Pressure-Pain Threshold Measurement
Time frame: at baseline and week 5
The Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire
Time frame: at baseline and week 5
The Neck Disability Index
Time frame: at baseline and week 5
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 5 May 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 33880021Liu K, Yu X, Cui X, Su Y, Sun L, Yang J, Han W. Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Combined with Aerobic Training on Pulmonary Function in COPD Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2021 Apr 13;16:969-977. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S300569. eCollection 2021.
- Results publication: PubMed 28260875Cruz-Montecinos C, Godoy-Olave D, Contreras-Briceno FA, Gutierrez P, Torres-Castro R, Miret-Venegas L, Engel RM. The immediate effect of soft tissue manual therapy intervention on lung function in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2017 Feb 21;12:691-696. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S127742. eCollection 2017.
- Results publication: PubMed 31118057Legoute F, Bensadoun RJ, Seegers V, Pointreau Y, Caron D, Lang P, Prevost A, Martin L, Schick U, Morvant B, Capitain O, Calais G, Jadaud E. Low-level laser therapy in treatment of chemoradiotherapy-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer: results of a randomised, triple blind, multicentre phase III trial. Radiat Oncol. 2019 May 22;14(1):83. doi: 10.1186/s13014-019-1292-2.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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 Low-intensity Laser Therapy Treatment, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique and Conventional physiotherapy in people with Non Specific Neck Pain, run by Istanbul Gedik 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 5 inclusion and 4 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 5 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?
Numerical Pain Scale (time frame: at baseline and week 5). 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 NCT07566637, which also lists 3 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 5 May 2026.