Neck PainNCT07578766
Influence of Fun Physical Activities on Neck Pain and Posture in Children
A study testing fun game activities and neck isometrics in people with Neck Pain and Posture Disorders in Children, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Neck pain is becoming increasingly common in school-aged children, mainly due to prolonged use of electronic devices and poor posture (especially forward head posture), often referred to as "text neck syndrome." Other contributing factors include sedentary lifestyles, heavy school bags, and rapid growth during… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages Up to 15 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Posture Disorders in Children
- What is being tested?
- fun game activities and neck isometrics
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 14 Apr 2026to 10 Jul 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 Up to 15 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Student with Forward neck posture with angle 48 ° measured with kinovea software.
- Teenagers (School going age ≤ 15 yrs)
- Both gender
- Children with neck pain
Who cannot join
- Children with scoliosis
- Pain due to frank injuries (like fractures)
- Patients having had any recent surgical procedure would not be enrolled in this study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Fun Games Activities on Neck Pain and Posture Among School Going Children
Neck pain is becoming increasingly common in school-aged children, mainly due to prolonged use of electronic devices and poor posture (especially forward head posture), often referred to as "text neck syndrome." Other contributing factors include sedentary lifestyles, heavy school bags, and rapid growth during adolescence. While this issue has been widely studied in adults and teenagers, research focusing on younger children is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of fun-game activities, cervical stretching exercises, and postural education in reducing neck pain and improving posture among school-going children.
Read the detailed description
This study will utilize a controlled trial design. Data collection will take place at two educational institutions in Sialkot: The Spirit School and the Concept School System, located on Paris Road .It will be conducted over duration of eight weeks. A total of fourteen school-going teenagers with forward neck posture and neck pain will be selected. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. Group A, the intervention group, will receive a structured cervical stretching and posture education program titled "fun-game activities" for eight weeks, with sessions conducted three days per week, each lasting 30 minutes. The exercise program will include a combination of warm-up activities, neck-specific and postural strengthening exercises (such as chin tucks, wall angels, tree pose, plank on knees, and balloon reach), and engaging cool-down or game-based tasks to maintain student motivation. Exercises will progress in complexity every two weeks to enhance cervical mobility and postural control. Group B will serve as the control group and will continue with baseline and their routine daily activities. Non-probability convenient sampling will be followed. The inclusion criteria for participation include teenagers of either gender with forward neck posture and associated neck pain. Exclusion criteria such as scoliosis, pain resulting from injuries like fractures, or having had undergone any surgical procedures. Data will be collected using three validated tools: a goniometer to measure cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to assess functional limitations due to neck pain, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to evaluate pain intensity.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Posture Disorders in Children
- Being tested
- fun game activities, neck isometrics
- Keywords
- neck pain, stretching exercise, posture, schools, child
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
fun game activitiesOther
The study will run for 10 months, with sessions 3 times per week (30 minutes each).
Group A will follow an 8-week fun, structured program including warm-ups, posture exercises (e.g., chin tucks, wall angels, plank), and interactive games and breathing activities, progressing every two weeks.
neck isometricsOther
Group B will perform isometric neck exercises and continue normal school activities without additional structured training.
The program aims to improve posture and reduce neck pain in children
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| fun game activities | Experimental | The experimental group will receive fun-game exercises and postural education along with baseline treatment Receives: Other: fun game activities |
| neck isometrics | Active comparator | The active comparator will receive fun-game exercises and postural education along with baseline treatment Receives: Other: neck isometrics |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Goniometer
A goniometer is a simple instrument used to measure the range of motion (ROM) of joints in the body. It is commonly used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation to assess joint angles and monitor progress over time.
It typically consists of:
A stationary arm (placed along a fixed body part)
A movable arm (aligned with the moving body segment)
A fulcrum or axis (placed over the joint being measured)
The goniometer is used to evaluate movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. It helps clinicians determine joint limitations, track improvements, and guide treatment plans.
Measured: 3rd Day
Secondary outcomes (1)
NDI Questionnaire
This questionnaire has been designed to give us information as to how your neck pain has affected your ability to manage in everyday life. Please answer every section and mark in each section only the one box that applies to you. We realise you may consider that two or more statements in any one section relate to you, but please just mark the box that most closely describes your problem.
Measured: 3rd Day
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 May 2026
- Study start14 Apr 2026
- Primary completion5 Jul 2026
- Study completion10 Jul 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 Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- The study will be conducted over 10 months, with sessions held 3 times per week, each lasting 30 minutes. Participants will be divided into two groups. Group A will follow an 8-week structured "Fun-Game Activities" program that includes warm-up exercises, key posture-focused exercises (such as chin tucks, wall angels, tree pose, and plank on knees), and interactive postural games and breathing activities. The program progresses every two weeks, gradually increasing exercise variety and engagement through playful activities like posture games, yoga, and movement-based tasks. Group B will perform isometric neck exercises and continue their regular school routine without any additional structured intervention. Overall, the intervention focuses on improving posture and reducing neck pain through a combination of exercises and engaging
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Armeeza Naseer, MS, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578766
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RCR/RCR&AHS/25/0730
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 29 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
David D, Giannini C, Chiarelli F, Mohn A. Text Neck Syndrome in Children and Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 7;18(4):1565. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041565.
PubMed 33562204Brattberg G. Do pain problems in young school children persist into early adulthood? A 13-year follow-up. Eur J Pain. 2004 Jun;8(3):187-99. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2003.08.001.
PubMed 15109969Hestbaek L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Kyvik KO, Manniche C. The course of low back pain from adolescence to adulthood: eight-year follow-up of 9600 twins. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006 Feb 15;31(4):468-72. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000199958.04073.d9.
PubMed 16481960
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Fun Games Activities on Neck Pain and Posture Among School Going Children
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578766
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RCR/RCR&AHS/25/0730
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Posture Disorders in Children
- Keywords
- neck pain, stretching exercise, posture, schools, child
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 14 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 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.
Neck pain is becoming increasingly common in school-aged children, mainly due to prolonged use of electronic devices and poor posture (especially forward head posture), often referred to as "text neck syndrome." Other contributing factors include sedentary lifestyles, heavy school bags, and rapid growth during adolescence. While this issue has been widely studied in adults and teenagers, research focusing on younger children is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of fun-game activities, cervical stretching exercises, and postural education in reducing neck pain and improving posture among school-going children.
Detailed description
This study will utilize a controlled trial design. Data collection will take place at two educational institutions in Sialkot: The Spirit School and the Concept School System, located on Paris Road .It will be conducted over duration of eight weeks. A total of fourteen school-going teenagers with forward neck posture and neck pain will be selected. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. Group A, the intervention group, will receive a structured cervical stretching and posture education program titled "fun-game activities" for eight weeks, with sessions conducted three days per week, each lasting 30 minutes. The exercise program will include a combination of warm-up activities, neck-specific and postural strengthening exercises (such as chin tucks, wall angels, tree pose, plank on knees, and balloon reach), and engaging cool-down or game-based tasks to maintain student motivation. Exercises will progress in complexity every two weeks to enhance cervical mobility and postural control. Group B will serve as the control group and will continue with baseline and their routine daily activities. Non-probability convenient sampling will be followed. The inclusion criteria for participation include teenagers of either gender with forward neck posture and associated neck pain. Exclusion criteria such as scoliosis, pain resulting from injuries like fractures, or having had undergone any surgical procedures. Data will be collected using three validated tools: a goniometer to measure cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to assess functional limitations due to neck pain, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to evaluate pain intensity.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- The study will be conducted over 10 months, with sessions held 3 times per week, each lasting 30 minutes. Participants will be divided into two groups. Group A will follow an 8-week structured "Fun-Game Activities" program that includes warm-up exercises, key posture-focused exercises (such as chin tucks, wall angels, tree pose, and plank on knees), and interactive postural games and breathing activities. The program progresses every two weeks, gradually increasing exercise variety and engagement through playful activities like posture games, yoga, and movement-based tasks. Group B will perform isometric neck exercises and continue their regular school routine without any additional structured intervention. Overall, the intervention focuses on improving posture and reducing neck pain through a combination of exercises and engaging
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| fun game activities | Experimental | Other: fun game activitiesThe experimental group will receive fun-game exercises and postural education along with baseline treatment |
| neck isometrics | Active comparator | Other: neck isometricsThe active comparator will receive fun-game exercises and postural education along with baseline treatment |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- Up to 15 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Student with Forward neck posture with angle 48 ° measured with kinovea software.
- Teenagers (School going age ≤ 15 yrs)
- Both gender
- Children with neck pain
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Children with scoliosis
- Pain due to frank injuries (like fractures)
- Patients having had any recent surgical procedure would not be enrolled in this study.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| fun game activitiesThe study will run for 10 months, with sessions 3 times per week (30 minutes each). Group A will follow an 8-week fun, structured program including warm-ups, posture exercises (e.g., chin tucks, wall angels, plank), and interactive games and breathing activities, progressing every two weeks. | Other | fun game activities |
| neck isometricsGroup B will perform isometric neck exercises and continue normal school activities without additional structured training. The program aims to improve posture and reduce neck pain in children | Other | neck isometrics |
Primary outcome
Goniometer
Time frame: 3rd Day
A goniometer is a simple instrument used to measure the range of motion (ROM) of joints in the body. It is commonly used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation to assess joint angles and monitor progress over time. It typically consists of: A stationary arm (placed along a fixed body part) A movable arm (aligned with the moving body segment) A fulcrum or axis (placed over the joint being measured) The goniometer is used to evaluate movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. It helps clinicians determine joint limitations, track improvements, and guide treatment plans.
1 secondary outcome
NDI Questionnaire
Time frame: 3rd Day
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 29 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 33562204David D, Giannini C, Chiarelli F, Mohn A. Text Neck Syndrome in Children and Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 7;18(4):1565. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041565.
- Background: PubMed 15109969Brattberg G. Do pain problems in young school children persist into early adulthood? A 13-year follow-up. Eur J Pain. 2004 Jun;8(3):187-99. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2003.08.001.
- Background: PubMed 16481960Hestbaek L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Kyvik KO, Manniche C. The course of low back pain from adolescence to adulthood: eight-year follow-up of 9600 twins. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006 Feb 15;31(4):468-72. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000199958.04073.d9.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Neck Pain
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Longitudinal Stripping Massage vs. Percussion Device for Neck Pain: Ultrasound Study.
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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.
Armeeza Naseer, MS principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing fun game activities and neck isometrics in people with Neck Pain and Posture Disorders in Children, run by Riphah International University 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 4 inclusion and 3 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 29 Sep 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?
Goniometer (time frame: 3rd Day). 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 NCT07578766, 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 29 Sep 2026.