Neck PainCNPNCT07599631
Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Versus Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization On Neck Disability, Endurance, and Proprioception Of Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and tradional therapy in people with Neck Pain, run by Cairo University.
Trial summary
this study will be conducted to compare INIT versus IASTM on neck disability, cervical muscle endurance and proprioception, cervical alignment, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold in patients with neck pain Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and tradional therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 25 May 2026to 25 May 2027
- 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 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- All participants ages will range from 18 to 50 years.
- BMI ranged from 18.5 to 30.
- have TrPs in their UT muscle, pain at rest, a jump sign when pressure is applied, limited range of motion (ROM), and referred pain.
- The participants will report pain in the posterior or posterior lateral aspect of the neck in the previous 3 months
Who cannot join
- Participants of cervical spine disorders (cervical disc disease, cervical spondylitis, cervical myelopathy.
- Participants with musculoskeletal conditions.
- Pregnant women.
- Participants with congenital postural deformities.
- Participants who had a definite visual disability.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
this study will be conducted to compare INIT versus IASTM on neck disability, cervical muscle endurance and proprioception, cervical alignment, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold in patients with neck pain
Read the detailed description
Neck pain arises from a variety of factors, which may include ergonomic considerations and individual characteristics such as age, behavioral attitudes, or psychosocial issues like anxiety and job satisfaction. Since most cases of neck pain do not have a specific identifiable cause and are often linked to posture or mechanical issues, they are typically classified as nonspecific chronic neck pain. The primary goals of treating neck pain and MTrPs are to resolve the spasm, ease the pain, and deactivate the TrPs. One of these methods is the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT). Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) with the M2T blade (M2T-Blade: IASTM Technology, Hamilton, ON, Canada) is a multifunctional instrument. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is inexpensive and has a variety of planes that can be used in treatment. Many studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating patients' symptoms.According to the literature, IASTM and INIT were effective as well as nonexhaustive treatment methods for patients experiencing mechanical neck pain. But there was a lack of literature that compared IASTM and INIT on neck disability, endurance, and proprioception on patients with neck pain.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, tradional therapy
- Keywords
- Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, neck disability, endurance, proprioception, neck pain
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition TechniqueOther
For the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique, the participant will be in a supine lying position. During the PPT evaluation process, the site of the TrP will be determined and will be marked. First, intermittent IC will be initiated by using the thumb and index finger to apply a pincer grip to the TrP in the middle of the UT. Second, applying pressure to the trigger point and asking the participants how much pain they will experience. The participants' heads will passively flexed laterally to the affected side. The therapist then will hold the participant's forearm and passively will move the shoulder to about 90° of abduction while monitoring the discomfort induced by the TrP, and then will ask the patient about the intensity of pain. If the pain will decrease by 70% from the start, the position will be held for 30 seconds and repeated 2 to 3 times. Then muscle energy technique is applied plus tradional therapy.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationOther
For IASTM, the M2T blade will be used to identify specific parts of the limitation on the right UT. After that, treatment planes 1-2-3 will be used. Prior to treatment, Vaseline will be applied as a lubricant to the skin around the neck area, and an alcohol pad will be used to clean the instrument. Then, using an M2T blade at a 45° angle, long, slow strokes over the muscle will be performed, beginning at its insertion and ending at its origin, for 2 to 3 minutes . If the participant felt a burning sensation, it will be instructed to apply an ice pack plus tradional therapy.
tradional therapyOther
the patients will receive tradional therapy in the form of 10 minutes of moist heat (hot pack) isometric strengthening exercises for all cervical muscles by applying manual resistance on the side of the head for side bending, the occiput for extension, and the forehead for flexion.The resistance will be sustained for 10 seconds and repeated 10 to 15 times, then they will receive stretching exercises for extensor muscles for 30 seconds and repeated 3 times in every session. Finally, active ROM exercises for the neck and chin will be performed
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique | Experimental | twenty patients will receive the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique plus traditional therapy three times a week for four weeks Receives: Other: Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique; Other: tradional therapy |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Experimental | twenty patients will receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus traditional therapy three times a week for four weeks Receives: Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization; Other: tradional therapy |
| traditional therapy | Active comparator | twenty patients will receive traditional therapy three times a week for four weeks Receives: Other: tradional therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
neck disability
The arabic version of Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used. it is a 10-item, self-administered questionnaire measuring neck pain-related disability, with scores ranging from 0-50 or 0-100%. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
Measured: up to four weeks
Secondary outcomes (9)
pain intensity
visual analogue scale will be used to assess pain intensity. The most simple VAS is a straight horizontal line of fixed length, usually 100 mm. The ends are defined as the extreme limits of the parameter to be measured (symptom , pain ,health) orientated from the left (worst) to the right (best).
Measured: up to four weeks
cervical range of motion
cervical range of motion device will be used to assess cervical range of motion
Measured: up to four weeks
joint position error (cervical proprioception)
Proprioception is the ability to sense the position and movement of our body without visual feedback. The cervical spine works as a sensory system that relies heavily on mechanoreceptors, like muscle spindles, that detect mechanical changes within tissue. cervical proprioception will be measured by cervical range of motion device.
Measured: up to four weeks
pressure pain threshold
pressure algometer device will be used to assess pressure pain threshold
Measured: up to four weeks
The Absolute Rotation Angle (ARA) C2-C7
The Absolute Rotation Angle (ARA) C2-C7 is a key measurement of sagittal cervical lordosis on standing lateral radiographs, typically calculated as the angle between the inferior endplates of C2 and C7. A normal range often falls between 10° and 35°. C2-C7 Cobb angle (measured differently, from C2 inferior endplate to C7 inferior endplate). Kinovea software will be used to assess ARA.
Measured: up to four weeks
The relative rotation angle between the occiput (C0) and C2
The relative rotation angle between the occiput (C0) and C2 is a critical metric for evaluating upper cervical spine mobility and stability. In healthy individuals, the average O-C2 angle (often reported as the O-C2 angle or OC2A) is approximately 14.5° ± 3.7°. this angle will be measured by Kinovea software.
Measured: up to four weeks
relative rotatory angle between c1 and c2
This angle between the axis and the atlas. The normal range is 29 degree. this angle will be measured by kinovea softwear.
Measured: up to four weeks
Anterior head translation (AHT) distance
Anterior head translation (AHT), or forward head posture, is typically measured as the horizontal distance between the vertical line of the C7 spinous process and the posterior superior corner of the C2 vertebra (or tragus of the ear). A normal head position generally shows an anterior displacement of less than 15 mm, while values exceeding this are classified as forward head posture.this disatance will be measured by kinovea softwear.
Measured: up to four weeks
deep cervical flexor endurance
cranio cervical flexion test with pressure biofeedback will be used to assess deep cervical flexor endurance.During the CCF test, the pressure biofeedback instrument was placed under the neutral cervical spine below the occiput and inflated up to 20 mmHg. CCF (gentle head nodding of head as if saying "yes") movements were demonstrated during the test. Substitution with superficial neck flexors, head retraction. The subjects performed this movement at 5 different pressure levels, i.e., 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 mmHg, with 30 s rest between each repetition. Each level was supposed to be held for 10 s, and the test was terminated if they were unable to hold the position for 10 s at any level or if the maximum level was achieved (30 mmHg). This value was used to create an index to score the muscle endurance out of a total of 100, and the minimum requirement for satisfactory endurance was 26 mmHg
Measured: up to four weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 May 2026
- Study start25 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion25 May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion25 May 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nabil Mahmoud Ismail Abdel-Aal, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07599631
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/006464
- Acronym
- CNP
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 14 May 2026
- Last updated
- 20 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Versus Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization On Neck Disability, Endurance, and Proprioception Of Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07599631
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CNP / P.T.REC/012/006464
- Conditions
- Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, neck disability, endurance, proprioception, neck pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 25 May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 25 May 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 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 will be conducted to compare INIT versus IASTM on neck disability, cervical muscle endurance and proprioception, cervical alignment, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold in patients with neck pain
Detailed description
Neck pain arises from a variety of factors, which may include ergonomic considerations and individual characteristics such as age, behavioral attitudes, or psychosocial issues like anxiety and job satisfaction. Since most cases of neck pain do not have a specific identifiable cause and are often linked to posture or mechanical issues, they are typically classified as nonspecific chronic neck pain. The primary goals of treating neck pain and MTrPs are to resolve the spasm, ease the pain, and deactivate the TrPs. One of these methods is the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT). Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) with the M2T blade (M2T-Blade: IASTM Technology, Hamilton, ON, Canada) is a multifunctional instrument. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is inexpensive and has a variety of planes that can be used in treatment. Many studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating patients' symptoms.According to the literature, IASTM and INIT were effective as well as nonexhaustive treatment methods for patients experiencing mechanical neck pain. But there was a lack of literature that compared IASTM and INIT on neck disability, endurance, and proprioception on patients with neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique | Experimental | Other: Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Other: tradional therapytwenty patients will receive the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique plus traditional therapy three times a week for four weeks |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Experimental | Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Other: tradional therapytwenty patients will receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus traditional therapy three times a week for four weeks |
| traditional therapy | Active comparator | Other: tradional therapytwenty patients will receive traditional therapy three times a week for four weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- All participants ages will range from 18 to 50 years.
- BMI ranged from 18.5 to 30.
- have TrPs in their UT muscle, pain at rest, a jump sign when pressure is applied, limited range of motion (ROM), and referred pain.
- The participants will report pain in the posterior or posterior lateral aspect of the neck in the previous 3 months
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Participants of cervical spine disorders (cervical disc disease, cervical spondylitis, cervical myelopathy.
- Participants with musculoskeletal conditions.
- Pregnant women.
- Participants with congenital postural deformities.
- Participants who had a definite visual disability.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition TechniqueFor the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique, the participant will be in a supine lying position. During the PPT evaluation process, the site of the TrP will be determined and will be marked. First, intermittent IC will be initiated by using the thumb and index finger to apply a pincer grip to the TrP in the middle of the UT. Second, applying pressure to the trigger point and asking the participants how much pain they will experience. The participants' heads will passively flexed laterally to the affected side. The therapist then will hold the participant's forearm and passively will move the shoulder to about 90° of abduction while monitoring the discomfort induced by the TrP, and then will ask the patient about the intensity of pain. If the pain will decrease by 70% from the start, the position will be held for 30 seconds and repeated 2 to 3 times. Then muscle energy technique is applied plus tradional therapy. | Other | Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationFor IASTM, the M2T blade will be used to identify specific parts of the limitation on the right UT. After that, treatment planes 1-2-3 will be used. Prior to treatment, Vaseline will be applied as a lubricant to the skin around the neck area, and an alcohol pad will be used to clean the instrument. Then, using an M2T blade at a 45° angle, long, slow strokes over the muscle will be performed, beginning at its insertion and ending at its origin, for 2 to 3 minutes . If the participant felt a burning sensation, it will be instructed to apply an ice pack plus tradional therapy. | Other | Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization |
| tradional therapythe patients will receive tradional therapy in the form of 10 minutes of moist heat (hot pack) isometric strengthening exercises for all cervical muscles by applying manual resistance on the side of the head for side bending, the occiput for extension, and the forehead for flexion.The resistance will be sustained for 10 seconds and repeated 10 to 15 times, then they will receive stretching exercises for extensor muscles for 30 seconds and repeated 3 times in every session. Finally, active ROM exercises for the neck and chin will be performed | Other | Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, traditional therapy |
Primary outcome
neck disability
Time frame: up to four weeks
The arabic version of Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used. it is a 10-item, self-administered questionnaire measuring neck pain-related disability, with scores ranging from 0-50 or 0-100%. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
9 secondary outcomes
pain intensity
Time frame: up to four weeks
cervical range of motion
Time frame: up to four weeks
joint position error (cervical proprioception)
Time frame: up to four weeks
pressure pain threshold
Time frame: up to four weeks
The Absolute Rotation Angle (ARA) C2-C7
Time frame: up to four weeks
The relative rotation angle between the occiput (C0) and C2
Time frame: up to four weeks
relative rotatory angle between c1 and c2
Time frame: up to four weeks
Anterior head translation (AHT) distance
Time frame: up to four weeks
deep cervical flexor endurance
Time frame: up to four weeks
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 20 May 2026.
Related trials for Neck Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Cervical Stabilization With Core Stabilization in Young Adults With Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Recruiting
Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching in School-aged Children With Mechanical Neck Pain Due to Prolong Screen Use
Mechanical Neck Pain
Recruiting
Effects of Alexander Technique Versus Feldenkrais Somatic Training in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
Recruiting
Longitudinal Stripping Massage vs. Percussion Device for Neck Pain: Ultrasound Study.
Chronic Neck Pain
RecruitingPhase 2
Effectiveness of Phenotype-based Pain Management Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancer Related Pain: a Pilot Study
Cancer Pain, Orofacial Pain
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.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and tradional therapy in people with Neck Pain, run by Cairo University.
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 5 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 20 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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 Nabil Abdel-Aal, professor (01200133613, nabil.mahmoud@cu.edu.eg), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
neck disability (time frame: up to four weeks). 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 May 2026.