Levator Scapulae TightnessPRT-PIR-LSNCT07644988
Comparing Two Muscle Relaxation Techniques for Neck Pain
A study testing Positional Release Technique and post isometric relaxation in people with Levator Scapulae Tightness and Myofascial Pain Syndromes, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Levator scapulae muscle tightness is a common cause of neck pain due to poor posture. This study compares two manual therapy techniques: Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Levator Scapulae Tightness, Myofascial Pain Syndromes
- What is being tested?
- Positional Release Technique and post isometric relaxation
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 44 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Feb 2026to 30 Aug 2026
- 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 25 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 25 to 40 years.
- Both male and female.
- Presence of a trigger point in levator scapulae (palpable tender spot with jump sign).
- Score greater than 20% on the Neck Disability Index.
- Non-specific neck pain.
- Confirmation of trigger point via leavtor scapule length test.
- trevors and simons criteria.
- Jump sign
Who cannot join
- History of trauma or fracture to the scapula or cervical spine.
- Pregnancy.
- Previous cervical spine surgery.
- Diagnosis of cancer, cardiac condition, or infectious disease.
- Specific neck pathology (e.g., disc prolapse, nerve root compression, whiplash).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
the University of Faisalabad
Faisalabad, Punjab Province, 38000
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Positional Release Technique and Post Isometric Relaxation on Pain, ROM and Functional Disability in Patient With Levator Scapulae Tightness
Levator scapulae muscle tightness is a common cause of neck pain due to poor posture. This study compares two manual therapy techniques: Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR). The goal is to determine which technique is more effective at reducing pain, improving neck range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in patients with this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PRT or PIR for 4 weeks
Read the detailed description
This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. A sample of 44 participants aged 25-40 with levator scapulae tightness will be recruited from hospitals in Faisalabad. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups (n=22 each). Group A will receive the Positional Release Technique (PRT) involving a 90-second hold of the scapula in a specific position. Group B will receive Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) involving a 10-second contraction followed by a 10-second stretch. Both groups will receive a 10-minute hot pack before their respective techniques. Interventions will occur 3 times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Outcome measures include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical goniometry, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), measured at baseline and after 4 weeks
- Being tested
- Positional Release Technique, post isometric relaxation
- Keywords
- levator scapulae tightness, PIR in levator scapule tightness
- Medical subject headings
- Myofascial Pain Syndromes
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Positional Release TechniqueProcedure or surgery
Patient lies prone. The therapist palpates the levator scapulae and uses the far hand to translate the scapula upward and apply rotation. The superior angle of the scapula is tilted downward. This position is held for 90 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.
post isometric relaxationProcedure or surgery
Patient lies supine. The therapist stabilizes the shoulder and supports the neck. The patient performs an isometric contraction by moving the head back against resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, a passive stretch is applied for 10 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Positional Release Technique (PRT) | Experimental | Patient lies prone. The therapist palpates the levator scapulae and uses the far hand to translate the scapula upward and apply rotation. The superior angle of the scapula is tilted downward. This position is held for 90 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session Receives: Procedure: Positional Release Technique |
| Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) | Active comparator | Patient lies supine. The therapist stabilizes the shoulder and supports the neck. The patient performs an isometric contraction by moving the head back against resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, a passive stretch is applied for 10 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session. Receives: Procedure: post isometric relaxation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Pain Intensity
Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Participants rate their average neck pain on an 11-point scale where 0 = 'no pain' and 10 = 'worst imaginable pain'
Measured: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Cervical Range of Motion
Measured using a universal goniometer. Active range of motion will be assessed for cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation, measured in degrees
Measured: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in Functional Disability
: Measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a 10-item questionnaire. Total scores range from 0 (no disability) to 50 (complete disability), reported as a percentage
Measured: Baseline and at 4 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 posted12 Jun 2026
- Study start15 Feb 2026
- Primary completion15 Jul 2026
- Study completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Levator Scapulae TightnessStudies 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
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr Waqar Younas, University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07644988
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024-MS-PT-059
- Other IDs
- TUF/EIRB/ 216 /26
- Acronym
- PRT-PIR-LS
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- 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 13 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effectiveness of Positional Release Technique and Post Isometric Relaxation on Pain, ROM and Functional Disability in Patient With Levator Scapulae Tightness
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07644988
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PRT-PIR-LS / 2024-MS-PT-059
- Keywords
- levator scapulae tightness, PIR in levator scapule tightness
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 12 Jun 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.
Levator scapulae muscle tightness is a common cause of neck pain due to poor posture. This study compares two manual therapy techniques: Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR). The goal is to determine which technique is more effective at reducing pain, improving neck range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in patients with this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PRT or PIR for 4 weeks
Detailed description
This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. A sample of 44 participants aged 25-40 with levator scapulae tightness will be recruited from hospitals in Faisalabad. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups (n=22 each). Group A will receive the Positional Release Technique (PRT) involving a 90-second hold of the scapula in a specific position. Group B will receive Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) involving a 10-second contraction followed by a 10-second stretch. Both groups will receive a 10-minute hot pack before their respective techniques. Interventions will occur 3 times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Outcome measures include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical goniometry, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), measured at baseline and after 4 weeks
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Positional Release Technique (PRT) | Experimental | Procedure: Positional Release TechniquePatient lies prone. The therapist palpates the levator scapulae and uses the far hand to translate the scapula upward and apply rotation. The superior angle of the scapula is tilted downward. This position is held for 90 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session |
| Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) | Active comparator | Procedure: post isometric relaxationPatient lies supine. The therapist stabilizes the shoulder and supports the neck. The patient performs an isometric contraction by moving the head back against resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, a passive stretch is applied for 10 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Age between 25 to 40 years.
- Both male and female.
- Presence of a trigger point in levator scapulae (palpable tender spot with jump sign).
- Score greater than 20% on the Neck Disability Index.
- Non-specific neck pain.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- History of trauma or fracture to the scapula or cervical spine.
- Pregnancy.
- Previous cervical spine surgery.
- Diagnosis of cancer, cardiac condition, or infectious disease.
- Specific neck pathology (e.g., disc prolapse, nerve root compression, whiplash).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Positional Release TechniquePatient lies prone. The therapist palpates the levator scapulae and uses the far hand to translate the scapula upward and apply rotation. The superior angle of the scapula is tilted downward. This position is held for 90 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session. | Procedure or surgery | Positional Release Technique (PRT) |
| post isometric relaxationPatient lies supine. The therapist stabilizes the shoulder and supports the neck. The patient performs an isometric contraction by moving the head back against resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, a passive stretch is applied for 10 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session. | Procedure or surgery | Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) |
Primary outcome
Change in Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)
Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Participants rate their average neck pain on an 11-point scale where 0 = 'no pain' and 10 = 'worst imaginable pain'
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Cervical Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in Functional Disability
Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)
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 13 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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 Positional Release Technique and post isometric relaxation in people with Levator Scapulae Tightness and Myofascial Pain Syndromes, run by University of Faisalabad 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 8 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Aug 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?
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?
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 Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline and at 4 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 13 Aug 2026.