Text Neck SyndromeNCT07684183
Eyeball Exercises and Cervical Stabilization in Text Neck Syndrome
A study testing Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball Exercises in people with Text Neck Syndrome, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The prolonged use of electronic devices in the population nowadays contributes to the development of various musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck. One such condition is the Text neck syndrome characterized by neck pain and muscular imbalance in the region as well as development of forward head posture. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Text Neck Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 74 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Nov 2025to 15 Sep 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 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Neck Disability Index (NDI) scoring: >5 and <24
- Duration of screen usage: 4-6 hours/day
- Pain: ranging from mild - moderate 4-7 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Who cannot join
- Already undergoing physical therapy
- Cervical trauma, radiculopathy, pregnancy, malignancies, torticollis, herniation, stenosis, osteoporosis, etc
- Diagnosed with a CNS abnormality
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54782
About this study
Official title: Effects of Eyeball Exercises and Cervical Stabilization in Text Neck Syndrome: a Randomized Clinical Trial
The prolonged use of electronic devices in the population nowadays contributes to the development of various musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck. One such condition is the Text neck syndrome characterized by neck pain and muscular imbalance in the region as well as development of forward head posture. Some additional symptoms include headaches, impaired range of motion and eye strain. Eyeball exercises have been shown to improve symptoms of neck pain, and cervical stabilization has demonstrated positive effects on the deep cervical flexors, thereby improving forward head posture and other neck-associated symptoms. However, the combined effect of these two interventions has not been studied to treat text neck syndrome before. The primary outcome measures include the pain measured through Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and pain pressure threshold (algometer), whereas the secondary outcome measures include the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and functional disability measured through neck disability index (NDI).
Read the detailed description
Text neck syndrome is a musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by neck pain, forward head posture, muscular imbalance, headache, reduced range of motion and eye problems. In the present era where everything is done through electronic devices and gadgets it is difficult to maintain a proper posture, which affects most importantly the cervical region. Prolonged use of these gadgets have led to the development of text neck syndrome which is a new pandemic these days. Constant screen use has detrimental effects on eyes that effects our neck as well, therefore the use of eyeball exercises has shown to improve the symptoms of neck pain. Cervical stabilization focuses on the deep neck flexor muscles which become weak and inactive in text neck syndrome. Cervical stabilization has shown improvements in the activation of these muscles as well as improved their strength along with improving the forward head posture. the combined effects of both these treatment regimes has not been studied yet in text neck syndrome individuals therefore the purpose of this randomized clinical trial will be to assess the combined effects of these treatment approaches on text neck syndrome. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess and measure the pain intensity along with NDI (neck disability index) that will help in functional evaluation and will serve as the primary outcome measures in this study. The Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) and Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) measured through algometer will also be measured and will be the secondary outcome measures in this study.
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome
- Being tested
- Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball Exercises, Phyisotherapy Care, Cervical Stabilization and placebo exercises
- Keywords
- Text neck syndrome, Cervical Stabilization, Pressure biofeedback unit, Eyeball exercises, Physiotherapy, Randomized clinical trial, pain management, neck disability index
- Medical subject headings
- Agnosia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball ExercisesOther
Physiotherapy care: 30minutes of physiotherapy, including hotpack for 10 minutes,cervical stretching (3sets/15-second hold,5 repetitions), cervical isometrics (5-10 reps/3sets), postural correction exercises (5-10 reps/2-3 sets), active ROMs of the neck.•Cervical Stabilization: Pressure biofeedback unit will be used, the patient will perform chin tucks while the inflated unit is below the head at 20mmHg initially, and will be raised to 30mmHg. A 10 seconds hold with 10 repetitions, including a 10-second rest interval between. A total of 3sets will be performed with 15second interval between each set. 15 minutes total •Eyeball exercises:The patient is then asked to carry out the described eyeball movements, each movement to be held for 10 seconds and repeated 4 times through the maximum range,directions: Leftward, rightward, upper left, lower left, upper and lower right, left and right side circular, leftward and rightward figure 8 rotation. 2sets with 15seconds interval. 15 mins total.
Phyisotherapy Care, Cervical Stabilization and placebo exercisesOther
Physiotherapy care:30minutes of physiotherapy, including hotpack for 10 minutes, cervical stretching(3sets/15second hold, 5reps), cervical isometrics(5-10 reps/3sets), postural correction exercises(5-10 reps/2-3 sets), active ROMs of the neck.•Cervical stabilization: Pressure biofeedback unit will be used, the patient will perform chin tucks while the inflated unit is below the head at 20mmHg initially, and will be raised to 30mmHg. A10seconds hold with 10 repetitions, including a 10second rest interval between. A total of 3sets will be performed with 15second interval between each set,15 minutes total. •Placebo treatment:These exercises will take 10-15 minutes and the purpose is to engage the patient. These exercises do not have any effect on the ocular muscle of the eye and will only serve as a source of relaxation and lubrication for the eyes of the patient: blink slowly \& fully (10reps,3sets with10-15seconds interval), fix gaze (10seconds, 3-5reps), eyes closed breathing 60seconds.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy care, Cervical stabilisation and eyeball exercises | Experimental | These patients will receive physiotherapy care along with cervical stabilization exercises and eyeball exercises. Treatment schedule: 3 sessions on alternate days for 6 weeks. Receives: Other: Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball Exercises |
| Physiotherpy care, Cervical stabilisation and placebo | Active comparator | These patients will receive physiotherapy care along with cervical stabilization exercises and placebo treatment in place of eyeball exercises. Treatment schedule: 3 sessions on alternate days for 6 weeks. Receives: Other: Phyisotherapy Care, Cervical Stabilization and placebo exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Change in pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain rating Scale (NPRS, 0-10 cm).
Lower limit: 0 Upper limit: 10 Lower value means less pain
Measured: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Neck Disability
Functional disability measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) - Urdu validated version.
Lower limit: 0 Upper limit: 50 Lower value indicates lesser disability
Measured: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Secondary outcomes (2)
Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)
Postural alignment measured as the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) using Kinovea software from standardised lateral-view photographs Lower limit: 0 Upper limit: 180 Higher values mean better posture (less forward head)
Measured: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT)
Pain sensitivity will be measured using the Algometer. Lower limit: 0 kg/cm² Upper limit: 10 kg/cm² Higher values mean less tenderness
Measured: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Jul 2026
- Study start15 Nov 2025
- Primary completion15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Sep 2026 (estimated)
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.
- 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
- 74 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Sahreen Anwar, Ph.D, Study chair, University of Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07684183
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UOL/IREB/25/12/0041
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 28 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 27 Jul 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 27 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Eyeball Exercises and Cervical Stabilization in Text Neck Syndrome: a Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07684183
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UOL/IREB/25/12/0041
- Conditions
- Text Neck Syndrome
- Keywords
- Text neck syndrome, Cervical Stabilization, Pressure biofeedback unit, Eyeball exercises, Physiotherapy, Randomized clinical trial, pain management, neck disability index
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 74 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Jul 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.
The prolonged use of electronic devices in the population nowadays contributes to the development of various musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck. One such condition is the Text neck syndrome characterized by neck pain and muscular imbalance in the region as well as development of forward head posture. Some additional symptoms include headaches, impaired range of motion and eye strain. Eyeball exercises have been shown to improve symptoms of neck pain, and cervical stabilization has demonstrated positive effects on the deep cervical flexors, thereby improving forward head posture and other neck-associated symptoms. However, the combined effect of these two interventions has not been studied to treat text neck syndrome before. The primary outcome measures include the pain measured through Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and pain pressure threshold (algometer), whereas the secondary outcome measures include the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and functional disability measured through neck disability index (NDI).
Detailed description
Text neck syndrome is a musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by neck pain, forward head posture, muscular imbalance, headache, reduced range of motion and eye problems. In the present era where everything is done through electronic devices and gadgets it is difficult to maintain a proper posture, which affects most importantly the cervical region. Prolonged use of these gadgets have led to the development of text neck syndrome which is a new pandemic these days. Constant screen use has detrimental effects on eyes that effects our neck as well, therefore the use of eyeball exercises has shown to improve the symptoms of neck pain. Cervical stabilization focuses on the deep neck flexor muscles which become weak and inactive in text neck syndrome. Cervical stabilization has shown improvements in the activation of these muscles as well as improved their strength along with improving the forward head posture. the combined effects of both these treatment regimes has not been studied yet in text neck syndrome individuals therefore the purpose of this randomized clinical trial will be to assess the combined effects of these treatment approaches on text neck syndrome. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to assess and measure the pain intensity along with NDI (neck disability index) that will help in functional evaluation and will serve as the primary outcome measures in this study. The Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) and Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) measured through algometer will also be measured and will be the secondary outcome measures in this study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy care, Cervical stabilisation and eyeball exercises | Experimental | Other: Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball ExercisesThese patients will receive physiotherapy care along with cervical stabilization exercises and eyeball exercises. Treatment schedule: 3 sessions on alternate days for 6 weeks. |
| Physiotherpy care, Cervical stabilisation and placebo | Active comparator | Other: Phyisotherapy Care, Cervical Stabilization and placebo exercisesThese patients will receive physiotherapy care along with cervical stabilization exercises and placebo treatment in place of eyeball exercises. Treatment schedule: 3 sessions on alternate days for 6 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Neck Disability Index (NDI) scoring: >5 and <24
- Duration of screen usage: 4-6 hours/day
- Pain: ranging from mild - moderate 4-7 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Already undergoing physical therapy
- Cervical trauma, radiculopathy, pregnancy, malignancies, torticollis, herniation, stenosis, osteoporosis, etc
- Diagnosed with a CNS abnormality
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball ExercisesPhysiotherapy care: 30minutes of physiotherapy, including hotpack for 10 minutes,cervical stretching (3sets/15-second hold,5 repetitions), cervical isometrics (5-10 reps/3sets), postural correction exercises (5-10 reps/2-3 sets), active ROMs of the neck.•Cervical Stabilization: Pressure biofeedback unit will be used, the patient will perform chin tucks while the inflated unit is below the head at 20mmHg initially, and will be raised to 30mmHg. A 10 seconds hold with 10 repetitions, including a 10-second rest interval between. A total of 3sets will be performed with 15second interval between each set. 15 minutes total •Eyeball exercises:The patient is then asked to carry out the described eyeball movements, each movement to be held for 10 seconds and repeated 4 times through the maximum range,directions: Leftward, rightward, upper left, lower left, upper and lower right, left and right side circular, leftward and rightward figure 8 rotation. 2sets with 15seconds interval. 15 mins total. | Other | Physiotherapy care, Cervical stabilisation and eyeball exercises |
| Phyisotherapy Care, Cervical Stabilization and placebo exercisesPhysiotherapy care:30minutes of physiotherapy, including hotpack for 10 minutes, cervical stretching(3sets/15second hold, 5reps), cervical isometrics(5-10 reps/3sets), postural correction exercises(5-10 reps/2-3 sets), active ROMs of the neck.•Cervical stabilization: Pressure biofeedback unit will be used, the patient will perform chin tucks while the inflated unit is below the head at 20mmHg initially, and will be raised to 30mmHg. A10seconds hold with 10 repetitions, including a 10second rest interval between. A total of 3sets will be performed with 15second interval between each set,15 minutes total. •Placebo treatment:These exercises will take 10-15 minutes and the purpose is to engage the patient. These exercises do not have any effect on the ocular muscle of the eye and will only serve as a source of relaxation and lubrication for the eyes of the patient: blink slowly \& fully (10reps,3sets with10-15seconds interval), fix gaze (10seconds, 3-5reps), eyes closed breathing 60seconds. | Other | Physiotherpy care, Cervical stabilisation and placebo |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Change in pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain rating Scale (NPRS, 0-10 cm). Lower limit: 0 Upper limit: 10 Lower value means less pain
Neck Disability
Time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Functional disability measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) - Urdu validated version. Lower limit: 0 Upper limit: 50 Lower value indicates lesser disability
2 secondary outcomes
Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)
Time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT)
Time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
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 27 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Progressive Neck Motor Control Exercises With and Without Conventional Therapy in Text Neck Syndrome.(PNMCE-TNS)
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Comparative Study Between Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Post-facilitation Stretching in Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Comparison of Cervical and TMJ Parameters in Young Adults With and Without Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Sensory Motor Mismatch in Text Neck Syndrome.
Text Neck Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Cervical Stabilization Exercises With and Without Reverse Natural Apophyseal Glides in Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
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.
Sahreen Anwar, Ph.D study chair
University of Lahore
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Physiotherapy care, Cervical Stabilization and Eyeball Exercises 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 3 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Jul 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?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 27 Jul 2026.