Myofascial Trigger PointsNSNPNCT07685418
Ischemic Compression and Home Exercise in Non-Specific Neck Pain
A study testing Ischemic Compression and Home Exercise Program in people with Myofascial Trigger Points and Musculoskeletal Pain, run by Istanbul Rumeli University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ischemic compression combined with home exercise on pain, cervical range of motion, neck disability level, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 17 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Myofascial Trigger Points, Musculoskeletal Pain, Non-specific Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Ischemic Compression and Home Exercise Program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 May 2026to 15 Jul 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 17 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years.
- Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
- Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate and signing the informed consent form.
Who cannot join
- Presence of specific causes of neck pain (cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, tumor, infection, rheumatic diseases, etc.).
- Having undergone surgical intervention in the neck region within the last 6 months.
- History of neurological disease.
- History of surgery in the cervical or thoracic vertebrae.
- Presence of impaired skin integrity in the application area.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
SZ Clinic Physical Therapy, Dietetics and Health Services Center
Istanbul, Bakırköy, 34140
Muhammet Fatih Yurt, PT, +90 532 273 14 65, fatihyurt66@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Evaluation of the Effects of Ischemic Compression Combined With Home Exercise on Pain Intensity and Quality of Life in Individuals With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ischemic compression combined with home exercise on pain, cervical range of motion, neck disability level, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving ischemic compression plus home exercises, and a control group receiving only home exercises. The study aims to provide clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of combined treatment approaches for non-specific neck pain.
Read the detailed description
A total of 52 individuals, aged 18-65, with non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months, will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n=26) or the control group (n=26). Both groups will be prescribed a home exercise program. The treatment group will additionally receive ischemic compression sessions twice a week for 4 weeks.
Ischemic compression will be applied by the therapist using the thumb or a suitable contact surface, exerting controlled and gradually increasing pressure directly on the trigger point. The pressure will be maintained at the participant's pain tolerance limit (uncomfortable but bearable) and will last approximately 90 seconds for each trigger point. Participant feedback will be continuously monitored; pressure will be reduced or terminated in case of excessive pain or discomfort.
Evaluations will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for neck disability level, the SF-12 for quality of life, and goniometric measurements for cervical range of motion. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software.
- Being tested
- Ischemic Compression, Home Exercise Program
- Medical subject headings
- Musculoskeletal Pain, Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ischemic CompressionOther
The intervention group will receive ischemic compression applied to palpable trigger points in the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major/minor, obliquus capitis), and splenius capitis muscles for 90 seconds with gradually increasing pressure at the individual's pain tolerance threshold. Ischemic compression will be performed by the therapist applying perpendicular, controlled, and gradually increasing pressure to the trigger point using the thumb or an appropriate contact surface. The pressure will be maintained at the participant's tolerable pain threshold (uncomfortable but bearable) and sustained for approximately 90 seconds per trigger point. Participant feedback will be obtained during the application; in cases of excessive pain or discomfort, the pressure will be reduced or the application will be terminated. The aim of the application is to reduce local tenderness at the trigger point, regulate muscle tone, and
Home Exercise ProgramOther
Participants will perform a structured program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical region. The program will be performed twice daily for the duration of the study.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Experimental | Ischemic compression will be applied to painful points in the neck region. Pressure will be applied until the patient's pain threshold is reached and maintained for a specific duration. Receives: Other: Ischemic Compression |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Participants will perform a structured home exercise program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical region. Receives: Other: Home Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Measured: Baseline and post-treatment (week 4)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) as measured by Baseline Analog Pressure Algometer
Pressure pain threshold will be assessed using a Baseline Brand Analog Pressure Algometer. Measurements will be taken bilaterally from the suboccipital, upper trapezius, and middle trapezius muscle groups. Pressure will be applied perpendicular to the muscle fibers at specific anatomical points (2 cm lateral to the spinous process of the Axis for suboccipital; between C3-C5 for upper trapezius; and between T2-T4 for middle trapezius). The values will be recorded in kg/cm². Higher values indicate a higher pain threshold.
Measured: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)
Neck Disability
The Turkish version of the NDI will be used. It is a 10-item questionnaire covering pain, activities of daily living, and sleep. Scores range from 0 to 50, where higher scores represent higher levels of disability.
Measured: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)
Quality of Life as measured by SF-12 Health Survey
The Turkish version of the SF-12 will be used. It is a 12-item self-report scale assessing physical and mental health. It consists of two main sub-dimensions: Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS). Higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Measured: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)
Cervical Range of Motion as measured by Universal Goniometer
Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation) will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer according to standard clinical measurement protocols.
Measured: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)
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 start13 May 2026
- Primary completion30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Myofascial Trigger PointsStudies 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
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Rumeli University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muhammet Fatih Yurt, Istanbul Rumeli University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07685418
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-53938333-050.04-69819
- Acronym
- NSNP
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared to protect participant privacy and because the data is collected as part of a Master's thesis project. The results will be made available through the final thesis publication and any subsequent peer-reviewed journal articles.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Evaluation of the Effects of Ischemic Compression Combined With Home Exercise on Pain Intensity and Quality of Life in Individuals With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07685418
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NSNP / E-53938333-050.04-69819
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Rumeli UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Jul 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 purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ischemic compression combined with home exercise on pain, cervical range of motion, neck disability level, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving ischemic compression plus home exercises, and a control group receiving only home exercises. The study aims to provide clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of combined treatment approaches for non-specific neck pain.
Detailed description
A total of 52 individuals, aged 18-65, with non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months, will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n=26) or the control group (n=26). Both groups will be prescribed a home exercise program. The treatment group will additionally receive ischemic compression sessions twice a week for 4 weeks.
Ischemic compression will be applied by the therapist using the thumb or a suitable contact surface, exerting controlled and gradually increasing pressure directly on the trigger point. The pressure will be maintained at the participant's pain tolerance limit (uncomfortable but bearable) and will last approximately 90 seconds for each trigger point. Participant feedback will be continuously monitored; pressure will be reduced or terminated in case of excessive pain or discomfort.
Evaluations will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for neck disability level, the SF-12 for quality of life, and goniometric measurements for cervical range of motion. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Experimental | Other: Ischemic CompressionIschemic compression will be applied to painful points in the neck region. Pressure will be applied until the patient's pain threshold is reached and maintained for a specific duration. |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Other: Home Exercise ProgramParticipants will perform a structured home exercise program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical region. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 17 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years.
- Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
- Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate and signing the informed consent form.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Presence of specific causes of neck pain (cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, tumor, infection, rheumatic diseases, etc.).
- Having undergone surgical intervention in the neck region within the last 6 months.
- History of neurological disease.
- History of surgery in the cervical or thoracic vertebrae.
- Presence of impaired skin integrity in the application area.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ischemic CompressionThe intervention group will receive ischemic compression applied to palpable trigger points in the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major/minor, obliquus capitis), and splenius capitis muscles for 90 seconds with gradually increasing pressure at the individual's pain tolerance threshold. Ischemic compression will be performed by the therapist applying perpendicular, controlled, and gradually increasing pressure to the trigger point using the thumb or an appropriate contact surface. The pressure will be maintained at the participant's tolerable pain threshold (uncomfortable but bearable) and sustained for approximately 90 seconds per trigger point. Participant feedback will be obtained during the application; in cases of excessive pain or discomfort, the pressure will be reduced or the application will be terminated. The aim of the application is to reduce local tenderness at the trigger point, regulate muscle tone, and | Other | Experimental Group |
| Home Exercise ProgramParticipants will perform a structured program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical region. The program will be performed twice daily for the duration of the study. | Other | Control Group |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and post-treatment (week 4)
Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
4 secondary outcomes
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) as measured by Baseline Analog Pressure Algometer
Time frame: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)
Neck Disability
Time frame: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)
Quality of Life as measured by SF-12 Health Survey
Time frame: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)
Cervical Range of Motion as measured by Universal Goniometer
Time frame: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)
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 6 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared to protect participant privacy and because the data is collected as part of a Master's thesis project. The results will be made available through the final thesis publication and any subsequent peer-reviewed journal articles.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Ischemic Compression and Home Exercise Program in people with Myofascial Trigger Points and Musculoskeletal Pain, run by Istanbul Rumeli 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 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 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 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?
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 Muhammet Fatih Yurt, PT (+90 532 273 14 65, fatihyurt66@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline and post-treatment (week 4)). 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 6 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.