Chronic Mechanical Neck PainINT-CMNPNCT07691151
Targeted Cervical Versus Integrated Trunk and Diaphragmatic Muscle Retraining for Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
A study testing Integrated Physiotherapy and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain and Neck Pain, run by Gulf Medical University at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
Trial summary
Persistent pain, functional disability, cervical motor control deficit, and abnormal posture are associated with chronic mechanical neck pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an integrated physiotherapy program of cervical motor control training, lumbopelvic stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Integrated Physiotherapy and Conventional Physiotherapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Arab Emirates
- Study dates
- 2 May 2026to 30 Jun 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 18 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age in the range 18-60 years.
- CNMP (lasting more than 3 months).
- NPRS score ≥ 3.
- Head Impact Test (HIT-6) score < 50.
- Absence of clinical signs of cervical radiculopathy.
- Capacity to comprehend study procedures, follow directions for exercising and sign informed consent in writing.
- Diaphragmatic function impairment by the DNS diaphragm test with asymmetric or inadequate rib expansion laterally, high elevation of upper chest or shoulder girdle and diminished truncal stabilization during inhalation.
Who cannot join
- Participants were excluded if they had cervical radiculopathy, cervical myelopathy, previous cervical spine surgery, spinal fracture, inflammatory arthritis, malignancy, neurological disorders, pregnancy, or any other serious spinal pathology that would make it difficult for the participant to participate in the rehabilitation programme. People with cognitive deficits or any medical condition which hampered their safe involvement in the exercise programme were also excluded.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United Arab Emirates1 site
Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital
Ajman, Ajman Emirate
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Targeted Cervical Versus Integrated Trunk and Diaphragmatic Muscle Retraining on Pain and Disability in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Persistent pain, functional disability, cervical motor control deficit, and abnormal posture are associated with chronic mechanical neck pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an integrated physiotherapy program of cervical motor control training, lumbopelvic stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and pressure biofeedback versus conventional cervical physiotherapy in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain through a randomized controlled trial.
40 eligible participants were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The two groups were all given supervised physiotherapy three times a week for 6 weeks plus a standardized home exercise program. The main aim was to investigate the efficacy of the interventions on pain intensity and neck related disability. Secondary outcomes were CROM, DCFE, head position, and patient perceived recovery. Outcome measures were conducted at both baseline and the end of the six-week intervention.
Read the detailed description
Chronic mechanical neck pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions and is related to ongoing pain, diminished cervical movement, poor neck muscle control, poor posture, and diminished functional ability. Conventional physiotherapy emphasizes the mobility, strengthening, stretching and postural correction of the cervical region. Recent research indicates that cervical motor control, trunk stabilization and respiratory training may be beneficial when integrated into a rehabilitation program, as multiple aspects of spinal stability and motor control can be targeted.
The study was designed as a single center, parallel-group, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, to compare the effectiveness of integrated physiotherapy program to conventional cervical physiotherapy in subjects with chronic mechanical neck pain.
Participants were recruited from the outpatient physiotherapy department of Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ajman, UAE, where they met the inclusion criteria for having mechanical neck pain with a duration of at least three months. After obtaining informed consent, participants were allocated by a computer-generated random sequence in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental or control group, with allocation concealed.
The experimental group received an integrated rehabilitation program that included cervical motor control training with pressure biofeedback, lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, diaphragmatic breathing exercises and traditional physiotherapy interventions as clinically needed. The control group received conventional cervical physiotherapy which included cervical range of motion exercises, isometric strengthening, stretching, scapulothoracic strengthening, proprioceptive training, postural exercises, and other standard physiotherapy treatment. Both groups underwent supervised treatment three times a week for six weeks and an identical home exercise program during the intervention.
The primary outcome measures included intensity of pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS]) and neck-related disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]). Secondary outcome measures were the cervical range of motion, deep cervical flexor endurance, craniovertebral angle for head posture and the Global Rating of Change (GROC). Assessment of outcomes was conducted at baseline and at the end of the six-week interventions by an assessor who was not aware of the allocation of the interventions.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated physiotherapy approach including cervical motor control training, lumbopelvic stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and pressure biofeedback in comparison to a conventional cervical physiotherapy approach for reduction of pain, disability, and cervical function and postural control in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.
- Conditions
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Integrated Physiotherapy, Conventional Physiotherapy
- Keywords
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, Physiotherapy, Randomized Controlled Trial, Cervical Motor Control, Pressure Biofeedback, Deep Cervical Flexor Training, Neck Disability, Pain, Cervical Range of Motion, Rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Integrated PhysiotherapyBehavioural
Participants were given an integrated physiotherapy program which comprised motor control training for the cervical spine with pressure biofeedback, lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and a standardized home exercise program. Three treatment sessions per week for six weeks were conducted under supervision.
Conventional PhysiotherapyBehavioural
Conventional cervical physiotherapy included cervical range-of-motion exercises, isometric strengthening, stretching, scapulothoracic strengthening, proprioceptive training, postural exercises, and a standardized home exercise program. Supervised treatment was provided three times per week for six weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Physiotherapy | Experimental | Participants were treated with a comprehensive physiotherapy intervention that included cervical motor control exercises with pressure biofeedback, lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and additional physiotherapy interventions as clinically necessary. Three times per week for 6 weeks. In addition, a standardized home exercise program was performed during the intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Integrated Physiotherapy |
| Conventional Physiotherapy | Active comparator | All participants underwent conventional cervical physio, which included cervical range of motion exercises, cervical isometric strengthening, upper trapezius and levator scapulae and pectoral muscles stretching, scapulothoracic strengthening, proprioceptive training, postural correction exercises and intermittent cervical traction as clinically indicated. Treatment was given three times a week for 6 weeks. A standardized home exercise program was also performed by the participants during the intervention period. Receives: Behavioral: Conventional Physiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Neck Disability
Neck-related disability will be assessed using the NDI. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using the NPRS. The NPRS is an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Lower scores indicate reduced pain intensity.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
Cervical Range of Motion
Cervical range of motion will be measured in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion using standard clinical assessment procedures.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Deep Cervical Flexor Endurance
Deep cervical flexor muscle endurance will be assessed using a standardized endurance test.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Head Posture
Forward head posture will be assessed by measuring the craniovertebral angle.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Global Rating of Change
Participant-perceived overall improvement will be assessed using the GROC scale.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Jul 2026
- Study start2 May 2026
- Primary completion26 Jun 2026
- Study completion30 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Mechanical Neck PainStudies 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
- Model description
- The participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two parallel study arms. The integrated physiotherapy program for the experimental group included cervical motor control training, lumbopelvic stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and pressure biofeedback. Conventional cervical physiotherapy was given to the control group. Each group received three supervised treatments per week for 6 weeks and a standard home exercise program.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Gulf Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07691151
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- COHSSTD32Jan2026
- Other IDs
- RB-COHS-STD-32-Jan-2026
- Acronym
- INT-CMNP
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 8 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: The decision regarding the sharing of de-identified individual participant data has not yet been finalized. Data sharing will be considered after study completion and publication, subject to institutional policies, ethical requirements, participant confidentiality, and applicable data-sharing agreements.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Targeted Cervical Versus Integrated Trunk and Diaphragmatic Muscle Retraining on Pain and Disability in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07691151
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- INT-CMNP / COHSSTD32Jan2026
- Conditions
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain, Physiotherapy, Randomized Controlled Trial, Cervical Motor Control, Pressure Biofeedback, Deep Cervical Flexor Training, Neck Disability, Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Gulf Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 26 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 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.
Persistent pain, functional disability, cervical motor control deficit, and abnormal posture are associated with chronic mechanical neck pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an integrated physiotherapy program of cervical motor control training, lumbopelvic stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and pressure biofeedback versus conventional cervical physiotherapy in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain through a randomized controlled trial.
40 eligible participants were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The two groups were all given supervised physiotherapy three times a week for 6 weeks plus a standardized home exercise program. The main aim was to investigate the efficacy of the interventions on pain intensity and neck related disability. Secondary outcomes were CROM, DCFE, head position, and patient perceived recovery. Outcome measures were conducted at both baseline and the end of the six-week intervention.
Detailed description
Chronic mechanical neck pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions and is related to ongoing pain, diminished cervical movement, poor neck muscle control, poor posture, and diminished functional ability. Conventional physiotherapy emphasizes the mobility, strengthening, stretching and postural correction of the cervical region. Recent research indicates that cervical motor control, trunk stabilization and respiratory training may be beneficial when integrated into a rehabilitation program, as multiple aspects of spinal stability and motor control can be targeted.
The study was designed as a single center, parallel-group, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, to compare the effectiveness of integrated physiotherapy program to conventional cervical physiotherapy in subjects with chronic mechanical neck pain.
Participants were recruited from the outpatient physiotherapy department of Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ajman, UAE, where they met the inclusion criteria for having mechanical neck pain with a duration of at least three months. After obtaining informed consent, participants were allocated by a computer-generated random sequence in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental or control group, with allocation concealed.
The experimental group received an integrated rehabilitation program that included cervical motor control training with pressure biofeedback, lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, diaphragmatic breathing exercises and traditional physiotherapy interventions as clinically needed. The control group received conventional cervical physiotherapy which included cervical range of motion exercises, isometric strengthening, stretching, scapulothoracic strengthening, proprioceptive training, postural exercises, and other standard physiotherapy treatment. Both groups underwent supervised treatment three times a week for six weeks and an identical home exercise program during the intervention.
The primary outcome measures included intensity of pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS]) and neck-related disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]). Secondary outcome measures were the cervical range of motion, deep cervical flexor endurance, craniovertebral angle for head posture and the Global Rating of Change (GROC). Assessment of outcomes was conducted at baseline and at the end of the six-week interventions by an assessor who was not aware of the allocation of the interventions.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated physiotherapy approach including cervical motor control training, lumbopelvic stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and pressure biofeedback in comparison to a conventional cervical physiotherapy approach for reduction of pain, disability, and cervical function and postural control in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- The participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two parallel study arms. The integrated physiotherapy program for the experimental group included cervical motor control training, lumbopelvic stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and pressure biofeedback. Conventional cervical physiotherapy was given to the control group. Each group received three supervised treatments per week for 6 weeks and a standard home exercise program.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Physiotherapy | Experimental | Behavioral: Integrated PhysiotherapyParticipants were treated with a comprehensive physiotherapy intervention that included cervical motor control exercises with pressure biofeedback, lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and additional physiotherapy interventions as clinically necessary. Three times per week for 6 weeks. In addition, a standardized home exercise program was performed during the intervention. |
| Conventional Physiotherapy | Active comparator | Behavioral: Conventional PhysiotherapyAll participants underwent conventional cervical physio, which included cervical range of motion exercises, cervical isometric strengthening, upper trapezius and levator scapulae and pectoral muscles stretching, scapulothoracic strengthening, proprioceptive training, postural correction exercises and intermittent cervical traction as clinically indicated. Treatment was given three times a week for 6 weeks. A standardized home exercise program was also performed by the participants during the intervention period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Age in the range 18-60 years.
- CNMP (lasting more than 3 months).
- NPRS score ≥ 3.
- Head Impact Test (HIT-6) score < 50.
- Absence of clinical signs of cervical radiculopathy.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Participants were excluded if they had cervical radiculopathy, cervical myelopathy, previous cervical spine surgery, spinal fracture, inflammatory arthritis, malignancy, neurological disorders, pregnancy, or any other serious spinal pathology that would make it difficult for the participant to participate in the rehabilitation programme. People with cognitive deficits or any medical condition which hampered their safe involvement in the exercise programme were also excluded.
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 PhysiotherapyParticipants were given an integrated physiotherapy program which comprised motor control training for the cervical spine with pressure biofeedback, lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and a standardized home exercise program. Three treatment sessions per week for six weeks were conducted under supervision. | Behavioural | Integrated Physiotherapy |
| Conventional PhysiotherapyConventional cervical physiotherapy included cervical range-of-motion exercises, isometric strengthening, stretching, scapulothoracic strengthening, proprioceptive training, postural exercises, and a standardized home exercise program. Supervised treatment was provided three times per week for six weeks. | Behavioural | Conventional Physiotherapy |
Primary outcome
Neck Disability
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Neck-related disability will be assessed using the NDI. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Pain intensity will be assessed using the NPRS. The NPRS is an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Lower scores indicate reduced pain intensity.
4 secondary outcomes
Cervical Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Deep Cervical Flexor Endurance
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Head Posture
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Global Rating of Change
Time frame: 6 weeks
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 8 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. The decision regarding the sharing of de-identified individual participant data has not yet been finalized. Data sharing will be considered after study completion and publication, subject to institutional policies, ethical requirements, participant confidentiality, and applicable data-sharing agreements.
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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.
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 Integrated Physiotherapy and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain and Neck Pain, run by Gulf Medical University at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
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 7 inclusion and 1 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 8 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 United Arab Emirates. 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?
Neck Disability (time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks). 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 8 Jul 2026.