Chronic Neck PainNCT07764471
Effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization on Chronic Neck Pain and Range of Motion
A study testing Conventional Physical Therapy Program and Mulligan technique in people with Chronic Neck Pain, run by Prof. Mosab Saleem Hamed Amoudi at 1 site in Palestinian Territories.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) to conventional physiotherapy in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Conventional Physical Therapy Program and Mulligan technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 76 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePalestinian Territories
- Study dates
- 15 Feb 2026to 25 May 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 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-65 years
- Chronic mechanical neck pain lasting ≥ 3 months
- NDI score ≥ 10
- Ability to attend 3 sessions per week
Who cannot join
- Previous cervical spine surgery
- Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
- Vertebral artery insufficiency
- Rheumatologic or neurological disorders
- Ongoing physiotherapy elsewhere
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Palestinian Territories1 site
PhysioFlex - Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center-Nablus
Nablus, Nablus, +970
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization on Chronic Neck Pain and Range of Motion: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) to conventional physiotherapy in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Seventy-six participants aged 18-65 years were randomly assigned to receive either conventional physiotherapy alone or conventional physiotherapy combined with MWM for four weeks. Pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to compare changes in pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability between the two treatment groups.
Read the detailed description
Chronic mechanical neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with neck pain, reduced cervical mobility, and functional limitations. Conventional physiotherapy is commonly used in the management of chronic mechanical neck pain. Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) is a manual therapy technique that combines sustained joint mobilization with active movement and may be used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy.
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effect of adding Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) to conventional physiotherapy in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain.
A total of 76 participants aged 18 to 65 years were initially enrolled in the study. Six participants were excluded before randomization according to the study eligibility criteria. The remaining 70 participants were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy alone (n = 32) and an experimental group receiving conventional physiotherapy combined with Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (n = 38).
Both groups received treatment three times per week for four consecutive weeks. The control group received the conventional physiotherapy program specified in the study protocol. The experimental group received the same conventional physiotherapy program with the addition of Mulligan Mobilization with Movement.
The primary outcome measures included pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Cervical range of motion was measured using goniometry. Functional disability related to neck pain was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and following completion of the four-week intervention period. The outcome measures were used to compare changes between the two treatment groups.
Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with adjustment for baseline measurements. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d and partial eta squared (η²) to quantify the magnitude of between-group differences.
The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to compare conventional physiotherapy alone with conventional physiotherapy combined with Mulligan Mobilization with Movement in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain.
- Conditions
- Chronic Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Conventional Physical Therapy Program, Mulligan technique
- Keywords
- Chronic neck pain, Mulligan concept, Mobilization with Movement, Cervical range of motion, Randomized controlled trial
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Conventional Physical Therapy ProgramOther
Included of Cervical mobility and strengthening exercises, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Soft tissue massage
Mulligan techniqueOther
Also called Mulligan Concept
The Mulligan Concept is a manual therapy approach developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan in the 1980s. It includes techniques such as Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and the Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG), which have attracted significant attention for their effectiveness in treating neck pain.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control group (A) (n = 32) received a conventional physical therapy program | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Conventional Physical Therapy Program |
| The experimental group (B) (n=38) received conventional program, with addition to Mulligan technique | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Conventional Physical Therapy Program; Other: Mulligan technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from baseline in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 0-10 cm scale, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore worse outcomes. Pain intensity will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention. The change in pain score from baseline to post-intervention will be reported.
Measured: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change from baseline in cervical range of motion (ROM) measured by goniometer (degrees)
Cervical range of motion (ROM) will be measured in degrees (°) using a goniometer at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention. Cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion will be assessed. The change in cervical ROM from baseline to post-intervention will be reported. Greater cervical ROM within the expected physiological range indicates better cervical mobility.
Measured: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)
Change from baseline in neck-related disability measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Neck-related disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a 10-item self-reported questionnaire. Each item is scored from 0 to 5, with a total score ranging from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater neck-related disability and therefore worse outcomes. The NDI will be administered at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention. The change in total NDI score from baseline to post-intervention will be reported.
Measured: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Aug 2026
- Study start15 Feb 2026
- Primary completion18 May 2026
- Study completion25 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 76 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Prof. Mosab Saleem Hamed Amoudi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Prof. Mosab Saleem Hamed Amoudi, Arab American University (Palestine)
- Investigators
- Mosab S Amoudi, Principal investigator, Arab American University (Palestine)
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07764471
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AAUJ-PT-2026-01
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 14 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 14 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization on Chronic Neck Pain and Range of Motion: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07764471
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AAUJ-PT-2026-01
- Conditions
- Chronic Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Chronic neck pain, Mulligan concept, Mobilization with Movement, Cervical range of motion, Randomized controlled trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 76 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Prof. Mosab Saleem Hamed AmoudiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 18 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Aug 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 randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of adding Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) to conventional physiotherapy in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Seventy-six participants aged 18-65 years were randomly assigned to receive either conventional physiotherapy alone or conventional physiotherapy combined with MWM for four weeks. Pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to compare changes in pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability between the two treatment groups.
Detailed description
Chronic mechanical neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with neck pain, reduced cervical mobility, and functional limitations. Conventional physiotherapy is commonly used in the management of chronic mechanical neck pain. Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) is a manual therapy technique that combines sustained joint mobilization with active movement and may be used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy.
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effect of adding Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) to conventional physiotherapy in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain.
A total of 76 participants aged 18 to 65 years were initially enrolled in the study. Six participants were excluded before randomization according to the study eligibility criteria. The remaining 70 participants were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy alone (n = 32) and an experimental group receiving conventional physiotherapy combined with Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (n = 38).
Both groups received treatment three times per week for four consecutive weeks. The control group received the conventional physiotherapy program specified in the study protocol. The experimental group received the same conventional physiotherapy program with the addition of Mulligan Mobilization with Movement.
The primary outcome measures included pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Cervical range of motion was measured using goniometry. Functional disability related to neck pain was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and following completion of the four-week intervention period. The outcome measures were used to compare changes between the two treatment groups.
Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with adjustment for baseline measurements. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d and partial eta squared (η²) to quantify the magnitude of between-group differences.
The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to compare conventional physiotherapy alone with conventional physiotherapy combined with Mulligan Mobilization with Movement in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control group (A) (n = 32) received a conventional physical therapy program | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Physical Therapy Program |
| The experimental group (B) (n=38) received conventional program, with addition to Mulligan technique | Experimental | Other: Conventional Physical Therapy Program, Other: Mulligan technique |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age 18-65 years
- Chronic mechanical neck pain lasting ≥ 3 months
- NDI score ≥ 10
- Ability to attend 3 sessions per week
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Previous cervical spine surgery
- Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
- Vertebral artery insufficiency
- Rheumatologic or neurological disorders
- Ongoing physiotherapy elsewhere
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Physical Therapy ProgramIncluded of Cervical mobility and strengthening exercises, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Soft tissue massage | Other | Control group (A) (n = 32) received a conventional physical therapy program, The experimental group (B) (n=38) received conventional program, with addition to Mulligan technique |
| Mulligan techniqueAlso: Mulligan ConceptThe Mulligan Concept is a manual therapy approach developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan in the 1980s. It includes techniques such as Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and the Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG), which have attracted significant attention for their effectiveness in treating neck pain. | Other | The experimental group (B) (n=38) received conventional program, with addition to Mulligan technique |
Primary outcome
Change from baseline in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 0-10 cm scale, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore worse outcomes. Pain intensity will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention. The change in pain score from baseline to post-intervention will be reported.
2 secondary outcomes
Change from baseline in cervical range of motion (ROM) measured by goniometer (degrees)
Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)
Change from baseline in neck-related disability measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)
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 14 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Mosab S Amoudi principal investigator
Arab American University (Palestine)
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Conventional Physical Therapy Program and Mulligan technique in people with Chronic Neck Pain, run by Prof. Mosab Saleem Hamed Amoudi at 1 site in Palestinian Territories.
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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 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 Palestinian Territories. 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?
Change from baseline in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)). 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 14 Aug 2026.