Chronic Non-Specific Neck PainNCT07905339
Cervical Stabilization vs Scapular Clock Exercises for Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
A study testing Cervical Stabilization Exercises and Scapular Clock Exercises in people with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized clinical trial will compare cervical stabilization exercises with scapular clock exercises in 30 adults with chronic non-specific neck pain. Participants will be allocated to Group A (cervical stabilization exercises) or Group B (scapular clock exercises), with 15 participants in each group. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 22 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Cervical Stabilization Exercises and Scapular Clock Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 22 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 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 22 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 22-35 years. Male and female participants. Chronic non-specific neck pain lasting more than 12 weeks. Ability to understand and follow exercise instructions. Neck Disability Index (NDI) score indicating mild to moderate disability. NPRS score of 3-6
Who cannot join
- History of cervical fracture, tumor, infection, or cervical spine surgery. Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. Neurological disorders affecting the neck or upper limbs. Recent trauma to the cervical spine. Rheumatologic or systemic inflammatory diseases.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Cervical Stabilization Exercises and Scapular Clock Exercises on Pain, Cervical Range of Motion and Disability in Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
This randomized clinical trial will compare cervical stabilization exercises with scapular clock exercises in 30 adults with chronic non-specific neck pain. Participants will be allocated to Group A (cervical stabilization exercises) or Group B (scapular clock exercises), with 15 participants in each group. Both groups will receive three supervised sessions per week for six weeks (18 sessions; approximately 30-40 minutes per session), along with a 10-minute cervical hot pack, pain-free active cervical range-of-motion exercises, postural education, and home-exercise instructions. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical range of motion using a inclinometer, and neck-related disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), before treatment and at the end of six weeks. The study aims to compare changes in pain, cervical mobility, and disability between the two exercise approaches
- Conditions
- Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Cervical Stabilization Exercises, Scapular Clock Exercises
- Keywords
- Neck Pain, cervical stabilization exercises, scapular clock exercises, range of motion
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Cervical Stabilization ExercisesOther
Participants will perform cranio-cervical flexion, chin-tuck, deep cervical flexor activation, and cervical isometric exercises. Exercises will progress over six weeks, with quadruped cervical stabilization and controlled upper-limb movements introduced during weeks 5-6
Scapular Clock ExercisesOther
Participants will practice scapular elevation (12 o'clock), protraction (3 o'clock), depression (6 o'clock), and retraction (9 o'clock), progressing to wall-based, multidirectional, and diagonal clock patterns. Both groups will receive three sessions weekly for six weeks, each approximately 30-40 minutes, plus the same conventional care and postural education described above
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Participants will perform cranio-cervical flexion, chin-tuck, deep cervical flexor activation, and cervical isometric exercises. Exercises will progress over six weeks, with quadruped cervical stabilization and controlled upper-limb movements introduced during weeks 5-6. Receives: Other: Cervical Stabilization Exercises |
| Scapular Clock Exercises | Active comparator | Group B - Scapular Clock Exercises: Participants will practice scapular elevation (12 o'clock), protraction (3 o'clock), depression (6 o'clock), and retraction (9 o'clock), progressing to wall-based, multidirectional, and diagonal clock patterns. Both groups will receive three sessions weekly for six weeks, each approximately 30-40 minutes, plus the same conventional care and postural education described above. Receives: Other: Scapular Clock Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
An 11-point scale used to rate pain intensity (3). A score of 0 means no pain. Scores of 1 to 3 are mild pain (nagging, annoying, and interferes little with ADLs). Scores of 4 to 6 are moderate pain (interferes significantly with ADLs). Scores of 7 to 10 are severe pain (disabling, unable to perform ADLs). Patients rate their current shoulder pain at baseline and after six weeks.
Measured: baseline and after 6 weeks
Goniometric range of motion
The smartphone inclinometer is a mobile version of a medical device called an inclinometer that can be used to measure joint range of motion (ROM) accurately and objectively. It uses the smartphone's sensors to determine angle of displacement and outputs the reading in degrees. Smartphones are valid, reliable, cost-effective tools to measure neck ROM in real-world clinical and research settings
Measured: baseline and after 6 weeks
NECK DISABILITY INDEX (NDI)
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to assess functional disability related to neck pain. It consists of 10 items; each scored from 0 to 5. The total score ranges from 0 to 50,with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NDI is a valid and reliable self-reported questionnaire and is one of the most widely used instruments for measuring neck-related disability in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain.
Measured: baseline and after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Oct 2026
- Study start22 Oct 2026
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Non-Specific 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Rabia Majeed, University of Management and Technology Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07905339
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE-177-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 29 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Cervical Stabilization Exercises and Scapular Clock Exercises on Pain, Cervical Range of Motion and Disability in Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07905339
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RE-177-2026
- Conditions
- Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Neck Pain, cervical stabilization exercises, scapular clock exercises, range of motion
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Oct 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 clinical trial will compare cervical stabilization exercises with scapular clock exercises in 30 adults with chronic non-specific neck pain. Participants will be allocated to Group A (cervical stabilization exercises) or Group B (scapular clock exercises), with 15 participants in each group. Both groups will receive three supervised sessions per week for six weeks (18 sessions; approximately 30-40 minutes per session), along with a 10-minute cervical hot pack, pain-free active cervical range-of-motion exercises, postural education, and home-exercise instructions. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical range of motion using a inclinometer, and neck-related disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), before treatment and at the end of six weeks. The study aims to compare changes in pain, cervical mobility, and disability between the two exercise approaches
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Other: Cervical Stabilization ExercisesParticipants will perform cranio-cervical flexion, chin-tuck, deep cervical flexor activation, and cervical isometric exercises. Exercises will progress over six weeks, with quadruped cervical stabilization and controlled upper-limb movements introduced during weeks 5-6. |
| Scapular Clock Exercises | Active comparator | Other: Scapular Clock ExercisesGroup B - Scapular Clock Exercises: Participants will practice scapular elevation (12 o'clock), protraction (3 o'clock), depression (6 o'clock), and retraction (9 o'clock), progressing to wall-based, multidirectional, and diagonal clock patterns. Both groups will receive three sessions weekly for six weeks, each approximately 30-40 minutes, plus the same conventional care and postural education described above. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 22 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Adults aged 22-35 years. Male and female participants. Chronic non-specific neck pain lasting more than 12 weeks. Ability to understand and follow exercise instructions. Neck Disability Index (NDI) score indicating mild to moderate disability. NPRS score of 3-6
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- History of cervical fracture, tumor, infection, or cervical spine surgery. Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. Neurological disorders affecting the neck or upper limbs. Recent trauma to the cervical spine. Rheumatologic or systemic inflammatory diseases.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Stabilization ExercisesParticipants will perform cranio-cervical flexion, chin-tuck, deep cervical flexor activation, and cervical isometric exercises. Exercises will progress over six weeks, with quadruped cervical stabilization and controlled upper-limb movements introduced during weeks 5-6 | Other | Cervical Stabilization Exercises |
| Scapular Clock ExercisesParticipants will practice scapular elevation (12 o'clock), protraction (3 o'clock), depression (6 o'clock), and retraction (9 o'clock), progressing to wall-based, multidirectional, and diagonal clock patterns. Both groups will receive three sessions weekly for six weeks, each approximately 30-40 minutes, plus the same conventional care and postural education described above | Other | Scapular Clock Exercises |
Primary outcome
. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: baseline and after 6 weeks
An 11-point scale used to rate pain intensity (3). A score of 0 means no pain. Scores of 1 to 3 are mild pain (nagging, annoying, and interferes little with ADLs). Scores of 4 to 6 are moderate pain (interferes significantly with ADLs). Scores of 7 to 10 are severe pain (disabling, unable to perform ADLs). Patients rate their current shoulder pain at baseline and after six weeks.
Goniometric range of motion
Time frame: baseline and after 6 weeks
The smartphone inclinometer is a mobile version of a medical device called an inclinometer that can be used to measure joint range of motion (ROM) accurately and objectively. It uses the smartphone's sensors to determine angle of displacement and outputs the reading in degrees. Smartphones are valid, reliable, cost-effective tools to measure neck ROM in real-world clinical and research settings
NECK DISABILITY INDEX (NDI)
Time frame: baseline and after 6 weeks
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to assess functional disability related to neck pain. It consists of 10 items; each scored from 0 to 5. The total score ranges from 0 to 50,with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NDI is a valid and reliable self-reported questionnaire and is one of the most widely used instruments for measuring neck-related disability in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain.
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 29 Oct 2026.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Related trials for Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
RecruitingObservational study
Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity in Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain
Neck Pain
Not yet recruiting
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Exercises and Suboccipital Myofascial Release Techniques in Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain
Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
Recruiting
Telerehabilitation, Face-to-Face Exercises, and a Mixed Model in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain
Recruiting
Clinical and Brain Activity Assessment Before and After Physiotherapy in People With Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain
Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Chronic Neck Pain
Recruiting
Effects of Physiotherapy Approaches on Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain
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 Cervical Stabilization Exercises and Scapular Clock Exercises in people with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain, run by University of Management and Technology 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 1 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Oct 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?
. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: baseline and after 6 weeks). The study lists 3 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 29 Oct 2026.