Neck pain. Cervicalgia
Conditions
Interventions
Intervention 1: Intervention group: Intervention group 1 (Chest-up / Sternal lift exercises):After baseline assessments, participants are randomly allocated to two exercise groups using the sealed env
Sponsors
The University of Tarbiat Modares
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Male
Age
20 Years to 50 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Presence of neck pain in the posterior cervical region with moderate pain intensity (VAS score between 35 and 74 Craniovertebral Angle less than 53 degrees Male participants aged between 20 and 50 years
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Presence of cervical radiculopathy or discopathy (based on radiographic or MRI findings) History of any surgery in the neck region Presence of thoracic kyphosis greater than 45 degrees (thoracic hyperkyphosis) Radiologic signs of severe osteoarthritis Presence of any inflammatory disease History of malignancy Congenital spinal deformities Individuals with BMI > 30 kg/m² Previous injury to the neck or upper back area involving T1–T6 levels Professional training or having received physiotherapy due to neck pain within the past six months before examination Other concurrent musculoskeletal disorders or neurological symptoms
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Neck pain intensity is considered as an indicator of the participants’ subjective experience of pain. This variable reflects the perceived level of pain in the neck region and is used to evaluate the effect of the exercise interventions on changes in pain intensity. Timepoint: Neck pain intensity is measured at two time points: at baseline before the initiation of the intervention and at the end of the intervention period after completion of the treatment sessions. Method of measurement: Neck pain intensity is measured using the visual analogue scale. This scale consists of a 100-millimeter horizontal line, with one end representing no pain and the other end representing the worst imaginable pain. Participants are asked to indicate their neck pain intensity on this line at the time of assessment, and the pain score is recorded in millimeters.;The craniovertebral angle as an indicator of head posture, representing the anterior displacement of the head relative to the cervical spine. This angle is defined by the intersection of a horizontal line passing through the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra and a line connecting this point to the tragus of the ear. Changes in the craniovertebral angle reflect improvement or worsening of forward head posture and this variable is considered the primary outcome for determining the effect of the exercise interventions and for sample size calculation. Timepoint: Measurement of the craniovertebral angle is performed at two time points: at baseline before the initiation of the intervention and at the end of the intervention period after completion of the exercise sessions. Method of measurement: The craniovertebral angle is measured using digital photography in a natural standing posture, a seated position, and during a functional typing task. The captured images are analyzed using angle analysis software. The spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra and the tragus of the ear are identified as anatomical landma | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Chest expansion is considered a functional indicator of thoracic mobility and respiratory–musculoskeletal coordination. This variable represents the change in chest circumference between maximal inspiration and maximal expiration and is used to evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on improving thoracic mobility in individuals with neck pain accompanied by forward head posture. Timepoint: Chest expansion is measured at two time points: at baseline before the initiation of the intervention and at the end of the intervention period after completion of the exercise sessions. Method of measurement: Chest expansion is measured using a fabric measuring tape at two different levels of the thorax.The anatomical landmarks for the upper chest level include the third intercostal space, the midclavicular line, and the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra.The anatomical landmarks for the lower chest level include the xiphoid process and the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra.Chest circumference at each level is recorded following maximal inspiration and maximal expiration, which are taught to the participants prior to measurement. Measurements are performed in the standing position with the arms positioned alongside the body. The physiotherapist places the zero mark of the measuring tape over the corresponding vertebral landmarks, and the fabric tape is held without causing skin folds or deformation, maintaining a consistent distance using the index finger between the participant’s body and the tape. The difference between inspiratory and expiratory measurements is calculated as the chest expansion value at each level.;The Neck Disability Index is considered as a secondary outcome variable in this study to assess the level of disability associated with neck pain in patients with neck pain. This index evaluates the impact of neck pain on the performance of daily activities. Timepoint: The Neck Disability Index is measured at two time points: at basel | — |
Countries
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Contacts
Public ContactSoroosh Mostafaei
Tarbiat Modares University
Outcome results
None listed