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Upper Trapezius Stretching in Patients With Cervical Spondylosis

Efficacy of Upper Trapezius Stretching on Neck Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Patients With Cervical Spondylosis: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Status
UNKNOWN
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05920564
Enrollment
64
Registered
2023-06-27
Start date
2023-06-28
Completion date
2024-03-01
Last updated
2023-06-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cervical Spondylosis

Brief summary

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of upper trapezius stretching exercises on pain intensity, neck range of motion, and disability in patients with cervical spondylosis. Patients with diagnosed cervical spondylosis will be randomly assigned to either a study group performing upper trapezius stretches or a control group. Both groups will receive heat treatment and strengthening exercises. The study group will additionally perform specific upper trapezius stretching exercises. Outcomes measures will be assessed before and after 4 weeks of intervention and will include neck pain intensity, range of motion, and disability using the Neck Disability Index. The study hypothesizes that the study group will demonstrate greater improvements in pain, range of motion, and disability compared to the control group. The study findings could provide data to guide physical therapy management of cervical spondylosis.

Interventions

OTHERUpper fibers of trapezius stretching

The Upper fibers of trapezius stretching intervention involves specific stretching exercises designed to target the upper fibers of the trapezius muscle. The stretching exercises will be performed under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist and will involve extending the neck while gently pulling the head downward to stretch the upper fibers of the trapezius muscle. The intervention is designed to improve neck range of motion, reduce pain intensity, and reduce disability in patients with cervical spondylosis. The duration and frequency of the stretching exercises will be standardized across participants, and adherence will be monitored throughout the study period.

OTHERStandard care

The Control Group in this study will receive standard care, including heat treatment and strengthening exercises, but will not receive the specific Upper fibers of trapezius stretching intervention that is being tested in the Treatment Group.

Sponsors

Ahram Canadian University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Diagnosis of cervical spondylosis confirmed by orthopedic specialist * Presence of neck pain for at least 3 months * willingness to participate in the study and comply with the intervention

Exclusion criteria

* Recent neck trauma or fractures (within 6 months) * Previous neck surgery * Concurrent medical conditions that could affect neck pain and range of motion (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) * Concurrent physical therapy or rehabilitation for neck or shoulder * Use of corticosteroids within past 3 months * Pregnancy or serious circulatory conditions (due to use of heat pack) * Known hypersensitivity to heat or cold * Cognitive impairment that could interfere with ability to understand and complete self-report questionnaires and comply with interventions

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Changes in Neck pain intensityChanges in neck pain intensity at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention and 3 monthself-reported pain intensity in the neck region using a numerical rating scale (NRS).
Changes in Neck range of motionChanges in neck range of motion at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention and 3 monthsDegree of neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation using a goniometer.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Changes in Neck Disability IndexChanges in Neck Disability Index at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention and 3 monthsSelf-reported disability due to neck pain based on a 10-item questionnaire covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping and recreation. Scored from 0-50, higher scores indicate greater disability.

Countries

Egypt

Contacts

Primary ContactMohamed M ElMeligie, Ph.d
mohamed.elmeligie@acu.edu.eg+201064442032

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026