Cervical Spine
Conditions
Keywords
cervical spine, stretching, flexion, extension, cervical restrictions
Brief summary
Neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) are common musculoskeletal concerns that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily routine. This is especially true for medical students who spend a disproportionate amount of time on their computers or mobile devices, as is required by their long study hours. A simple stretching routine is often recommended by physicians and physical therapists alike, but there is little research examining short-term changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) and pain when a brief, structured daily stretching program is used. The goal of this single-group study is to test feasibility and determine how well a daily cervical stretching regimen affects cervical ROM and self-reported pain in osteopathic medical students with cervical ROM restrictions. Researchers will measure changes in cervical ROM using a goniometer and changes in pain levels via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will be asked to complete a 7-day period of no stretching, during which natural measurements will be taken, followed by 7 days of completing the 5-minute stretching routine, after which more measurements will be taken. Participants will also be asked to complete a post-study survey and a 1-month follow-up survey to provide feedback on the study and the stretching routine.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALGuided Cervical Stretching Regimen
Participants will perform a standardized 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine once daily for 7 days. The instruction will be delivered via an in-person tutorial on the first day, followed by a pre-recorded instructional video that participants will follow each of the following 6 days. The stretching routine will target cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements.
Sponsors
Western University of Health Sciences
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
The measurements will be conducted by blinded assessors who are unaware of which day/time point the measurements are being taken for each participant. Another investigator will then take those measurements and enter them into the record for the appropriate time slot for each participant.
Intervention model description
A single-arm prospective study with a non-randomized within-subject control phase.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Must be currently enrolled OMSI or OMSII student at the Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS), College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP). * Demonstrates a range of motion restriction or presents with cervical pain or both. (Normal range of motion in the cervical spine is Flexion and Extension of 60 degrees, Sidebending of 45 degrees, and Rotation of 8090 degrees.) * Reports mild to moderate cervical pain (VAS score between 2 and 5 or mild to moderate). * Agrees to complete daily cervical stretching exercises as instructed and will adhere to all study protocols. * Must be 18 years or older.
Exclusion criteria
* History of severe cervical spine injuries (e.g., fractures, herniated discs requiring surgical intervention, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy). * Diagnosed inflammatory or degenerative conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis). * Contraindications to stretching exercises, such as recent surgery or other physical therapy restrictions. * Conditions that affect neuromuscular function or ROM measurements, such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy. * VAS score \> 7 or pain severe enough to inhibit participation in daily stretching exercises. * Below the age of 18
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) | Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14. | Changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) will be analyzed using goniometer measurements in degrees. The measurements of cervical ROM will include flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. A blinded assessor will conduct assessments to minimize measurement bias. |
| Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14 | Changes in pain levels will be measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). This will allow for assessment of subjective pain intensity. The instrument is scored on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), with accompanying representative facial expressions. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in the Neck Disability Index (NDI) | Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14 | The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to evaluate neck-related disability and quality of life in participants. This survey evaluates the impact of cervical pain and ROM on daily activities. It will be measured on an interval scale of 0 to 50. |
| Participant Feedback on the Feasibility/Effectiveness of the Stretching Routine and How Experience Might Influence Their Approach to Patient Care | Day 14 post-intervention to Day 30 (1-month follow-up) | Participant feedback will be collected through structured post-intervention Qualtrics Surveys designed by the research team to evaluate perceptions of the intervention's effectiveness, feasibility, and clinical applicability |
| Adherence Rates to Stretching Regimen | Baseline to Day 14 to 1 Month Follow-up | Self-reported adherence rates will be documented through daily compliance diaries and a one-month follow-up survey. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTKrista Lund, DO
CONTACTEric S Martinez, BS
Outcome results
None listed