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Additional Effects of Semispinalis Cervicis Strengthening With Craniocervical Flexion Training on Chronic Neck Pain

NCT07179133 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 42

Last updated 2025-09-23

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Chronic neck pain affects 30-50% of individuals annually and is a leading cause of disability, often linked to muscle imbalances and compensatory over activation of superficial muscles. While craniocervical flexion trainning (CCFT) improves neuromuscular control and reduces pain, limited researches has examined the additional benefits of semispinalis cervicis strengthening. This randomized controlled trial, conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital and Foundation University College of Physical Therapy will assess the effects of combining semispinalis cervicis strengthening with CCFT on pain, cervical erange of motion, muscle strength and functional disability. Participants will be randomly assigned to either CCFT alone or CCFT with semispinalis cervicis strengthening, performed three times per week for four weeks. Data will be collected at baseline, mid study (week 2) and end of study (week 4) using the Numeric pain rating scale, Goniometer, Sphygmomanometer and Nexk disability index. This study addresses a research gap by exploring deep cervical extensors strengthening alongside CCFT, potentially improving rehabilitation strategies for pain relief, cervical stability and functional recovery.

Conditions

  • Chronic Neck Pain

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Craniocervical Flexion Training alone

10-minute hot pack treatment before starting the protocol. Week 1: Muscle Activation, • Hold for 5-10 seconds. * Perform in supine with a sphygmomanometer device. * Nod head gently as if saying "yes," aiming for 20-22 mmHg. Week 2: Endurance Training Goal: • Hold for 10-15 seconds. Increase holding time and precision. Exercise: • Maintain the contraction at 24-26 mmHg on the device. Week 3: Strength and Postural Training •Hold for 15 seconds. Exercise: * Perform CCFT in sitting or standing. Week 4: Functional Integration * Maintain contraction during functional tasks (e.g., desk work). * Hold for 15-20 seconds. * Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions.

PROCEDURE

Semispinalis Cervicis strengthening with Craniocervical Flexion Training:

Craniocervical flexion training will be same as given to group A. Week 1: Semispinalis Cervicis Activation: * Patient sits upright with neutral spine. * Therapist applies gentle manual resistance at C2 vertebra while the patient resists backward motion. * Hold for 3-5 seconds, then relax. Week 2: Progressive Activation with Increased Resistance: * Apply moderate manual resistance at C2. * Hold for 5 seconds, focusing on controlled movement. Week 3: Strength and Functional Coordination with Dynamic Resistance: * Introduce light movement (e.g., slight backward head tilt) under resistance. * Therapist adjusts resistance dynamically. Week 4: Advanced Endurance and Functional Integration with Functional Movements: * Combine resistance training with controlled head rotations or slight lateral flexion. * Maintain resistance and stability. * Reps/Sets: 3-4 sets of 12 reps.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Foundation University Islamabad

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Andleeb Zahra · Foundation University Islamabad

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
35 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-09-30
Primary Completion
2026-10-01
Completion
2026-11-01

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07179133 on ClinicalTrials.gov