The Effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises Compared to Localized Exercises and Standard Care on Pain Intensity, Neck Dysfunction, and Upper Cervical Range of Motion in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Summary

Many people experience long-lasting neck pain, which can affect daily life, work, and overall well-being. This study aims to find out which type of exercise program is most effective in reducing neck pain, improving neck movement, and making daily activities easier.

What Is Being Studied?:

The study compares three different types of treatment:

DNS Exercises (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization):

Whole-body exercises focusing on posture, breathing, and core stability.

Localized Neck Exercises:

Targeted exercises for the neck and shoulder muscles.

Standard Care:

Usual physiotherapy treatment commonly provided in clinical practice.

Study Procedures:

Participants are randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Each participant receives individual exercise instruction from a physiotherapist.

Participants are also given simple home exercises to perform on their own. The study lasts for about 12 weeks.

What Will Be Measured?:

At the beginning, during, and at the end of the study, the following will be assessed:

Neck pain intensity (pain scale) Neck range of motion How much the pain affects daily life and activities

Possible Benefits:

Participants may experience:

Less neck pain Improved neck mobility Better overall body awareness Even if not every participant notices improvement, taking part will help researchers improve future treatment options for chronic neck pain.

Risks:

No major risks are expected. All exercises are supervised by qualified physiotherapists and adjusted to each participant's abilities.

Participation can be stopped at any time if discomfort or pain occurs.

Voluntary Participation and Data Privacy:

Participation is completely voluntary. All personal data will be kept confidential and analyzed anonymously for research purposes only.

Participants may withdraw from the study at any time without any disadvantages.

Conditions

• Neck Pain
• Neck Pain Musculoskeletal
• Chronic Neck Pain
• Neck Disease
• Neck Disability

Interventions

OTHER

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a physiotherapy approach based on developmental kinesiology. It uses specific postural and breathing exercises to restore spinal stability, improve motor control, and enhance cervical function under physiotherapist supervision.

OTHER

Local Exercises

Localized neck exercises target deep and superficial cervical muscles through specific strengthening, motor control, and stabilization drills. The program includes chin tucks, resisted movements, and scapular stabilization, supervised by a physiotherapist to improve pain, function, and coordination.

OTHER

Usual Care

Usual care includes standard physiotherapy for chronic neck pain: patient education, manual therapy, heat application, and general stretching or mobility exercises. Treatment follows typical clinical practice and is adjusted to individual needs.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hochschule Osnabruck

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-02-02

Primary Completion

2026-12-31

Completion

2026-12-31