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Reciprocal Inhibition vs PNF for Cervical Spondylitis

NCT07637812 · Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2026-06-10

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Cervical spondylitis is a common cause of chronic neck pain and limited function. Physiotherapists often use two manual techniques: Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) and Passive Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching. However, no previous study has directly compared these two techniques in patients with confirmed cervical spondylitis. This randomized controlled trial will include 60 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylitis based on clinical and imaging findings. Participants will be randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A will receive Reciprocal Inhibition Technique. Group B will receive Passive PNF Stretching. Both groups will receive 12 sessions over 4 weeks, with three sessions per week on alternate days. Pain will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Functional disability will be measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Cervical range of motion will be measured using a standard goniometer. All measurements will be taken at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The goal is to determine which technique is more effective for reducing pain, improving function, and increasing neck mobility in cervical spondylitis patients

Conditions

  • Cervical Spondylitis

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Reciprocal Inhibition Technique

Patient sits upright with back support. Therapist stands behind and passively moves the patient's neck until first resistance. Patient then performs a pain-free isometric contraction against therapist's resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, therapist moves neck into greater range of motion. Three repetitions performed for cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Total 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions/week, alternate days). Performed by a licensed physiotherapist.

PROCEDURE

Passive PNF Stretching

Patient sits comfortably. Therapist applies one stretch per cervical muscle group. Each stretch: 30-second passive hold, followed by 10-second push (patient gently pushes against therapist), then 10 seconds relaxation. Two sets performed for cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Recovery period between sets. Total 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions/week, alternate days). Performed by a licensed physiotherapist.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Faisalabad

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
25 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-01-01
Primary Completion
2026-05-24
Completion
2026-06-15

Countries

  • Pakistan

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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 NCT07637812 on ClinicalTrials.gov