The Effectiveness of Breathing Training in Subacute Neck Pain

Summary

The aim of this clinical study is to investigate the effectiveness of breathing training added to a standard physical therapy and exercise program in individuals with non-specific subacute neck pain. Specifically, the study will evaluate the effect of breathing training on functional loss due to neck pain and on respiratory function. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does breathing training reduce functional loss due to neck pain in participants?
* Does breathing training improve respiratory function in participants?

Conditions

• Active Cycle of Breathing Technique
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Breathing Technique
• Neck Pain
• Non Specific Neck Pain
• Subacute Cervical Pain

Interventions

OTHER

Active Cycle of Breathing Technique

The patient will sit comfortably in a chair in a quiet environment, with shoulders relaxed, and will be instructed to perform deep, slow breathing with prolonged exhalation. The cycle will be: Breathing Control-Thoracic Expansion Exercise (TEE)-Breathing Control-Thoracic Expansion Exercise-Breathing Control-Bilateral Thoracic Expansion Exercise (BTEE)-Breathing Control. Each step will be repeated 3-5 times. During TEE and BTEE, proprioceptive tactile stimulation will be applied by resistance during inhalation. The application procedure will be taught in sessions 1 and 2. At home, the patient will place their own hand where the therapist normally places theirs. The program will be performed 3 days/week for 6 weeks, 15-20 minutes/session. Participants will also be instructed to perform the technique at home twice daily.

OTHER

Active Comparator: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

The patient will wear comfortable clothing and sit in a quiet environment. During Progressive Muscle Relaxation, the eyes will be closed and attention will be focused on the body, particularly on muscle tension and relaxation. The session will begin with deep breathing and relaxing music. During inhalation, each muscle group will be contracted for 5 seconds and relaxed for 10 seconds during exhalation, while other muscles remain relaxed. The technique will be applied in order to the hands, arms, face, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, hips, thighs, lower legs, and feet. At the end, all muscles will be contracted and relaxed together, and the relaxed position will be maintained for 2 minutes. The program will be performed 3 days/week for 6 weeks, 15-20 minutes/session.Participants will also be instructed to perform the technique at home twice daily.

OTHER

Exercise Program

The exercise program will include active range of motion (AROM), stretching, scapular stabilization, deep cervical muscle, and postural exercises. During weeks 1-2, the exercises will be performed as 1 set, progressing to 2 sets in week 3. From week 4, resistance will be added to selected exercises as appropriate. These exercises will be performed as 1 set during weeks 4-5 and 2 sets during week 6. The program will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist 3 days per week for 6 weeks, for a total of 18 sessions, with each session lasting 15-20 minutes. Participants will also be instructed to perform the exercises at home twice daily.

OTHER

Traditional Physiotherapy

Traditional physiotherapy will consist of electrotherapy modalities, including hot pack, ultrasound, interferential current, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Traditional physiotherapy will be provided 5 days per week for 3 weeks, with each treatment session lasting 45 minutes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medipol University

  collaborator OTHER

• Istanbul Topkapi University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• İbrahim ARAS · Istanbul Topkapı University, Istanbul,Türkiye,

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

35 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-09-01

Primary Completion

2027-09-20

Completion

2027-09-30

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations