Text Neck Syndrome is increasingly common in young adults due to prolonged smartphone use and is linked to postural changes and impaired sensorimotor control. Although its effects on visual-vestibular integration, balance, and proprioception are still unknown, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) may improve neuromuscular function by enhancing afferent input and mechanoreceptor stimulation. This study investigates whether IASTM can improve sensorimotor processing in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome.
Adults aged 18-30
Using the phone or computer for 3 h or more per day.
Neck pain (recurrent history of neck pain in the previous 4 months, a pain level greater than or equal to 4/10 on the NPRS (moderate pain))
Upper back pain,
History of cervical spine surgery, trauma, or fracture
Any diagnosed neurological disorders (cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, etc.)
Any diagnosed MSK related issue (torticollis, scoliosis, diagnosed disc prolapse, stenosis, herniation, spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, etc.)
Parallel
IASTM + Conventional Physiotherapy
Other interventionParticipants will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in addition to conventional physiotherapy. IASTM will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital muscles, and cervical extensors using stainless steel instruments. Conventional therapy will include cervical isometric exercises, deep cervical flexor activation, scapular strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, thoracic extension exercises, and postural re-education. Treatment will be administered twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions total).
Conventional Physiotherapy (Exercise-based) (control group)
Other interventionParticipants will receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of cervical isometric strengthening exercises, deep cervical flexor activation exercises, scapular strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, thoracic extension exercises, and postural re-education. Treatment will be administered twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions total).
Fukuda stepping test - vestibular deviation
• Evaluates vestibulospinal reflex integrity by observing angular deviation during stepping in place with eyes closed. It indicates asymmetry in vestibular or sensory motor control. The FST is based on vestibulospinal reflex and widely used for evaluation of labyrinthine function. The significant displacement or rotation (more than 45°) is considered abnormal and suggest a vestibular imbalance.
Dynamic visual acuity test
● Assesses visual vestibular interaction by measuring visual acuity during active head movement. It detects gaze instability caused by impaired vestibulo- ocular reflex (VOR) and sensory-motor mismatch. A difference of two or more lines on eye-chart than seen in static visual acuity is considered abnormal.
Cervical Joint Position Error (JPE) Test
A clinical test used to assess cervical proprioceptive accuracy by measuring a person's ability to relocate their head to a neutral position after active neck movement. It quantifies repositioning errors that may result from altered cervical joint and muscle spindle function, commonly seen in neck pain and after muscle fatigue. The deviation of 7.1 cm is equivalent to 4.5° thus, the joint position error of greater than 4.5° is considered as positive.
Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
A 14-item observational tool called the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is used to evaluate both static and dynamic balance while doing functional tasks. Its overall score is 56, where a score of less than 45 indicates a higher danger of falling.
Universal Goniometer
A manual instrument used to assess active cervical spine range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation, and side-bending). It provides quantitative data for cervical mobility changes.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options:
