Ischemic Compression and Home Exercise in Non-Specific Neck Pain
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age17-65
SponsorIstanbul Rumeli University
About this trial
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ischemic compression combined with home exercise on pain, cervical range of motion, neck disability level, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving ischemic compression plus home exercises, and a control group receiving only home exercises. The study aims to provide clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of combined treatment approaches for non-specific neck pain.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years.
Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
Voluntarily agreeing to participate and signing the informed consent form.
Disqualifiers
Presence of specific causes of neck pain (cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, tumor, infection, rheumatic diseases, etc.).
Having undergone surgical intervention in the neck region within the last 6 months.
History of neurological disease.
History of surgery in the cervical or thoracic vertebrae.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Ischemic Compression
Other interventionThe intervention group will receive ischemic compression applied to palpable trigger points in the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major/minor, obliquus capitis), and splenius capitis muscles for 90 seconds with gradually increasing pressure at the individual's pain tolerance threshold. Ischemic compression will be performed by the therapist applying perpendicular, controlled, and gradually increasing pressure to the trigger point using the thumb or an appropriate contact surface. The pressure will be maintained at the participant's tolerable pain threshold (uncomfortable but bearable) and sustained for approximately 90 seconds per trigger point. Participant feedback will be obtained during the application; in cases of excessive pain or discomfort, the pressure will be reduced or the application will be terminated. The aim of the application is to reduce local tenderness at the trigger point, regulate muscle tone, and
Home Exercise Program
Other interventionParticipants will perform a structured program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical region. The program will be performed twice daily for the duration of the study.
Treatment groups
52 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Experimental GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Control GroupActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Pain Intensity
Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Time frame
Baseline and post-treatment (week 4)Secondary outcomes
1
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) as measured by Baseline Analog Pressure Algometer
Pressure pain threshold will be assessed using a Baseline Brand Analog Pressure Algometer. Measurements will be taken bilaterally from the suboccipital, upper trapezius, and middle trapezius muscle groups. Pressure will be applied perpendicular to the muscle fibers at specific anatomical points (2 cm lateral to the spinous process of the Axis for suboccipital; between C3-C5 for upper trapezius; and between T2-T4 for middle trapezius). The values will be recorded in kg/cm². Higher values indicate a higher pain threshold.
Time frame
Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)2
Neck Disability
The Turkish version of the NDI will be used. It is a 10-item questionnaire covering pain, activities of daily living, and sleep. Scores range from 0 to 50, where higher scores represent higher levels of disability.
Time frame
Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)3
Quality of Life as measured by SF-12 Health Survey
The Turkish version of the SF-12 will be used. It is a 12-item self-report scale assessing physical and mental health. It consists of two main sub-dimensions: Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS). Higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Time frame
Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)4
Cervical Range of Motion as measured by Universal Goniometer
Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation) will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer according to standard clinical measurement protocols.
Time frame
Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Source ClinicalTrials.gov