The Cervical "STRETCH" Study
ConditionCervical Spine
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorWestern University of Health Sciences
About this trial
Neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) are common musculoskeletal concerns that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily routine. This is especially true for medical students who spend a disproportionate amount of time on their computers or mobile devices, as is required by their long study hours. A simple stretching routine is often recommended by physicians and physical therapists alike, but there is little research examining short-term changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) and pain when a brief, structured daily stretching program is used.
The goal of this single-group study is to test feasibility and determine how well a daily cervical stretching regimen affects cervical ROM and self-reported pain in osteopathic medical students with cervical ROM restrictions. Researchers will measure changes in cervical ROM using a goniometer and changes in pain levels via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Participants will be asked to complete a 7-day period of no stretching, during which natural measurements will be taken, followed by 7 days of completing the 5-minute stretching routine, after which more measurements will be taken. Participants will also be asked to complete a post-study survey and a 1-month follow-up survey to provide feedback on the study and the stretching routine.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Must be currently enrolled OMSI or OMSII student at the Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS), College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP).
Demonstrates a range of motion restriction or presents with cervical pain or both. (Normal range of motion in the cervical spine is Flexion and Extension of 60 degrees, Sidebending of 45 degrees, and Rotation of 8090 degrees.)
Reports mild to moderate cervical pain (VAS score between 2 and 5 or mild to moderate).
Agrees to complete daily cervical stretching exercises as instructed and will adhere to all study protocols.
Disqualifiers
History of severe cervical spine injuries (e.g., fractures, herniated discs requiring surgical intervention, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy).
Diagnosed inflammatory or degenerative conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
Contraindications to stretching exercises, such as recent surgery or other physical therapy restrictions.
Conditions that affect neuromuscular function or ROM measurements, such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.
Trial design
Design model
Single group
Treatments tested in this trial
Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen
BehavioralParticipants will perform a standardized 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine once daily for 7 days. The instruction will be delivered via an in-person tutorial on the first day, followed by a pre-recorded instructional video that participants will follow each of the following 6 days. The stretching routine will target cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements.
Treatment groups
75 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment groupGroup A: Guided Cervical Stretching RegimenExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Changes in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)
Changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) will be analyzed using goniometer measurements in degrees. The measurements of cervical ROM will include flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. A blinded assessor will conduct assessments to minimize measurement bias.
Time frame
Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14.2
Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Changes in pain levels will be measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). This will allow for assessment of subjective pain intensity. The instrument is scored on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), with accompanying representative facial expressions.
Time frame
Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14Secondary outcomes
1
Changes in the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to evaluate neck-related disability and quality of life in participants. This survey evaluates the impact of cervical pain and ROM on daily activities. It will be measured on an interval scale of 0 to 50.
Time frame
Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 142
Participant Feedback on the Feasibility/Effectiveness of the Stretching Routine and How Experience Might Influence Their Approach to Patient Care
Participant feedback will be collected through structured post-intervention Qualtrics Surveys designed by the research team to evaluate perceptions of the intervention's effectiveness, feasibility, and clinical applicability
Time frame
Day 14 post-intervention to Day 30 (1-month follow-up)3
Adherence Rates to Stretching Regimen
Self-reported adherence rates will be documented through daily compliance diaries and a one-month follow-up survey.
Time frame
Baseline to Day 14 to 1 Month Follow-upSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: