Study of Diaphragmatic Release Technique for Neck Pain, Neck Movement, and Chest Expansion in Adults with Cervical Radiculopathy
Led by Riphah International University · Updated on 2026-06-05
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of the diaphragmatic release technique on neck pain, cervical range of motion, and chest expansion in patients with cervical radiculopathy. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare this technique combined with standard treatments against traditional physical therapy. The study addresses the gap in research on the impact of respiratory dysfunction in cervical radiculopathy treatment and explores how diaphragm function relates to neck pain and disability.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for a four-week treatment period. The experimental group will receive the diaphragmatic release technique for 5 minutes along with cervical distraction, cervical isometrics, and neurodynamic mobilization of the median and ulnar nerves. The control group will receive traditional physical therapy including cervical distraction, isometrics, and neurodynamic mobilization without the diaphragmatic release. Each session lasts approximately 40 minutes and occurs three times per week for four weeks.
During the study, participants will be assessed at the fourth week for neck pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, cervical spine range of motion in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation using an inclinometer, and chest expansion measured with a tape. These evaluations help measure the impact of the treatments on pain, movement, and respiratory function. The study begins in January 2026 and continues until August 2026, with participants aged 35 to 55 years involved in the trial.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of DRT on Neck Pain, ROM, and Chest Expansion in Patients With CR
Research Team
I
Imran Amjad, phd
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match. Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Presence of unilateral neck pain and paresthesia symptoms for about 2 months
Presence of posterolateral disc herniation at the C4-C7 level
A positive spurling test
Positive upper limb neural tension tests for the median and ulnar nerve
Cervical rotation towards the painful side of less than 60 degrees
Chest Expansion of less than 4 cm
Age between 35 and 55 years
Any gender
You will not qualify if you...
Any tumor
Fracture
Osteoporosis
Scoliosis
Cervical and shoulder instability
Diabetic neuropathy
History or presence of a respiratory disease
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants receive diaphragmatic release technique or traditional physical therapy including cervical distraction, cervical isometrics, and neurodynamic mobilization over four weeks.
3 visits per week for 4 weeks
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Study of Upper Limb Proprioception in Adults Aged 18 to 65 With Cervical Radiculopathy Compared to Healthy Adults
Study of Cervical Radiculopathy Using Magnetic Resonance Neurography and Electrodiagnostic Testing
Evaluating Imaging and Diagnostic Methods in Adults Aged 18 to 60
Study Comparing Two FDA-Approved Artificial Disc Implants for Cervical Spine Surgery
Evaluating the Biomet Zimmer Mobi-C and Nuvasive Simplify Devices in Adults with Neck Disc Conditions
Study of Kinetic Control Retraining Combined with Physical Therapy to Improve Neck Function and Sensation in Adults Aged 40 to 55 with Cervical Radiculopathy
Study of Diaphragmatic Release Technique for Neck Pain, Neck Movement, and Chest Expansion in Adults with Cervical Radiculopathy
Study of Pain, Function, and Quality of Life After Posterior Cervical Decompression Surgery for Cervical Radiculopathy with 2-Year Follow-up
Study of High Tone Power Therapy Combined with Exercise for Treating Neck Pain and Improving Proprioception in Adults with Cervical Radiculopathy Aged 35 to 50
Study of Home-Based Neck Exercises After Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection to Improve Pain and Function in Adults with Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy
Study of Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection Effects on Arm Sensation and Function in Adults with Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy
Evaluating Local Vibration Treatment for Pain and Movement Limits in Cervical Radiculopathy Patients
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Published Research Related To This Trial
The Effectiveness of Spinal, Diaphragmatic, and Specific Stabilization Exercise Manual Therapy and Respiratory-Related Interventions in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Petros I Tatsios, Eirini Grammatopoulou, Zacharias Dimitriadis...
Immediate diaphragmatic relaxation effect on mobility and pain threshold in smartphone users with non-specific cervical spine pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Assessments and Targeted Rehabilitation Therapies for Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review.
Effects of manual diaphragm release on pain, disability and diaphragm function in patients with chronic neck pain: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Kai-Chia Cheng, Everlynn Yi Xuan Hii, Yao-Nan Lin...
Comparison of neural mobilization and conservative treatment on pain, range of motion, and disability in cervical radiculopathy: A randomized controlled trial.
Effects of Telerehabilitation Combining Diaphragmatic Breathing Re-Education and Shoulder Stabilization Exercises on Neck Pain, Posture, and Function in Young Adult Men with Upper Crossed Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.