Actively Recruiting
Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation Compared to Post Isometric Stretching Muscle Energy Technique for Managing Neck Pain
Led by Foundation University Islamabad · Updated on 2026-01-09
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
50 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are comparing two muscle energy techniques, Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Post-Isometric Stretching (PIS), to see which better reduces neck pain, improves neck movement, and decreases neck disability in people with chronic neck pain. This randomized controlled trial will enroll 50 adults aged 19 to 44 who have had neck pain lasting 4 to 12 weeks. The study aims to provide clearer evidence on these treatments, which are widely used but not directly compared much in past research. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments after standard care with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and hot packs for 10 minutes over five days per week. The PIR group will perform 3 to 5 rounds of gentle muscle contraction and relaxation exercises, while the PIS group will do similar contractions followed by stretching held for 10 to 60 seconds. Both treatments last for five consecutive sessions. Throughout the study, participants’ pain levels will be measured using a standardized pain scale, neck movement will be assessed with tools like a goniometer, and neck disability will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Researchers will analyze these results after one week to compare the effectiveness of PIR and PIS. The trial is sponsored by Foundation University Islamabad and will begin in January 2025, ending in December 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation as Compared to Post Isometric Stretching Muscle Energy Technique in the Management of Neck Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age ranging from 19 to 44 years old
- Both genders
- Sub-acute or chronic neck pain lasting at least 4 to 12 weeks
- Pain intensity between 4 and 8 on the pain scale
- Limitation in neck movement
You will not qualify if you...
- History of fracture in the cervical region
- Surgery in the cervical region
- Any physical trauma to the cervical region in the last 12 months
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Cervical myelopathy
- Cervical spondylosis
- Cervical syringomyelia
- Any systemic disorder including malignancy or inflammatory and rheumatic diseases
- Infection
- Vascular syndromes such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 week
Participants receive either Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) or Post-Isometric Stretching (PIS) techniques combined with Trans-Cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and superficial heat to manage neck pain.
5 visits per week (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 46000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Areeka Riasat, DPT
M
Muhammad Furqan Hassan, MS-OMPT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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