Comparing Post-Isometric Relaxation and Post-Isometric Stretching Techniques for Treating Neck Pain in Adults

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.

Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation as Compared to Post Isometric Stretching Muscle Energy Technique in the Management of Neck Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial