NCT06377995

Effectiveness of an Intervention Plan Aimed at the Diaphragm in Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

Effectiveness of an Intervention Plan Targeting the Diaphragm in Young Adults With Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain: Randomised Clinical Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of an intervention plan targeting the diaphragm, namely stretching technique, neuromuscular diaphragm and phrenic centre inhibition, in the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain.

Detailed description

Chronic neck pain is defined as pain and discomfort between the superior nuchal line and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra, which may radiate to the scapula, anterior chest wall, skull or upper limbs. It is classified as chronic if the pain persists for more than 12 weeks. Associated symptoms include headache, dizziness and pain or paresthesia in the upper limbs. These symptoms interfere with daily life and have a negative impact on physical and mental health. The aetiology of this pathology is multifactorial and the triggering factors may vary due to the close relationship that the cervical spine has with other structures, namely the diaphragm muscle. Our aim is to verify the effectiveness of an osteopathic treatment protocol targeting the diaphragm in chronic non-specific neck pain in young adults. Specifically, to analyse whether the mechanical, fascial and neural pathways established by the defined manual techniques, namely stretching techniques, neuromuscular inhibition of the diaphragm and the phrenic centre, have any effect on active movements (rotations and inclinations) and chronic neck pain. This study will analyse the effects of diaphragmatic techniques on the following variables: Numerical Pain Scale and Goniometer Pro© (G-pro©).

Conditions

• Chronic Neck Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Placebo technique	The patient is in a supine position with a 90° knees flexion. The osteopath lies cephalad to the patient and places their hands on their shoulders.
OTHER	Diaphragm protocol	The patient is in a supine position with a 90° knees flexion.To stretch the diaphragm, the osteopath stands at the head of the bed and places his hands on the lower edge of the ribcage and accompanies the lifting of the ribs during inhalation and maintains it during deep exhalation for up to 2 sets of 10 deep breaths separated by 1 minute. For the neuromuscular technique, the osteopath is positioned contralateral to the side to be treated and slides with the thumb under the lower part of the thorax, applying a force in the opposite direction.To inhibit the phrenic centre, the osteopath places one hand on the sternum in a caudal direction and the other in the projection of the phrenic centre in a cephalic direction.The participant inhales deeply and the osteopath presses in both directions during the expiratory phase for 10 respiratory cycles.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-09-01
• Primary completion: 2024-12-31
• Completion: 2024-12-31
• First posted: 2024-04-22
• Last updated: 2024-04-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Portugal