NCT06891391

Comparison of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises and Deep Cervical Muscle Exercises on Muscle Fat Infiltration in Individuals With Neck Pain

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 42 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Tokyo Metropolitan University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This clinical trial study aims to compare the effects of DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) exercises and deep cervical muscle exercises on fat infiltration, disability, and posture in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. The clinical questions of this study are as follows: * Can DNS and deep cervical muscle exercises decrease muscle fat infiltration? * Can DNS and deep cervical muscle exercises improve neck disability? * Can DNS and deep cervical muscle exercises improve neck posture? Researchers will compare DNS and deep cervical muscle exercises to people with non-specific neck pain. DNS exercises are hypothesized to significantly reduce fat infiltration and improve neck disability and neck posture compared to deep cervical muscle exercises. The participants will undergo an MRI scan and clinical assessment, such as NDI (Neck Disability Index) and posture checking, before being randomly divided into two groups. The first group will perform DNS exercises, and the second group will engage in deep cervical muscle exercises. Both sets of exercises will be performed for 16 weeks as part of a daily routine. After the 16-week exercises, the participants will undergo a follow-up MRI, NDI, and posture checking.

Conditions

• Non-specific Neck Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises	DNS is a method used to enhance muscle stability. It is a manual and rehabilitative approach based on developmental kinesiology to optimize the movement system. These exercises optimize internal muscle forces on each spinal segment.
OTHER	Deep Cervical Muscle exercises	Deep cervical muscle exercises are isometric exercises that strengthen weak muscles without causing discomfort to pain-sensitive structures like ligaments, tendons, or neck joints. This involves contracting specific muscles without changing muscle length or impeding joint movement.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-10
• Primary completion: 2025-08-29
• Completion: 2026-03-25
• First posted: 2025-03-24
• Last updated: 2025-03-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Japan