NCT07329478

Effects of Muscle Specific as Compared to Movement Specific Muscle Energy Technique on Isometric Muscle Strength and Muscular Endurance in Individuals With Mechanical Neck Pain

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 19 Years – 44 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Neck pain, prevalent in young adults due to poor posture, sedentary habits, and muscle imbalance. This study aims to compare the effects of muscle-specific versus movement-specific MET on pain, isometric muscle strength, and endurance of neck flexors and extensors. Pre- and post-intervention assessments using VAS, Modified Sphygmomanometer Dynamometer, and cranio-cervical flexion/extension tests will evaluate treatment outcomes.

Detailed description

Neck pain, affecting nearly 75.7% of young adults, is commonly linked to poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, and muscle imbalances. If left untreated, it may lead to disability and degenerative changes. Among rehabilitation approaches, muscle energy techniques (METs) have shown effectiveness in improving pain, mobility, and function by targeting neuromuscular dysfunction. This study aims to compare the effects of muscle- specific MET with movement-specific MET on pain, isometric muscle strength, and muscular endurance of neck flexors and extensors in individuals with neck pain. A randomized control trial will be conducted using purposive sampling. Thirty participants will be divided into two groups: Group A (movement-specific MET) and Group B (muscle-specific MET), with both groups following a standard protocol of Tens and Hotpack applied for 10 mins proceeding every session for five sessions.

Conditions

• Neck Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Movement specific muscle energy technique	In the movement-specific group, participants received Post-Isometric Relaxation MET targeting cervical spine movements (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion). For example, during right rotation: Active Contraction: The participant rotated left (opposite direction) with 30-50% effort against the therapist's resistance for 7-10 seconds. Relaxation: The participant relaxed completely. Stretching: The therapist gently moved the head towards the restricted range (right rotation) and held the stretch for 10-60 seconds. This technique enhances mobility and reduces muscular tension by combining contraction, relaxation, and stretching.
PROCEDURE	Muscle specific muscle energy technique	In the muscle specific MET group, the participants were given post-isometric relaxation MET targeted at muscles of the neck region that are prone to get short, including anterior, middle and posterior Scalene, Sternocleidomastoid, Levator Scapulae and upper fibers of Trapezius muscle. Active Contraction: The participant rotated left (opposite direction) with 30-50% effort against the therapist's resistance for 7-10 seconds. Relaxation: The participant relaxed completely. Stretching: The therapist gently moved the head towards the restricted range (right rotation) and held the stretch for 10-60 seconds. This technique enhances mobility and reduces muscular tension by combining. Tens and Hot pack therapy for both groups preceding every session for 10 mins.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-15
• Primary completion: 2025-12-30
• Completion: 2026-01-15
• First posted: 2026-01-09
• Last updated: 2026-01-09

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan