The Cervical "STRETCH" Study
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Cervical Spine. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- United States
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
The Cervical "STRETCH" (Stretching Trials for Range, Ease, and Teaching Curriculum Health) Study
Overview
Neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) are common musculoskeletal concerns that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily routine. This is especially true for medical students who spend a disproportionate amount of time on their computers or mobile devices, as is required by their long study hours. A simple stretching routine is often recommended by physicians and physical therapists alike, but there is little research examining short-term changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) and pain when a brief, structured daily stretching program is used. The goal of this single-group study is to test feasibility and determine how well a daily cervical stretching regimen affects cervical ROM and self-reported pain in osteopathic medical students with cervical ROM restrictions. Researchers will measure changes in cervical ROM using a goniometer and changes in pain levels via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will be asked to complete a 7-day period of no stretching, during which natural measurements will be taken, followed by 7 days of completing the 5-minute stretching routine, after which more measurements will be taken. Participants will also be asked to complete a post-study survey and a 1-month follow-up survey to provide feedback on the study and the stretching routine.
Interventions
- Behavioral Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen
Participants will perform a standardized 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine once daily for 7 days. The instruction will be delivered via an in-person tutorial on the first day, followed by a pre-recorded instructional video that participants will follow each of the following 6 days. The stretching routine will target cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements.
Primary outcome measures
- Changes in Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) [Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14.]
- Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) [Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Changes in the Neck Disability Index (NDI) [Time frame: Baseline to Day 7 pre-stretch, to Day 7 post-stretch, to Day 14]
- Participant Feedback on the Feasibility/Effectiveness of the Stretching Routine and How Experience Might Influence Their Approach to Patient Care [Time frame: Day 14 post-intervention to Day 30 (1-month follow-up)]
- Adherence Rates to Stretching Regimen [Time frame: Baseline to Day 14 to 1 Month Follow-up]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Must be currently enrolled OMSI or OMSII student at the Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS), College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP).
- Demonstrates a range of motion restriction or presents with cervical pain or both. (Normal range of motion in the cervical spine is Flexion and Extension of 60 degrees, Sidebending of 45 degrees, and Rotation of 8090 degrees.)
- Reports mild to moderate cervical pain (VAS score between 2 and 5 or mild to moderate).
- Agrees to complete daily cervical stretching exercises as instructed and will adhere to all study protocols.
- Must be 18 years or older.
Exclusion criteria
- History of severe cervical spine injuries (e.g., fractures, herniated discs requiring surgical intervention, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy).
- Diagnosed inflammatory or degenerative conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- Contraindications to stretching exercises, such as recent surgery or other physical therapy restrictions.
- Conditions that affect neuromuscular function or ROM measurements, such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.
- VAS score > 7 or pain severe enough to inhibit participation in daily stretching exercises.
- Below the age of 18
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- N/A
- Model
- Single group
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
United States · 1 center
- Western University of Health Sciences — Pomona
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07440030 · X26IRB003