Ischemic Compression and Home Exercise in Non-Specific Neck Pain
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: Ischemic Compression, Home Exercise Program.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Myofascial Trigger Points, Musculoskeletal Pain, Non-specific Neck Pain, Neck Pain. Basic parameters: 17 years — 65 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
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Evaluation of the Effects of Ischemic Compression Combined With Home Exercise on Pain Intensity and Quality of Life in Individuals With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Overview
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ischemic compression combined with home exercise on pain, cervical range of motion, neck disability level, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving ischemic compression plus home exercises, and a control group receiving only home exercises. The study aims to provide clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of combined treatment approaches for non-specific neck pain.
Detailed description
A total of 52 individuals, aged 18-65, with non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months, will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n=26) or the control group (n=26). Both groups will be prescribed a home exercise program. The treatment group will additionally receive ischemic compression sessions twice a week for 4 weeks.
Ischemic compression will be applied by the therapist using the thumb or a suitable contact surface, exerting controlled and gradually increasing pressure directly on the trigger point. The pressure will be maintained at the participant's pain tolerance limit (uncomfortable but bearable) and will last approximately 90 seconds for each trigger point. Participant feedback will be continuously monitored; pressure will be reduced or terminated in case of excessive pain or discomfort.
Evaluations will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for neck disability level, the SF-12 for quality of life, and goniometric measurements for cervical range of motion. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software.
Interventions
- Other Ischemic Compression
The intervention group will receive ischemic compression applied to palpable trigger points in the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major/minor, obliquus capitis), and splenius capitis muscles for 90 seconds with gradually increasing pressure at the individual's pain tolerance threshold. Ischemic compression will be performed by the therapist applying perpendicular, controlled, and gradually increasing pressure to the trigger poi - Other Home Exercise Program
Participants will perform a structured program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical region. The program will be performed twice daily for the duration of the study.
Primary outcome measures
- Pain Intensity [Time frame: Baseline and post-treatment (week 4)]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) as measured by Baseline Analog Pressure Algometer [Time frame: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)]
- Neck Disability [Time frame: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)]
- Quality of Life as measured by SF-12 Health Survey [Time frame: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)]
- Cervical Range of Motion as measured by Universal Goniometer [Time frame: Baseline and Post-treatment (Week 4)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years.
- Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
- Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate and signing the informed consent form.
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of specific causes of neck pain (cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, tumor, infection, rheumatic diseases, etc.).
- Having undergone surgical intervention in the neck region within the last 6 months.
- History of neurological disease.
- History of surgery in the cervical or thoracic vertebrae.
- Presence of impaired skin integrity in the application area.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- SZ Clinic Physical Therapy, Dietetics and Health Services Center — Istanbul
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07685418 · E-53938333-050.04-69819