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Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Function in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Sponsor: Eastern Mediterranean University
Summary
This single-center, three-arm randomized controlled trial compares the effects of different myofascial release techniques, combined with a structured exercise program, on functional outcomes in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP). Eligible participants (aged 18 to 45 years, neck pain for at least 3 months, pain intensity VAS at least 3, and myofascial trigger points in the upper-quarter muscles) are allocated by simple randomization into three groups: * Conventional Therapy Group: hot pack, conventional TENS, and a structured exercise program. * Manual Myofascial Release Group: conventional therapy plus therapist-applied manual myofascial release. * Self-Myofascial Release Group: conventional therapy plus supervised self-applied myofascial release using a duo-ball, balls, and a massage stick/cane. All interventions are delivered 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome is pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include pressure pain threshold and tolerance, cervical range of motion, muscle stiffness, craniovertebral angle, cervical proprioception, muscle strength and endurance, disability, neck awareness, multidimensional biopsychosocial status, sleep quality, quality of life, and kinesiophobia. The aim is to determine whether manual or self-applied myofascial release, added to exercise, produces greater functional improvement in people with chronic non-specific neck pain.
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Functional Outcomes in Individuals With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
84
Start Date
2026-07-15
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2026-07-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Hot Pack
Hot pack applied to the cervical region.
Conventional TENS
Conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied to the most painful region: 80 Hz frequency, 100 microsecond pulse duration, asymmetric biphasic rectangular waveform, set to a tingling sensation, for 20 minutes.
Structured Exercise Program
Structured standard exercise program including warm-up, stretching of cervical and shoulder-girdle muscles, diaphragmatic breathing, motor control (chin tuck and craniocervical flexion), scapular stabilization, strengthening of the middle and lower trapezius, and cool-down.
Manual Myofascial Release
Therapist-applied manual myofascial release, including trigger point ischemic compression and along-fiber release to the suboccipital, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, rhomboid, infraspinatus, and pectoral muscles, with sustained compression of approximately 90 seconds combined with passive movements.
Self-Myofascial Release
Supervised self-applied myofascial release using a duo-ball, massage balls, and a massage stick/cane, targeting the same upper-quarter muscle groups, with sustained compression of approximately 90 seconds combined with active movements.
Locations (1)
Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Healthy Living Center (SAYMER), Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit
Famagusta, Hatay, Cyprus