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Effect of Cervical Force Control Training on Force Sense and Steadiness in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Sponsor: Cairo University
Summary
Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) is a very common issue among young adults, often linked to poor posture, prolonged screen time, and sedentary habits. This persistent pain can change how the neck muscles work and control movement. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a specific type of rehabilitation-called "cervical force control training"-can help improve how well people can feel and control their neck muscle strength, and whether this reduces their pain and improves their daily function. Researchers will invite young adults (18 to 24 years old) who have had neck pain for at least 3 months to participate. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: Force Control Training Group: Will receive a new training program that uses a handheld dynamometer with a screen to help them practice holding steady, precise neck muscle contractions with visual feedback. Conventional Exercise Group: Will receive a standard physical therapy program consisting of neck muscle stretches and shoulder-blade strengthening exercises. Both groups will perform their exercises 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure participants' neck muscle steadiness, pain levels, and neck disability before the program starts, right after the 8-week program ends, and again at a 3-month follow-up to evaluate the long-lasting effects.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 24 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
32
Start Date
2026-09
Completion Date
2026-12
Last Updated
2026-09-11
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Cervical Force Control Training
An 8-week program (3 sessions/week, 30-40 mins each) utilizing submaximal isometric neck contractions with visual feedback via a Handheld Dynamometer. The protocol progresses through three phases: initial calibration, acquisition using descending target intensities (25% to 10% MVIC) with continuous visual tracking, and retention/transfer using faded or no feedback combined with dual-tasking (e.g., auditory monitoring or arithmetic).
Conventional Exercise Training
An 8-week program (3 sessions/week, 30 mins each) consisting of standard cervical stretching for the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, alongside scapular strengthening and stabilization exercises (e.g., side-lying external rotation, side-lying forward flexion, prone extension, and push-up plus). Resistance is tailored based on patient gender and body weight.
Locations (1)
Faculty of Physical Therapy
Kafr ash Shaykh, Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt