Clinical Research Directory

The Cervical "STRETCH" Study

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.

Mobility of the Cervical Spine in Patients With Unspecific Neck Pain

The goal of this clinical trials is to describe and correlate the posture, function and disability of the cervical spine in patients with unspecific neck pain. The research hypothesis is: In patients with unspecific neck pain, there is a significant correlation between posture, function and disability of the cervical spine. Participants will take part in functional tests and complete surveys and questionnaires.