Guided Cervical Stretching for Neck Pain
(STRETCH Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how a simple daily stretching routine can improve neck movement and reduce neck pain. It targets osteopathic medical students who often experience neck stiffness or discomfort, likely due to long hours studying on computers or mobile devices. Participants will first undergo a week of observation without stretching, followed by a week of a 5-minute daily stretching video. This guided cervical stretching regimen is designed to be easy to follow and effective. Ideal participants are medical students at Western University experiencing mild to moderate neck pain or limited neck movement. As an unphased trial, this study offers students a unique opportunity to potentially alleviate neck discomfort through a simple, guided routine.
What prior data suggests that this guided cervical stretching regimen is safe for neck pain relief?
Research has shown that guided neck stretching is generally safe for most people. In one study, participants experienced significantly less pain after performing these stretching exercises, and no major side effects occurred. Another study found improvements in neck flexibility and strength, with participants experiencing a 61.3% reduction in pain. These results suggest that guided stretching is well-tolerated and can effectively help manage neck pain. While these studies provide promising information, more research is needed to fully understand all possible effects.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Guided cervical stretching is unique because it offers a non-invasive, simple way to potentially relieve neck pain without medication. Most treatments for neck pain, like pain relievers or physical therapy, require longer durations to show results and may involve medications with side effects. Researchers are excited about this approach because it involves just a 5-minute daily routine over a short period, with the guidance of a video, making it an accessible and low-cost option. This method focuses on improving flexibility and reducing tension, which might offer quicker relief compared to traditional methods.
What evidence suggests that this guided cervical stretching regimen is effective for neck pain?
Research has shown that guided neck stretching can significantly reduce neck pain and improve neck mobility. In this trial, participants will follow a Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen. One study found that neck exercises alleviated pain, reduced disability, and enhanced movement. Another study demonstrated that adding stretching to regular treatments improved neck flexibility and pain relief more than standard treatments alone. Additionally, a review found that regular exercise programs could reduce the recurrence of neck pain by 53%. These findings suggest that a structured stretching routine may help ease neck pain and improve movement, especially for those who spend long hours at computers or on mobile devices.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Observation
Participants undergo a 7-day period of no stretching, during which natural measurements are taken
Treatment
Participants complete a 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine daily for 7 days
Follow-up
Participants complete a post-study survey and a 1-month follow-up survey to provide feedback on the study and the stretching routine
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Guided Cervical Stretching Regimen
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants will complete a 5-minute guided cervical stretching routine and will be given a video to follow for 7 consecutive days (Days 8-14), following a 7-day baseline observation period without intervention.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Western University of Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Investigation of the effectiveness of neck stabilization ... - PMC
In the present study, pain, disability, depression, and the active range of motion of the cervical spine showed statistically significant improvement in both ...
The Effect of Tissue Stretching and Release Strategies ... - PMC
Pain significantly decreased after 6 weeks of both interventions (p < 0.05). There were no significant within‐group differences for right ...
A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized ...
The most recent systematic review (performed in 2018) concluded that exercise programs can reduce the risk of a new episode of neck pain by 53% ...
Effect of adding stretching to standardized procedures on ...
Data from this study suggest that adding stretching to the standard procedures may be more effective than the standard procedure alone at improving cervical ...
Effects of Cervical Spine Exercise Protocol on Neck Pain ...
Subjective assessment of participant cervical pain, strength, and flexibility improved 61.3%, 95.7%, and 97.8%, respectively. Conclusions. A six ...
Exercise Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain - PMC - NIH
Systematic reviews indicate that it has modest effectiveness, while clinical practice guidelines offer limited guidance on the exercise ...
(PDF) Effects of Cervical Spine Exercise Protocol on Neck ...
Subjective assessment of participant cervical pain, strength, and flexibility improved 61.3%, 95.7%, and 97.8%, respectively. Conclusions A six- ...
Neck Pain: Revision 2017
The 1-year incidence of neck pain was 10.4% to 21.3%. The 1-year remission rate ranged from 33% to 65%. The 1-year prevalence of neck pain in ...
This Study Explores How Short-term Immersive VR With ...
This Study Explores How Short-term Immersive VR With Exercises and Ergonomic Training Can Reduce Neck Pain, Improve Movement, Strength, ...
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