Effectiveness of Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training With and Without Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Neck Disability in Cervical Spondylosis

September 7, 2026 updated by: Ibadat International University, Islamabad
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of pressure biofeedback-assisted deep cervical flexor training with and without scapular stabilization exercises in patients with cervical spondylosis. The study will compare the effects of the two treatment approaches on pain intensity, cervical range of motion and neck disability.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Participants with radiologically confirmed cervical spondylosis will be recruited according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 44 participants will be recruited, with 22 participants allocated to each group after accounting for an anticipated 10% loss to follow-up.

Participants will be randomly allocated using the sealed envelope method into two groups. Group A will receive pressure biofeedback-assisted deep cervical flexor training combined with scapular stabilization exercises and standard physiotherapy. Group B will receive pressure biofeedback-assisted deep cervical flexor training without scapular stabilization exercises, along with standard physiotherapy.

Treatment will be provided three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the four-week intervention.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
44

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

  • Pakistan
    • Punjab Province
      • Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan
        • Recruiting
        • Hope Physiotherapy Clinic
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Both genders aged 40-60 years.
  • Presence of chronic neck pain for ≥3 months with NPRS ≥3.
  • Radiologically confirmed cervical spondylosis, including cervical spine X-ray showing disc space narrowing and/or osteophyte formation.
  • Ability to perform active cervical and shoulder movements without neurological deficits.
  • Willingness to participate in the study and comply with the intervention protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of cervical spine surgery or trauma in the past 6 months.
  • Severe neurological involvement, including cervical myelopathy or severe radiculopathy with motor weakness, gait disturbance, or bowel/bladder involvement.
  • Inflammatory or systemic musculoskeletal disorders, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Current participation in structured neck/shoulder rehabilitation programs.
  • Uncontrolled medical conditions contraindicating exercise, e.g., uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Group A: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training + Scapular Stabilization Exerci
Other: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training
Deep cervical flexor training will be performed using a pressure biofeedback unit to facilitate selective activation and improve the strength and endurance of the deep cervical flexor muscles, particularly the longus colli and longus capitis. The participant will be positioned in supine lying with the hips and knees comfortably flexed, and the pressure biofeedback cuff will be placed beneath the cervical spine at approximately the C4-C5 level. The cuff will be inflated to a baseline pressure of 20 mmHg. The participant will be instructed to perform a gentle cranio-cervical flexion movement by slowly nodding the head and drawing the chin inward while maintaining contact of the head with the treatment surface. The pressure will be gradually increased to the prescribed target while avoiding head lifting, excessive cervical flexion, jaw clenching, shoulder elevation, or compensatory activation of the superficial cervical muscles. The target pressure will be 22 mmHg during the first week, 2
Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercises
Scapular stabilization exercises will be performed progressively to improve scapular control, postural alignment, and the strength and endurance of the scapular stabilizing muscles. During the first week, scapular retraction and depression exercises will be performed in sitting for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with a 5-second hold and 60 seconds rest between sets. During the second week, scapular retraction will be progressed using light TheraBand resistance for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with controlled movement and 60 seconds rest between sets. During the third week, wall slides and prone Y and T raises will be introduced and performed for 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions with controlled movement and 30-60 seconds rest between sets. During the fourth week, scapular stabilization exercises will be progressed with shoulder flexion and abduction while maintaining appropriate scapular control, performed for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 30-60 seconds rest between sets. All exercises will be performe
Other: Standard Physiotherapy
Standard physiotherapy will include therapeutic exercises and postural management techniques aimed at reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, flexibility, and functional performance. Cervical range-of-motion exercises including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation will be performed within a pain-free range for 10 repetitions in each direction. Stretching exercises for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoral muscles will be performed for 20-30 seconds for 3 repetitions. Cervical isometric strengthening exercises including flexion, extension, and lateral flexion will be performed with a 5-10-second hold for 10 repetitions. Postural education and ergonomic advice will also be provided, including instructions regarding proper sitting posture, appropriate head and neck positioning, and avoidance of prolonged static postures. Standard physiotherapy will be provided for approximately 10-15 minutes per session, three times weekly for four consecutive weeks.
Active Comparator: Group B: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training + Standard Physiotherapy
Other: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training
Deep cervical flexor training will be performed using a pressure biofeedback unit to facilitate selective activation and improve the strength and endurance of the deep cervical flexor muscles, particularly the longus colli and longus capitis. The participant will be positioned in supine lying with the hips and knees comfortably flexed, and the pressure biofeedback cuff will be placed beneath the cervical spine at approximately the C4-C5 level. The cuff will be inflated to a baseline pressure of 20 mmHg. The participant will be instructed to perform a gentle cranio-cervical flexion movement by slowly nodding the head and drawing the chin inward while maintaining contact of the head with the treatment surface. The pressure will be gradually increased to the prescribed target while avoiding head lifting, excessive cervical flexion, jaw clenching, shoulder elevation, or compensatory activation of the superficial cervical muscles. The target pressure will be 22 mmHg during the first week, 2
Other: Standard Physiotherapy
Standard physiotherapy will include therapeutic exercises and postural management techniques aimed at reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, flexibility, and functional performance. Cervical range-of-motion exercises including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation will be performed within a pain-free range for 10 repetitions in each direction. Stretching exercises for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoral muscles will be performed for 20-30 seconds for 3 repetitions. Cervical isometric strengthening exercises including flexion, extension, and lateral flexion will be performed with a 5-10-second hold for 10 repetitions. Postural education and ergonomic advice will also be provided, including instructions regarding proper sitting posture, appropriate head and neck positioning, and avoidance of prolonged static postures. Standard physiotherapy will be provided for approximately 10-15 minutes per session, three times weekly for four consecutive weeks.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Neck Disability - Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time Frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.
Measure: Functional disability related to neck pain measured using the Neck Disability Index.
Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.
Pain Intensity - Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time Frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
Neck pain intensity measured using the 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
Universal Goniometer
Time Frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.
Measure Cervical Range of Motion - Cervical flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion and right/left rotation
Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
The Neck Flexor Endurance Test
Time Frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment
Measure cervical flexor muscle endurance
Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Ibadat International University, Islamabad

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

  • • Tsiringakis G, Dimitriadis Z, Triantafylloy E, McLean S. Motor control training of deep neck flexors with pressure biofeedback improves pain and disability in patients with neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2020;50:102220. • Saleh MSM, Rehab NI, Sharaf MAF. Effect of deep cervical flexors training on neck proprioception, pain, muscle strength and dizziness in patients with cervical spondylosis: A randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther Rehabil. 2018;5(1):14. • Fatima I, Ashraf A, Khalid K. Effectiveness of thoracic manipulation versus scapular stabilization exercises on pain and functional disability in cervical spondylosis. Journal of Nursing and Allied Health. 2024;2(01). • Ashfaq R, Riaz H. Effect of Pressure biofeedback training on deep cervical flexors endurance in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 2021;37(2):550. • Modarresi S, et al. A systematic review and synthesis of psychometric properties of the numeric pain rating scale and the visual analog scale for use in people with neck pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain. 2022;38(2):132-148.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
June 3, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
September 15, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
September 24, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
September 7, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
September 7, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
September 11, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
September 11, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
September 7, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
September 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/06/342

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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