Effects of Sprinter and Skater on Text Neck Syndromes (SPRINT-SKATE)

September 4, 2026 updated by: University of Faisalabad

Combined Effects of Sprinter and Skater Synergy Training on Pain, Muscle Activation and Postural Alignment in Individuals With Text Neck Syndrome

This study will explore the combined effects of sprinter and skater synergy exercises on pain, muscle activation, and postural alignment in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome (TNS). TNS is characterized by forward head posture, neck pain, and muscle imbalance resulting from prolonged use of smartphones and computers. Its prevalence has increased rapidly, particularly among adolescents and young adults who spend long hours on digital devices. The study aims to evaluate Coordinated Locomotor Training (CLT), using sprinter and skater synergy movement patterns, as a novel intervention for managing TNS. These dynamic, whole body movement patterns are designed to promote coordinated muscle activation, improve postural control, and enhance neuromuscular coordination. A randomized controlled trial design will be used, with participants assigned to either an intervention group receiving CLT based training or a control group receiving lifestyle and ergonomic advice only. Outcome measures will include pain intensity, postural alignment measured by craniovertebral angle, muscle activation, and quality of life. The findings will help determine whether synergy based movement training offers a more effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy for TNS management.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Detailed Description (5.2) - Copy Paste:

Background: Digital technology has become a vital part of daily life, changing the way people work, communicate and relax and resulting in unprecedented levels of screen time for all generations. Handheld smart devices, such as smartphones, tablets and computers, have become an essential part of the professional, academic and social lives. But with this technological improvement there has been a significant increase in technology-related musculoskeletal disorders. Neck pain, particularly, is one of the biggest causes of disability globally, especially among young adults and people who work in an office environment performing prolonged sitting postures .The cervical structures may be affected by mechanical stress caused by the prolonged flexed position held while using a smartphone and computer, also known as Text Neck Syndrome (TNS), and there may be a shift in neuromuscular control. New epidemiological evidence in recent years reveals that over 4 hours of digital device use has a detrimental effect on the prevalence of FHP, cervical discomfort, and cervical functional capacity among people. This was reflective of the fact that there has been a change in human behaviors in the digital age from acute injury to chronic postural dysfunction.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the combination of synergy exercises (sprinting and skater) on the intensity of pain, muscle activation and posture in people suffering from Text Neck Syndrome (TNS). Secondary objectives include determining which technique shows significantly greater improvement and providing evidence-based recommendations for physiotherapy practice in Pakistan.

Methodology Research type The study design for this research was randomized clinical trials. Study population People of both genders aged 25-45 years with Text neck syndrome Study setting Habib Bank of Pakistan, National Bank of Pakistan, Meezan bank Duration of study Study was completed after the approval of synopsis within 4 months. Sample technique Consecutive sampling technique were used for sampling. Sample size The sample size of 50 participants (25 per group) were included calculated by using G power app.

Allocation and randomization Randomization was carried out using a computer generated random number generator to ensure unbiased group allocation. At the start of the study, a sequence of random number was generated and used to assign participants to either Group A or Group B. As participants were enrolled, they were allocated to groups according to this predefined sequence, ensuring that each participant had an equal chance of being placed in either group.

Intervention Group A : Coordinated Locomotor Training (CLT) The CLT protocol was based on Janda's tonic phasic muscle theory, aimed to restore reciprocal muscle activation patterns and postural balance Duration: 8 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week Session Length: 40 minutes Table 1 : Session Phases Phase Repetitions / Sets Description Warm-up Hot pack: 10 minutesChin tuck: 2 sets × 10 reps (10 sec hold)Scapular retraction: 2 sets × 10 reps An electric hot pack was applied for approximately 10 minutes prior to intervention to enhance tissue extensibility and circulation. This was followed by chin tuck exercises for deep neck flexor activation and scapular retraction exercises to promote postural muscle engagement.

Main CLT Phase 2 sets × 10 repetitions per side Alternating Sprinter and Skater synergy exercises performed in supine, sitting, and standing positions to activate deep neck flexors, rhomboids, and serratus anterior while inhibiting upper trapezius and pectoralis major/minor.

Integration Phase 2 sets × 10 repetitions Sequential Sprinter → Skater → Sprinter movement patterns to improve interlimb coordination and neuromuscular control.

Relaxation / Cool Down 5 breathing cycles Gentle breathing and relaxation exercises to reduce muscle tension and promote recovery.

Participants also perform brief home based micro sessions (5-8 minutes) during work hours to maintain postural endurance.

Group B: control group: The control group was received a structured program of conventional physiotherapy exercises focusing on improving neck stability, activating postural muscles, and reducing muscle tightness. Conventional protocols sued "deep cervical flexor training, scapular strengthening, and stretching exercises" that significantly improve pain, posture, and functional outcomes in individuals with neck pain and forward head posture.

Intervention Parameters

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Frequency: 3 sessions per week
  • Session Length: 40 minutes Table 2: Session Phases for Control Group Phase Repetitions / Sets Description Warm-up Hot pack: 10 minutesChin tuck: 2 sets × 10 reps (10 sec hold)Scapular retraction: 2 sets × 10 reps An electric hot pack was applied for approximately 10 minutes prior to intervention to enhance tissue extensibility and circulation. This was followed by chin tuck exercises for deep neck flexor activation and scapular retraction exercises to promote postural muscle engagement.

Cervical Stabilization Exercises 2 sets × 10reps (10 sec hold) Deep neck flexor exercises (chin tuck in supine and sitting positions) to improve cervical stability and correct forward head posture.

Scapular Strengthening 2 sets × 10 reps Scapular retraction and prone horizontal abduction exercises targeting middle and lower trapezius and rhomboids to improve postural control.

Stretching Exercises 2 sets× 10 reps per muscle (20 sec hold) Static stretching of upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoralis muscles in sitting to reduce muscle tightness and improve flexibility.

Relaxation / Cool Down 5 breathing cycles Gentle breathing and relaxation exercises to reduce muscle tension and promote recovery.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

50

Phase

  • 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 Locations

  • Pakistan
    • Punjab Province
      • Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 0092
        • Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Faisalabad

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

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Participants who meeted the following criteria, eligible for inclusion in the study:

    • Age between 25 and 45 years (both male and female participants).
    • Diagnosed with Clinical signs of Text Neck Syndrome (TNS)
    • Forward head posture (measured using craniovertebral angle (CVA)).
    • Rounded shoulders and scapular elevation (measured via postural assessment)
    • History of at least 4 - 6 hours of computer or mobile device use daily for 6 months or more
    • Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score between 3 and 6 (indicating moderate pain)
    • Craniovertebral Angle of less than 50°, indicating significant postural deviation
    • Willingness to provide informed consent and participate in the intervention protocol for 8 weeks.
    • Participants must be able to commit to completing the 8 week intervention, including in person sessions and home exercises.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants were excluded from the study if they meet any of the following criteria

  • Previous surgery, history of cervical or shoulder surgery, or any major trauma to the neck or shoulder region
  • Reported neurological or vestibular disorders, any condition affecting posture or balance, such as neurological disorders, vestibular impairments, or dizziness (e.g., vertigo, balance dysfunction)
  • Reported congenital spinal deformities, diagnosis of congenital spinal deformities such as scoliosis, torticollis, or kyphosis that could interfere with postural assessment or training
  • Participation in other rehabilitation programs current participation in another rehabilitation program focused on posture correction, neck pain, or musculoskeletal disorders during the study period
  • Female participants who are pregnant or have medical contraindications to moderate physical exercise
  • Individuals with serious cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or neurological diseases that might contraindicate participation in moderate physical activity (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart disease, or cancer)
  • Individuals with a pain level greater than 6 on the NPRS or those with significant functional disability in the neck and upper back, which might impede their participation in the intervention.

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
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Coordinative locomotor training group

Coordinated Locomotor Training (CLT) The CLT protocol wass based on Janda's tonic phasic muscle theory, aimed to restore reciprocal muscle activation patterns and postural balance.

Duration: 8 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week Session Length: 25-30 minutes Table 1 : Session Phases Phase Repetitions / Sets Description Warm-up Hot pack: 10 minutesChin tuck: 2 sets × 10 reps (5-10 sec hold)Scapular retraction: 2 sets × 10 reps An electric hot pack was applied for approximately 10 minutes prior to intervention to enhance tissue extensibility and circulation. This was followed by chin tuck exercises for deep neck flexor activation and scapular retraction exercises to promote postural muscle engagement.

Main CLT Phase 2 sets × 10 repetitions per side Alternating Sprinter and Skater synergy exercises performed in supine, sitting, and standing positions to activate deep neck flexors, rhomboids, and serratus anterior while inhibiting upper trapezius and pectoralis major/minor.

Integra
Other: Coordinative locomotor training group

Participants allocated to the Coordinated Locomotor Training (CLT) group were received an intervention based on Janda's tonic-phasic muscle theory, which aimed to restore reciprocal muscle activation patterns, improve postural alignment, and enhance neuromuscular coordination by facilitating coordinated movement synergies. The intervention were administered over 8 weeks, with three supervised sessions per week, and each session lasts for approximately 25-30 minutes.

Each treatment session begun with a warm-up phase, during which an electric hot pack wase applied to the cervical and upper thoracic region for approximately 10 minutes to increase local circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve soft tissue extensibility. Following thermotherapy, participants performed chin tuck exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions with a 5-10-second hold) to activate the deep cervical flexor muscles, followed by scapular retraction exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions) to facilitate activation of the
Experimental: Conventional physiotherapy group

Conventional Physical therapy Intervention Parameters

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Frequency: 3 sessions per week
  • Session Length: 30-40 minutes Group B: control group: The control group was received a structured program of conventional physiotherapy exercises focusing on improving neck stability, activating postural muscles, and reducing muscle tightness. Conventional protocols were used "deep cervical flexor training, scapular strengthening, and stretching exercises" that significantly improve pain, posture, and functional outcomes in individuals with neck pain and forward head posture
Other: control group

Each treatment session were begin with a warm-up phase, during which an electric hot pack were applied to the cervical and upper thoracic region for approximately 10 minutes to increase local circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve soft tissue extensibility. This will be followed by chin tuck exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions with a 5-10-second hold) to facilitate activation of the deep cervical flexor muscles and scapular retraction exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions) to activate the scapular stabilizers and promote optimal postural alignment.

The cervical stabilization phase was included deep cervical flexor exercises performed in both supine and sitting positions, with participants completing 2 sets of 10-12 repetitions, maintaining each contraction for 5-10 seconds. These exercises ere intended to improve cervical stability, enhance endurance of the deep neck flexor muscles, and correct forward head posture.

The scapular strengthening phase was consisted of scapular re

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
pain
Time Frame: Baseline (week 0) midline (week 4) and post-intervention (week 8)
Outcome measuring tools Numeric pain rating scale Was used to measure pain intensity at rest and after work tasks. Participants rate their pain from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("worst pain imaginable"). A decrease of ≥2 points were indicated clinically significant improvement.
Baseline (week 0) midline (week 4) and post-intervention (week 8)
Muscle Activation
Time Frame: Baseline (0week) midline (4week) post treatment (8 weeks)
Deep cervical flexor muscle activation was assessed using the Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT) the five progressive stages of the test, with minimal recruitment of superficial flexors
Baseline (0week) midline (4week) post treatment (8 weeks)
Postural Alignment
Time Frame: Baseline(0 week) midline Assessment(4 week) post treatment(8week)
Change in Postural Alignment by Craniovertebral angle Measured using the APECS App, a validated photogrammetric tool .The angle between the tragus and C7 vertebra with respect to the horizontal line determined forward head posture. CVA < 50° indicated postural deviation.
Baseline(0 week) midline Assessment(4 week) post treatment(8week)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Quality of Life
Time Frame: Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and midline intervention (week 4) and post intervention (week 8)
Change in Quality of Life by WHOQOL Brief A 26item questionnaire assessing physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains of quality of life. Higher scores indicate better health related well being
Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and midline intervention (week 4) and post intervention (week 8)

Collaborators and Investigators

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

Sponsor

University of Faisalabad

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

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)

April 24, 2026

Primary Completion (Actual)

June 24, 2026

Study Completion (Actual)

August 9, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 11, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 4, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

September 10, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

September 10, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 4, 2026

Last Verified

September 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 2024-MSPT-042

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

IPD Plan Description

not decided yet

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

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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