An interventional study of Active Cycle of Breathing Technique and Active Comparator: Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Active Cycle of Breathing Technique, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Breathing Technique, sponsored by Istanbul Topkapi University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 35 Years to 60 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-01.
Sponsored by Istanbul Topkapi University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Among 296 studies in Neck Pain with a site in Turkey — 70 open to participants now, 78 under way, none of them phase 3. Neck Pain · Turkey.
Among the 296 studies in Neck Pain with a site in Turkey, this one is the 52nd largest by planned enrollment of the 216 interventional ones, is one of 42 that started in 2026, is one of 215 with no phase, reaches primary completion later than 74 of the 77 other live ones, and was the 284th registered.
1,360 studies on the registry are indexed under Neck Pain; 299 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 60 is above the median of 50 across 1,116 interventional studies indexed under Neck Pain.
Browse Neck Pain studies →70 of the 296 studies in Neck Pain with a site in Turkey are open now, in 1 country. Each count lists the studies.
Of the 155 Neck Pain studies recruiting now, 25 (16%) set no upper age limit and 117 (75%) stop at 75 or younger; 8 take children under 18; 26 take healthy volunteers.
This study: 35 Years to 60 Years · all sexes · healthy volunteers too.
The full table on the hub →296 studies; the count open now beside each. This study's row is marked.
First in 2011; this study’s year is marked. 42 started in 2026.
Median enrollment 45 across the 216 interventional studies, 80 across the 80 observational. Of the 201 that completed or were terminated, 1 (0%) have results posted.
None of the 296 has an industry lead sponsor. The 10 most frequent:
Istanbul Topkapi University is the lead sponsor of 2 studies on the registry; 1 is open to participants now.
Istanbul Topkapi University has 1 study filed under Neck Pain — fewer than ten, so there is no comparison to draw.
10 of the studies in Neck Pain with a site in Turkey that are under way reach primary completion within a year, 0 of them phase 3. Phase 3 first, then by date:
| Study | Primary completion |
|---|---|
| NCT07627542Merve ŞahinAn Investigation of the Effect of Smartphone Usage Levels on Cervical Posture, Tongue Pressure, Balance, and Neck Disability in Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis | 2026-11 |
| NCT07855185Kirsehir Ahi Evran UniversitesiTrapezius Oxygenation and Cervical Function in Chronic Neck Pain | 2026-11-05 |
| NCT07878845Istanbul University - CerrahpasaKinesiology Taping Versus Self-Mobilization for Neck Pain Related to Prolonged Electronic Device Use | 2026-11-13 |
| NCT07899879Karabuk UniversityUpper Extremity Exercise Capacity in Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain | 2026-12-20 |
| NCT07605013Istanbul University - CerrahpasaMobilization Techniques for Nonspecific Neck Pain: Effects on Cervical Endurance and Function | 2027-01-16 |
Among the 296 studies in Neck Pain with a site in Turkey, from their registry updates:
The aim of this clinical study is to investigate the effectiveness of breathing training added to a standard physical therapy and exercise program in individuals with non-specific subacute neck pain. Specifically, the study will evaluate the effect of breathing training on functional loss due to neck pain and on respiratory function. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Researchers will compare Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) with Progressive Muscle Relaxation(PMR).
Participants will be randomly divided to two groups: a study group and a control group.
Both groups will receive traditional physical therapy five days a week for three weeks.
The study group will receive Active Cycle of Breathing Technique and exercise three days a week for six weeks, while the Control Group will receive Progressive Muscle Relaxation and exercise three days a week for six weeks.
Participants will:
The study will also evaluate changes in pain, posture, head position, muscle strength, joint position sense, anxiety and depression, severity of insomnia, and quality of life.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants in this group will receive the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique and an exercise program 3 days per week for 6 weeks. In addition, traditional physiotherapy will be provided 5 days per week for 3 weeks.
Other: Active Cycle of Breathing Technique · Other: Exercise Program · Other: Traditional Physiotherapy
Participants in this group will receive Progressive Muscle Relaxation and an exercise program 3 days per week for 6 weeks. In addition, traditional physiotherapy will be provided 5 days per week for 3 weeks.
Other: Active Comparator: Progressive Muscle Relaxation · Other: Exercise Program · Other: Traditional Physiotherapy
The patient will sit comfortably in a chair in a quiet environment, with shoulders relaxed, and will be instructed to perform deep, slow breathing with prolonged exhalation. The cycle will be: Breathing Control-Thoracic Expansion Exercise (TEE)-Breathing Control-Thoracic Expansion Exercise-Breathing Control-Bilateral Thoracic Expansion Exercise (BTEE)-Breathing Control. Each step will be repeated 3-5 times. During TEE and BTEE, proprioceptive tactile stimulation will be applied by resistance during inhalation. The application procedure will be taught in sessions 1 and 2. At home, the patient will place their own hand where the therapist normally places theirs. The program will be performed 3 days/week for 6 weeks, 15-20 minutes/session. Participants will also be instructed to perform the technique at home twice daily.
The patient will wear comfortable clothing and sit in a quiet environment. During Progressive Muscle Relaxation, the eyes will be closed and attention will be focused on the body, particularly on muscle tension and relaxation. The session will begin with deep breathing and relaxing music. During inhalation, each muscle group will be contracted for 5 seconds and relaxed for 10 seconds during exhalation, while other muscles remain relaxed. The technique will be applied in order to the hands, arms, face, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, hips, thighs, lower legs, and feet. At the end, all muscles will be contracted and relaxed together, and the relaxed position will be maintained for 2 minutes. The program will be performed 3 days/week for 6 weeks, 15-20 minutes/session.Participants will also be instructed to perform the technique at home twice daily.
The exercise program will include active range of motion (AROM), stretching, scapular stabilization, deep cervical muscle, and postural exercises. During weeks 1-2, the exercises will be performed as 1 set, progressing to 2 sets in week 3. From week 4, resistance will be added to selected exercises as appropriate. These exercises will be performed as 1 set during weeks 4-5 and 2 sets during week 6. The program will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist 3 days per week for 6 weeks, for a total of 18 sessions, with each session lasting 15-20 minutes. Participants will also be instructed to perform the exercises at home twice daily.
Traditional physiotherapy will consist of electrotherapy modalities, including hot pack, ultrasound, interferential current, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Traditional physiotherapy will be provided 5 days per week for 3 weeks, with each treatment session lasting 45 minutes.
Neck Disability
Neck disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame: Change from baseline neck disability at week 6.
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)
Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) will be assessed using a COSMED Pony FX spirometer according to ATS/ERS guidelines. FEV1 will be recorded in liters.
Time frame: Change From Baseline in FEV1 at Week 6
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Forced vital capacity (FVC) will be assessed using a COSMED Pony FX spirometer according to ATS/ERS guidelines. FVC will be recorded in liters.
Time frame: Change from baseline in FVC at week 6
FEV1/FVC Ratio
The FEV1/FVC ratio will be calculated from spirometric measurements obtained using a COSMED Pony FX spirometer according to ATS/ERS guidelines. The FEV1/FVC ratio will be expressed as a percentage.
Time frame: Change from baseline in FEV1/FVC ratio at week 6
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) will be assessed using a COSMED Pony FX spirometer according to ATS/ERS guidelines. PEFR will be recorded in liters per minute.
Time frame: Change from baseline in PEFR at week 6
Slow Vital Capacity (SVC)
Slow vital capacity (SVC) will be assessed using a COSMED Pony FX spirometer according to ATS/ERS guidelines. SVC will be recorded in liters.
Time frame: Change from baseline in SVC at week 6
Respiratory Muscle Strength
Respiratory muscle strength will be assessed using maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP, cmH₂O) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP, cmH₂O). MIP will be used to assess inspiratory muscle strength, whereas MEP will be used to assess expiratory muscle strength.
Time frame: Change from baseline respiratory muscle strength at week 6.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The VAS consists of a 10-cm line ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will mark the point that represents their pain intensity, and the score will be recorded in centimeters.
Time frame: Change from baseline pain intensity at week 6.
Muscle Strength
Muscle strength will be assessed using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Muscle strength is scored from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater muscle strength.
Time frame: Change from baseline muscle strength at week 6.
Cervical Range of Motion
Cervical range of motion will be assessed using a Bubble Inclinometer. Cervical flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left lateral flexion will be measured in degrees.
Time frame: Change from baseline cervical range of motion at week 6.
Cervical Proprioception
Cervical proprioception will be assessed using the Laser Pointer-Assisted Angle Reproduction Test. Joint position error will be recorded in degrees.
Time frame: Change from baseline cervical proprioception at week 6.
Cervical Muscle Endurance
Cervical flexor and extensor muscle endurance will be assessed using neck flexor and extensor endurance tests. The time that participants can maintain the required test position will be measured with a stopwatch and recorded in seconds.
Time frame: Change from baseline cervical muscle endurance at week 6.
Posture
Posture will be assessed using the New York Posture Rating Test, which evaluates postural changes in 13 body regions. The total score ranges from 13 to 65, with higher scores indicating better posture.
Time frame: Change from baseline posture at week 6.
Forward Head Posture
Forward head posture will be assessed by measuring the craniovertebral angle (CVA), defined as the angle between a horizontal line and the line connecting the midpoint of the tragus of the ear to the C7 spinous process. The angle will be recorded in degrees.
Time frame: Change from baseline forward head posture at week 6.
Chest Mobility
Chest mobility will be assessed using the Chest Expansion Test. Chest expansion will be determined as the difference between chest circumference at maximal inspiration and maximal expiration and recorded in centimeters.
Time frame: Change from baseline chest mobility at week 6.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression will be assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The scale consists of 14 items, with 7 items assessing anxiety and 7 assessing depression. Each subscale ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity.
Time frame: Change from baseline anxiety and depression at week 6.
Quality of Life Assessed by the SF-12
Quality of life will be assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Time frame: Change from baseline quality of life at week 6.
Insomnia Severity
Insomnia severity will be assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The ISI consists of 7 items, each scored from 0 to 4. The total score ranges from 0 to 28, with higher scores indicating greater insomnia severity.
Time frame: Change from baseline insomnia severity at week 6.
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Start is estimated for Sep 2026; primary completion for Sep 2027, 12 months later.
Of 763 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Neck Pain, half reached primary completion within 7 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 3 and three quarters within 15. This study's planned 12 months is above that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 772 studies reached it within 7 months; a quarter within 3 and three quarters within 15.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Istanbul Topkapi University