An interventional study of Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training and Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Cervical Spondylosis, sponsored by Ibadat International University, Islamabad. Recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 40 Years to 60 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-28.
Sponsored by Ibadat International University, Islamabad · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
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.
142 studies on the registry are indexed under Spondylosis; 42 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 44 is below the median of 60 across 101 interventional studies indexed under Spondylosis.
Browse Spondylosis studies →Ibadat International University, Islamabad is the lead sponsor of 53 studies on the registry; 36 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Other: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training · Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercises · Other: Standard Physiotherapy
Other: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training · Other: Standard Physiotherapy
Deep cervical flexor (DCF) training will be performed using a pressure biofeedback unit to facilitate selective activation of the longus colli and longus capitis. Participants will lie supine with hips and knees flexed, with the cuff placed beneath the cervical spine at C4-C5 and inflated to a baseline pressure of 20 mmHg. Gentle cranio-cervical flexion will be performed by nodding and drawing the chin inward while maintaining head contact with the surface and avoiding compensatory superficial muscle activation. Target pressure will progress from 22 mmHg in Week 1 to 24, 26, and 28 mmHg in Weeks 2-4, respectively. Training will consist of 3 sets of 10 repetitions, with 5-second holds in Week 1 progressing to 10-second holds thereafter and 30-60 seconds of rest between sets. Arm lifts will be added in Week 3 and leg marching in Week 4. The intervention will be administered three times weekly for four consecutive weeks.
Scapular stabilization exercises will be performed progressively for 4 weeks to improve scapular control, alignment, and stabilizer strength. In Week 1, seated scapular retraction and depression will be performed for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 5-second holds and 60 seconds rest. In Week 2, scapular retraction will progress using light TheraBand resistance for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with controlled movement. In Week 3, wall slides and prone Y and T raises will be performed for 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions. In Week 4, scapular stabilization with shoulder flexion and abduction will be performed for 3 sets of 10 repetitions. All exercises will emphasize controlled movement, neutral alignment, and avoidance of compensatory shoulder or trunk movements. Sessions will be conducted three times weekly.
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.
Neck Disability - Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Measure: Functional disability related to neck pain measured using the Neck Disability Index.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks of treatment.
Pain Intensity - Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Neck pain intensity measured using the 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks of treatment
Universal Goniometer
Measure: Cervical Range of Motion - Cervical flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks of treatment.
The Neck Flexor Endurance Test
Measure: Cervical flexor muscle endurance.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks of treatment
Plan to share: No
Started Jun 2026 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Sep 2026, 3 months after the start.
Of 53 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Spondylosis, half reached primary completion within 14 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 6 and three quarters within 42. This study's planned 3 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 58 studies reached it within 27 months; a quarter within 6 and three quarters within 47.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Ibadat International University, Islamabad