Sensory Motor Control and Muscle Energy Technique for Chronic Mechanical Neck
Effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control and Muscle Energy Techniques on Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
Ibadat International University, Islamabad
52 participants
Jan 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Sensory Motor Control training combined with Muscle Energy Technique in reducing pain and improving function, cervical range of motion, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
Simplified for easier understanding
This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
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Interventions
Participants will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) techniques targeting the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, deep neck flexors, deep neck extensors, and scalene muscles. Each technique involves a gentle isometric contraction (5-10 seconds) followed by relaxation and stretching to a new barrier, repeated 3-5 times. Both groups will receive hot pack therapy (10 minutes), manual therapy (5 minutes), and MET. The intervention group will additionally receive Sensory Motor Control (SMC) training. Participants will undergo a structured SMC program including oculomotor exercises, head-eye coordination training, figure-of-eight tracking, gaze stability, and gaze-shifting exercises. The program is designed to improve cervical proprioception, postural control, movement accuracy, and range of motion while reducing pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. Sessions will be supervised and progressed according to patient tolerance.
articipants in the experimental group will receive a combination of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Sensory Motor Control (SMC) Training. Treatment sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist. MET will be applied to the shortened cervical muscles, including the upper trapezius and levator scapulae, using post-isometric relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tightness, improve cervical mobility, and decrease pain. Following MET, participants will perform a structured SMC training program aimed at improving cervical proprioception, eye-head coordination, gaze stability, movement control, balance, and postural awareness. The SMC program will include the following exercises: Smooth Horizontal and Vertical Tracking: A card measuring approximately 10-15 cm × 7-10 cm will be placed 2 meters from the participant. In Level 1, participants move their eyes while keeping the head stationary; in Level 2, they move the head while maintaining visual fixation on the targe
Locations(1)
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NCT07681687