RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07724470

Effects of Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post Facilitation Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Patients With Cervical Radicular Pain

Sponsor

Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Jun 29, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Cervical radicular pain

Summary

Cervical radicular pain (CRP) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper limb due to compression or irritation of cervical nerve roots. It significantly affects daily activities, cervical mobility, and overall quality of life. Conventional physical therapy focuses on reducing pain and improving function; however, there is limited evidence comparing the effectiveness of different stretching techniques used in clinical practice. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) and Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability in patients with cervical radicular pain. A total of 70 participants with cervical radicular pain (\>4 weeks) will be randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (Myokinetic Stretching Technique Group) - receiving MST along with conventional therapy including hot pack application, cervical isometric exercises, neurodynamic gliding, and continuous cervical traction. Group B (Post Facilitation Stretching Group) - receiving Post Facilitation Stretching along with the same conventional therapy. The intervention will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Outcome measures will include: Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer Functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) This study aims to determine the more effective stretching technique for reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, and enhancing functional outcomes, thereby supporting evidence-based physiotherapy practice in managing cervical radicular pain.

Eligibility

Min Age: 30 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying Myokinetic Stretching Technique and Post facilitation stretching for people with cervical radicular pain. The study is currently recruiting participants at 2 locations.

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.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

OTHERMyokinetic Stretching Technique

Participants in this group will receive Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) along with conventional physiotherapy treatment. The program will be delivered for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Conventional treatment will include hot pack application to the cervical region, cervical isometric exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), neurodynamic gliding techniques, and continuous cervical traction. MST will be applied to the cervical musculature, particularly the trapezius muscle. The participant will be positioned in supine, and the therapist will perform controlled lateral flexion stretching followed by myofascial release using sustained pressure (5-10 seconds). The technique will be performed in sets with brief rest intervals to improve muscle flexibility and reduce pain.

OTHERPost facilitation stretching

Participants in this group will receive Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) along with conventional physiotherapy treatment. The program will be conducted for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week on alternate days, each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Conventional treatment will include hot pack application to the cervical region, cervical isometric exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), neurodynamic gliding techniques, and continuous cervical traction. PFS will be applied to the cervical musculature, particularly the trapezius muscle. The participant will be positioned in supine, and the therapist will guide the muscle into a neutral position followed by a strong voluntary contraction for approximately 10 seconds. After relaxation, a rapid passive stretch will be applied and held briefly. The procedure will be repeated in sets with short rest intervals to improve muscle extensibility and reduce pain.