Motion Analysis in Young Adults With Neck Pain: Impact of Cranio-Cervical Flexion Training

NCT ID: NCT06881862

Last Updated: 2025-09-24

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 28 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-03-15
• Study Completion Date: 2025-07-20

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the immediate effects of cranio-cervical flexion exercises and correct posture training on upper extremity and trunk kinematics during functional activities in young adults with neck pain.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does the immediate cranio-cervical flexion and posture training improve postural control and induce immediate changes in individuals with neck pain?
• Does this training intervention enhance functional movement and daily activity performance from a kinematic analysis perspective?

Participants will:

Undergo a baseline assessment, where sociodemographic and physical data will be recorded using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Receive cranio-cervical flexion and correct posture training as an intervention, after which the evaluation will proceed immediately.

Perform functional activities (typing, talking on the phone, eating, lifting a load), with each activity being repeated three times, and these will be evaluated using 3D kinematic analysis with the Movella XSens (MVN Awinda) system.

Detailed Description

The motivation for this study stems from the observation that previous research has primarily focused on the long-term effects of craniocervical flexion exercises, while the immediate effects of such exercises have not been explored. Craniocervical flexion exercises and correct posture training have been shown to be effective in reducing neck pain and improving functionality. Therefore, this study aims to examine the immediate impact of craniocervical flexion exercises and correct posture training on upper extremity and trunk kinematics during functional activities.This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of cranio-cervical flexion exercises and correct posture training on upper extremity and trunk kinematics during functional activities in individuals with neck pain. The study was a cross-sectional design conducted at XXX University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, and was approved by the university's ethics committee (FTREK 24/117).

A total of 28 young adults (aged 18-35) with chronic neck pain participated in the study. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including a minimum Neck Disability Index (NDI) score of 20%. Individuals with congenital or acquired spinal deformities, herniated discs, neurological or vestibular disorders, and pregnant individuals were excluded. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group received immediate cranio-cervical flexion and correct posture training, while the other group followed their routine daily activities. At the end of the study, the second group also received the same training program.

The study consisted of three phases: baseline assessment, immediate training intervention, and post-training assessment. During the baseline phase, sociodemographic, physical, and pain-related data were collected. In the immediate training intervention phase, participants in the intervention group were instructed in cranio-cervical flexion exercises and correct posture training. In the post-training phase, functional tasks such as typing, phone conversation, heavy load lifting, and eating were performed. Kinematic changes during these tasks were assessed using a 3D inertial measurement system (Movella XSens), which is well-regarded for its reliability in biomechanical research.

Sample size calculation using G*Power software indicated that a total of 28 participants (14 per group) was sufficient to achieve 80% statistical power with an alpha level of 0.05. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0 to assess the immediate effects of the cranio-cervical flexion and posture training on kinematic parameters during the functional tasks.

Conditions

Condition or Disease: Neck Pain; Condition or Disease: Chronic Pain; Condition or Disease: Postural Disorders; Intervention/Treatment: Craniocervical Flexion Exercise; Interventation/Treatment: Postural Training; Intervention/Treatment: Exercise Therapy; Intervention/Treatment: Physical Therapy Modalities

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NON_RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: OTHER
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Trained Group

In the trained group, participants received immediate instruction on craniocervical flexion exercises and correct posture. They were guided through the exercises and provided feedback to ensure proper technique and activation of the deep cervical flexor muscles.The craniocervical flexion and correct posture training were given immediately during the assessment, with no follow-up sessions or long-term interventions. The focus was solely on providing the training at that moment, without any prolonged or repeated exercises.

Group Type: OTHER

The immediate craniocervical flexion and correct posture training

Intervention Type: OTHER

The craniocervical flexion and correct posture training were given immediately during the assessment, with no follow-up sessions or long-term interventions. The focus was solely on providing the training at that moment, without any prolonged or repeated exercises.

Untrained group

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

The immediate craniocervical flexion and correct posture training

The craniocervical flexion and correct posture training were given immediately during the assessment, with no follow-up sessions or long-term interventions. The focus was solely on providing the training at that moment, without any prolonged or repeated exercises.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Willingness to voluntarily participate in the study,
• Being between 18 and 35 years old,
• Having an initial Neck Disability Index (NDI) score of at least 20%,
• Experiencing neck pain for at least 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria

• Unwillingness to participate in the study voluntarily,• Unwillingness to participate in the study voluntarily,
• Having neurological, orthopedic, musculoskeletal and/or vestibular disorders,
• A history of cervical spine surgery,
• Receiving exercise or physical therapy interventions within the last 6 months,
• Having congenital and/or acquired spinal deformities,
• Being pregnant.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 35 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Hacettepe University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

HATİCE ÇETİN

Assistant Profesor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

HATİCE ÇETİN, Assist, Prof

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

HACETTEPE UNIVERSİTY

Locations

Hacettepe University

Ankara, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

References

Yong MS, Lee HY, Ryu YU, Lee MY. Effects of craniocervical flexion exercise on upper-limb postural stability during a goal-directed pointing task. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Jun;27(6):2005-7. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.2005. Epub 2015 Jun 30.

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

PMID: 26180368 (View on PubMed)

Murgia A, Kyberd P, Barnhill T. The use of kinematic and parametric information to highlight lack of movement and compensation in the upper extremities during activities of daily living. Gait Posture. 2010 Mar;31(3):300-6. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.11.007. Epub 2010 Jan 19.

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

PMID: 20034798 (View on PubMed)

Cleland JA, Childs JD, Whitman JM. Psychometric properties of the Neck Disability Index and Numeric Pain Rating Scale in patients with mechanical neck pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Jan;89(1):69-74. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2007.08.126.

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

PMID: 18164333 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

XSNP

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id