Acute Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Passive Muscle Stiffness and Pain in Patients With Nec… (NCT07203040) | Clinical Trial Compass
By InvitationNot Applicable
Acute Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Passive Muscle Stiffness and Pain in Patients With Neck Pain
Turkey (Türkiye)24 participantsStarted 2025-09-25
Plain-language summary
This study will test whether one session of therapeutic ultrasound can immediately reduce muscle stiffness and pain in adults with neck pain. Participants aged 18-50 years who report neck pain of at least 3 out of 10 will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) active ultrasound or (2) sham ultrasound. Both groups will receive the same 10-minute procedure with the probe moved slowly over the painful neck muscles; however, the sham device will not deliver ultrasound energy. Before and right after the session, we will measure passive muscle stiffness at standard points on the neck and shoulder muscles using a handheld device and will record pain intensity on a 0-10 scale. We will also record the Neck Disability Index on the same day. The main question is whether active ultrasound produces a larger immediate decrease in muscle stiffness than sham. We will also examine changes in pain and neck function. The session is performed by trained physiotherapists in a clinic setting. Potential risks are minimal (such as temporary warmth or mild skin redness). There is no cost to participate. Results may help guide safe, non-drug treatment options for neck pain.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 18-50 years
Neck pain with baseline intensity ≥ 3/10 on a 0-10 scale
Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent
No invasive neck treatment within the past 6 weeks
Exclusion Criteria:
* Neurological signs suggesting cervical radiculopathy or serious spinal pathology
Open wounds, infection, or severe skin disease at the treatment area
Pregnancy or implanted pacemaker
Acute cervical trauma or fracture history
Use of other neck-targeted physical therapies or analgesic procedures on the day of assessment
Any condition judged by the investigators to interfere with safe ultrasound application or outcome measurements
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in passive cervical muscle stiffness
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-treatment) to immediately after the single 20-minute session (same visit)