CompletedNot Applicable

The Effects of Spinal Mobilization Added to an Exercise Program in Recreational Tennis Players With Mechanical

Turkey (Türkiye)30 participantsStarted 2025-04-01

Plain-language summary

This prospective, single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial evaluated whether adding cervical and thoracic spinal mobilization (Maitland concept, grades I-IV) to a structured home therapeutic exercise program improves pain intensity and physical fitness parameters in recreational tennis players with mechanical neck pain. Thirty adults aged 18-45 years with body mass index (BMI) of 18-30 kg/m² and mechanical neck pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS \> 4) lasting more than one week were randomized 1:1 into a Control Group (CG, n=15) performing an unsupervised 21-session home exercise program (one session per day for three weeks) and an Experimental Group (EG, n=15) performing the identical home exercise program plus four therapist-delivered sessions of cervical and upper thoracic spinal mobilization (one at baseline and one per week thereafter, across three weeks). Outcomes assessed at baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 3) included VAS for pain during physical activity, at rest, and during sleep; cervical range of motion measured with a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device; isometric neck muscle strength (handheld dynamometer); pinch and hand grip strength; ruler-drop reaction time; sit-and-reach flexibility; and vertical jump performance assessed with the My Jump Lab application.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 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 between 18 and 45 years. * Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 30 kg/m². * Recreational tennis player, playing tennis at least 2 days per week and at least 2 hours per week. * Mechanical neck pain triggered by neck movement or sustained positions on the symptomatic side. * Reduced cervical range of motion as confirmed by a positive cervical flexion-rotation test. * Pain elicited by external pressure over at least one cervical zygapophyseal (facet) joint. * Neck pain of at least 1 week duration, with intensity greater than 4/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), not associated with any specific medical history. * Able to communicate in Turkish or English (verbal and written). * Free from systemic, orthopedic, neurological, chronic, or psychiatric disease. Exclusion Criteria: * Neck pain of more than 6 months duration. * Concomitant sensory loss (paresthesia, hypoesthesia, or anesthesia). * Pain radiating to the upper extremities (radicular symptoms). * History of long-term systemic corticosteroid use. * Regular use of medications affecting musculoskeletal performance or pain perception. * Sequelae from prior injury or any surgical history involving the cervical or thoracic spine. * Prior interventional procedures targeting the neck region (e.g., injection therapy). * Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. * During the study: pain greater than 3/10 on VAS during sessions, three consecutive missed sessions, incident illness or trauma, withdrawal request, …

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

Pain intensity - Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during physical activity (0-10 cm)

Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 3)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07575542

SponsorIstinye University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-07-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mechanical Neck Pain trials