Clinical trial NCT06903000: Effects of IASTM and Vibration Therapy in Cervical Disc Herniation
Official title: Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Vibration Therapy on Pain, Functional Status, Proprioception, and Kinesiophobia in Individuals With Cervical Disc Herniation
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Intervertebral Disc Displacement
Neck Pain
Keywords: Cervical disc herniation
Neck pain
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
Vibration therapy
Proprioception
Kinesiophobia
Physiotherapy
Lead sponsor: Medipol University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-03-30
Enrollment: 57
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 30
Maximum age (years): 60
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: Parallel Assignment
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: This study investigates the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion massage therapy on pain, functional status, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with cervical disc herniation. A total of 66 participants diagnosed with cervical disc herniation will be randomly divided into three groups: vibration therapy, IASTM, and conventional exercise. Each group will receive conventional physiotherapy, while the intervention groups will additionally receive their respective therapies. Outcomes will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Laser Pointer Joint Position Sense Test, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). The aim is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of both therapies in reducing pain, improving functionality and proprioception, and decreasing fear of movement.

Detailed description: Cervical disc herniation is a common musculoskeletal condition that causes significant pain and functional limitations, often affecting individuals in their middle ages and those working in sedentary occupations. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of two modern physical therapy techniques-Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and percussion-based vibration therapy-on pain, functional capacity, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with cervical disc herniation.

A total of 66 participants diagnosed with cervical disc herniation will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Vibration Therapy Group, (2) IASTM Group, and (3) Conventional Exercise Group. All participants will receive standard physiotherapy, including thermotherapy, TENS, and range of motion exercises. Intervention groups will additionally receive either percussion massage therapy (3 sessions/week for 3 weeks) or IASTM (3 sessions/week for 3 weeks), targeting the cervical and upper back musculature.

Outcome measures will include the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for functional assessment, a Laser Pointer Joint Position Sense Test for proprioception, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) to assess fear of movement. The study seeks to compare the effectiveness of these approaches in improving clinical outcomes and contributing to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for individuals with cervical disc pathology.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Have a diagnosis of cervical disc herniation.
* Have a complaint of neck pain lasting at least 3 weeks.
* Have a restriction in cervical range of motion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have any additional orthopedic or neurological disorders besides cervical problems.
* Have a history of previous trauma to the cervical region.
* Have received physiotherapy within the past 6 months.
* Are unable to tolerate vibration therapy.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Assessment of Joint Position Sense (Proprioception)
timeFrame: 3 weeks
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Pain Assessment (Visual Analog Scale - VAS)
timeFrame: 3 weeks
measure: Neck Disability Index (NDI)
timeFrame: 3 weeks
measure: Kinesiophobia Assessment (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia -TSK)
timeFrame: 3 weeks
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Istanbul
country: Turkey
facility: Emre Dansuk
state: Beykoz
Study officials:
affiliation: Medipol University
name: Emre Dansuk, PhD
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References: