Clinical trial NCT06877728: Comparative Effect of Neck Isometrics and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercises on Neck Pain Among Breastfeeding Females.
Official title: Comparative Effect of Neck Isometrics and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercises on Neck Pain, Functional Disability, Range of Motion and Muscle Weakness Among Breastfeeding Females
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Neck Pain
Range of Motion
Muscle Weakness
Breastfeeding
Keywords: Neck pain
range of motion
Muscle weakness
Breastfeeding
Lead sponsor: Riphah International University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-03-14
Enrollment: 48
Sex: FEMALE
Minimum age (years): 25
Maximum age (years): 40
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: participants received scar mobilization combined with kinesio tapping
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: Neck pain is a common complaint among breastfeeding females, potentially attributed to sustained postures and muscle imbalance. Breastfeeding females experiencing neck pain, aged between 18-40 years, will be recruited through local healthcare facilities and community outreach. The physical demands of breastfeeding, such as prolonged postures and repetitive movements, can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal issues in the cervical region.

Despite the prevalence of neck discomfort among breastfeeding females, there is a paucity of research exploring effective exercise interventions tailored to this specific population. Mothers' awareness of proper nursing positions during breastfeeding may have positive impact on the connection between mother and baby. Most typical positions for nursing a baby are cross cradle hold, cradle hold, side lying and football hold. Most common adapted breastfeeding position is cross cradle.

Detailed description: A randomized control trial will be conducted to assess and compare the effectiveness of neck isometrics and deep cervical flexion exercises in alleviating neck pain, reducing disability, improving range of motion, and addressing muscle weakness in breastfeeding females. A sample size of 48 lactating women will be taken. Data will be collected from private clinical setups of Bahawalpur by using (NPRS) Numeric Pain Rating Scale Questionnaire, (NDI) Neck Disability Index, Range of motion will be assessed by inclinometer and Muscle strength will be assessed by MMT. A written consent form will be taken from participants meeting inclusion criteria and will be randomly allocated into two groups of equal members. Group A will be given Neck Isometric Exercises and Conservative treatment for 30 min (3-4days/week) of duration for total 6 weeks.

Group B will be given Deep Cervical Flexion Exercises with conservative treatment. The interventions will be provided for 30 minutes for 3-4 Day/week for 6 weeks. All participants in both groups will be evaluated before and after the treatment programs. Outcome measures will be calculated after 6 weeks of intervention. Data will be analyzed by using SPSS 21

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 25 to 40 years
* Mode of delivery (vaginal/c-section)
* Severe neck weakness (above grade III)
* Primigravida

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous history of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms
* Radicular neck pain
* History of inflammatory disease (myelopathy)
* History of cervical fracture

Primary outcomes:
measure: 1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
timeFrame: 8 Weeks
measure: NECK DISABILITY INDEX QUESTIONNARE
timeFrame: 8 Weeks
measure: INCLINOMETER NECK ROM:
timeFrame: 8 Weeks
measure: MANUAL MUSCLE TESTING FOR MUSCLE WEAKNESS:
timeFrame: 8 Weeks
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Lahore
country: Pakistan
facility: Jinnah Hospital
state: Punjab
Study officials:
affiliation: Riphah International University
name: Faiza Taufiq, PP-DPT
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References: