Clinical Trial Details
— Status: Completed
Administrative data
NCT number |
NCT04664842 |
Other study ID # |
NCKU_Diaphragm |
Secondary ID |
|
Status |
Completed |
Phase |
N/A
|
First received |
|
Last updated |
|
Start date |
August 1, 2020 |
Est. completion date |
September 15, 2021 |
Study information
Verified date |
May 2023 |
Source |
National Cheng Kung University |
Contact |
n/a |
Is FDA regulated |
No |
Health authority |
|
Study type |
Interventional
|
Clinical Trial Summary
Chronic neck pain is a commonly reported problem and often associated with functional
disability. Studies showed that patients with chronic neck pain compensated with changes in
breathing pattern. Primary functions of the diaphragm includes as the main respiratory muscle
and contributing to the postural stability and spinal control. Diaphragm is located between
the thorax and abdomen and has extensive and complex fascial connections to surrounding
organs, muscles, and skeletons. Few studies showed that applying diaphragmatic manual
techniques and breathing exercise training help to improve functions in patients with low
back pain. However, how does the interventions directly influence on patients with chronic
neck pain is still unclear. In this study, we make a hypothesis that diaphragmatic stretch
technique and breathing exercise training help to reduce pain and improve functions in
patients with chronic neck pain.
Description:
Chronic neck pain is a serious health problem with low quality of life, disability and
economical burdens. Studies have found that nearly 83% of chronic neck pain patients had
changes in breathing patterns. Compensated breathing pattern by using the neck-accessory
respiratory muscles may result in excessive muscle strains and over-activations, which may
also contribute to develop chronic neck pain. The diaphragm is the most important respiratory
muscle which attached to the ribs and spine, and thus has an influence on spinal stability.
Few studies have showed that diaphragm releasing and breathing training can reduce pain and
improve flexibility of posterior chain muscles, spinal range of motions, and ribcage
excursions in asymptomatic adults and patients with low back pain. However, the effects in
patients with chronic neck pain has not bee determined. Therefore, there are two main purpose
of this study. First, to determine the relationships among diaphragm mobility, neck pain and
dysfunction, and respiratory in patients with chronic neck pain. Second, to investigate the
effects of diaphragm releasing, breathing training, or combined intervention on pain and
disability in patients with chronic neck pain. It is expected to recruit 150 patients with
chronic neck pain and 30 healthy volunteers. Patients with chronic neck pain will be randomly
assigned to (1) manual therapy group (2) manual control group (3) breathing training group
(4) general exercise control group (5) manual therapy combined breathing training group. Each
participant will receive a specific intervention program depending on their group allocation.
All participants will receive two evaluation sessions before and after the intervention
including ultrasonography, cervical and thoracic function, respiratory functions, and
autonomic balance.