Breathe away the pain: simple diaphragm training may ease stubborn neck aches

NCT ID NCT05529641

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: National Cheng Kung University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether adding diaphragmatic resistance training (breathing exercises) to standard neck stabilization exercises can reduce pain and disability in people with chronic neck pain. 71 adults with neck pain lasting over 3 months did 6 weeks of home breathing exercises plus supervised neck exercises. Researchers measured pain, disability, and movement quality. The goal is to find a simple, non-drug way to manage chronic neck pain.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: diaphragmatic resistance training and cervical stabilization exercise
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free home exercise to ease chronic neck pain and improve movement.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study (71 people) without a control group for comparison. Results may not apply to everyone with neck pain.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DIAPHRAGM are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diaphragm disorder Neck Pain Respiratory Aspiration

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DIAPHRAGM EXERCISE TRAINING INHALATION NECK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Physical Therapy, National Cheng Kung University

Tainan, 701, Taiwan

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.