Can tape or electric pulses beat exercise for neck pain?
NCT ID NCT07770308
The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.
First seen Aug 18, 2026 · Last updated Aug 19, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether kinesio taping, TENS therapy, or home exercises work best for people with cervical myofascial pain syndrome—a condition causing pain and weakness from tight muscle bands in the neck and upper back. About 45 adults aged 18–65 will be randomly assigned to one of the three treatments. Researchers will measure pain, muscle stiffness (using ultrasound elastography), neck movement, and disability to see if any approach stands out.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Kinesio taping, TENS therapy, and home-based exercises
- What this could lead to
- If one approach proves better, it could point toward a more effective, drug-free way to ease neck pain and improve function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, so results may not apply broadly. Some people may find taping or TENS uncomfortable or ineffective.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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45 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2023
- Finished
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Apr 2024
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between the ages of 18-65 and diagnosed with cervical MAS according to the major and minor diagnostic criteria defined by Travel and Simons. Exclusion Criteria: * Those diagnosed with myofascial syndrome and receiving medical treatment and physical therapy * Those diagnosed with myofascial syndrome and taking an exercise program * Those diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome * Skin disease and edema in the area to be applied * Kinesiology tape allergy * Neurological diseases (Epilepsy, stroke, upper motor neuron lesions) * People using pacemakers * Hypertension and diabetes that cannot be controlled with medication * Any fracture pathology involving the upper extremity and cervical region, * Other cervical pathologies that may cause neck pain other than MAS * Pregnancy * Cognitive dysfunction and poor cooperation
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Bakırkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Hospital
Istanbul, Bakırköy, 34147, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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