Which neck exercise better eases pain and sharpens body sense?
NCT ID NCT06465394
First seen Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two types of neck exercises—isometric (holding a static position against resistance) and isotonic (moving through a range of motion with resistance)—to see which one better reduces pain sensitivity and improves proprioception (awareness of body position). Healthy adults aged 18 to 64 with no neck pain will try both exercises in a crossover design. The findings could help physical therapists choose the most effective exercise for their patients.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- neck exercises (isometric and isotonic)
- What this could lead to
- If one exercise type proves superior, it could help physical therapists design better neck exercise programs for pain relief and body awareness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study in healthy people without neck pain, so results may not apply to those with neck conditions. The effects measured are short-term.
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
-
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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27 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
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 64 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * 18-64 years old, * all genders, * healthy individuals with no neck pain Exclusion Criteria: * Medical restrictions to physical activity * History of chronic pain (pain \> 3 months) or current acute neck pain * Unable to refrain from alcohol, pain medications, and vigorous exercise 24 hours prior to testing
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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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University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069, United States
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