BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, 2025/08, 11(3):e002756. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2025-002756, type of study: ,rct,

Free full text   (https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/11/3/e002756)

Keywords:

cervical spine [319]
neck kinematics [1]
neck pain [179]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
protocol [59]
randomized controlled trial [947]

Abstract:

Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder causing functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy provides symptomatic relief but often yields inconsistent improvements in cervical kinematics. Osteopathic manipulation has shown promise in addressing biomechanical dysfunctions and restoring normal neck mobility. This randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of osteopathic manipulation combined with standard physiotherapy on neck kinematics in individuals with NSNP using X-Sens motion capture analysis. After obtaining written informed consent from the patient, eligible inpatients and outpatients from the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Orthopaedics department will be recruited. Participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomly assigned (1:1) to either Group A (osteopathic manipulation + standard treatment) or Group B (standard treatment alone) using computer-generated random numbers and sealed opaque envelopes. Both groups will receive 30-minute treatment sessions, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Followups will be conducted at the second and fourth weeks post-treatment. Baseline neck kinematics and functional outcomes will be assessed using the X-Sens motion capture system. Data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. Descriptive statistics will summarise demographic data. Between-group differences will be analysed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests. Repeated measures ANOVA will assess changes over time within and between groups for primary and secondary outcomes.