Welcome
Support Centre
21 March 2013 
ISRCTN Register - International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number
Trial registration
Unique identification scheme
International databases
home  |   my details  |   ISRCTN Register  |   mRCT  |   links  |   information  |   news
Find trials
ISRCTN Register
tips on searching

Registration
New application
Updating record

Information
introduction
governing board
ISRCTN FAQs
data set
letter of agreement
request information
guidance notes
statistics

[ Print-friendly version ]
Manual vs. mechanically performed manipulations of the thoracic spine in neck pain patients
ISRCTN ISRCTN88585962
DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN88585962
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
EudraCT number
Public title Manual vs. mechanically performed manipulations of the thoracic spine in neck pain patients
Scientific title Manual vs. mechanically performed manipulations of the thoracic spine in neck pain patients: A randomized comparative, effectiveness trial
Acronym N/A
Serial number at source N/A
Study hypothesis 1. Neck pain patients benefit from thoracic spine instrument assisted mechanical manipulations performed by the Impulse iQ®.
2. There is no a difference in pain, disability and self-reported improvement between the treatment groups treated with the Impulse iQ® or manual manipulations.

Please note that as of 22/01/2013, the anticipated start date for this trial was updated from 12/11/2012 to 01/02/2013.
Lay summary Background and study aims
Previous studies have shown that manipulations of the neck (cervical spine) in combination with exercises have the best outcome in patients with neck pain. However, there are some small risks associated with cervical spine manipulations. Consequently an alternative treatment method has been developed. Studies have shown a positive outcome of upper back (thoracic spine) manipulations for neck pain. These manipulations can be delivered manually or carried out by using a mechanical medical device. Within this study a mechanical medical device called the iQ Impulse will be used to administer the manipulations. This device was tested, certified and registered at the British Standards Institution (CE 55616) and is safe for treatment use. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of manually versus mechanically delivered manipulations.

Who can participate?
Age >18 years old, male and female with neck pain (acute or chronic) Grade I or II and able to speak and read German or English

What does the study involve?
The participants will be randomly divided into two groups :
Group A: 40 patients will receive manual manipulations and exercises
Group B: 40 patients will receive mechanical manipulations and exercises
To participate in this study you should attend four appointments. During the first session you will be given a standardized physical examination, be asked to fill out questionnaires, receive the first manipulation and given a home exercise program.
The type of manipulation (mechanical versus manual) to be given to your thoracic spine will be made beforehand. This distribution is made using a computer program. Neither the study administration nor the participant may influence the allocation to the treatment group. The next two appointments will each be scheduled from two to four days apart and you will be asked to fill out the questionnaires again and you will receive more manipulations. One year after the first treatment you will be asked to attend an appointment to fill out the questionnaires for the last time. Within the first appointment you will also receive a home-program, this will be explained to you in detail by a member of the research team. The program consists of seven exercises, which you should execute frequently at home. To keep track of the exercise program, you are asked to mark the days you carried out the exercises on a training schedule.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Due to the manipulation in combination with the home exercise program your neck pain problems may decrease. Because of your participation future neck pain patients may benefit from this outcome as well from the new information we learn from doing this research. This research may provide new knowledge for a more effective treatment for neck pain patients.
The risks associated with this study are small and particular care has been taken to minimize all possible risks by performing a thorough physical examination at the beginning of this study. However it is possible that you may experience some minor muscle pain or soreness from the manipulation and/or with the exercise program but this should be temporary and carries no harm. In the very unlikely event that you experience something more serious or longer lasting, or if you have any questions about this study, a medical specialist can be contacted.
Your participation in this study is optional. If you decide not to take part, there will be no disadvantages to you for your current or future medical care. As well, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without any disadvantage to your medical care. You will not be asked to justify your reason(s) for withdrawing. If you should withdraw, only the data collected up to that time will be included in the study. The participants will not receive any compensation for participation.
In the unlikely event that you experience any injury or damages related to your participation in this study the Balgrist University Hospital will cover the appropriate costs through its insurer.

Where is the study run from?
The study is conducted at the Division of Chiropractic Medicine at the Balgrist University Hospital

When is study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study will begin in February 2013 and continue until 2016. The participants will be recruited over a period of 2 years.

Who is funding the study?
Balgrist University Hospital

Who is the main contact?
Anke Langefeld, PHD. Student, Balgrist University Hospital
ankelangenfeld@gmail.com
Ethics approval Canton of Zurich Ethics Committee, 14 September 2012, Ref. Nr. KEK-ZH-Nr. 2012-0248
Study design Randomized comparative effectiveness trial
Countries of recruitment Switzerland
Disease/condition/study domain Neck pain
Participants - inclusion criteria 1. Age >18 years old, either sex
2. Neck pain (acute or chronic) Grade I or II
3. Able to speak and read German or English
Participants - exclusion criteria 1. Severe disorders of the cervical spine such as disc prolapse
2. Spinal stenosis
3. Postoperative conditions in neck and shoulder areas
4. History of severe trauma
5. Spasmoidic torticollis
6. Frequent migraine
7. Peripheral nerve entrapment
8. Fibromyalgia, shoulder diseases, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, osteoporosis and cancer
Anticipated start date 01/02/2013
Anticipated end date 11/11/2016
Status of trial Ongoing
Patient information material Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Target number of participants 80
Interventions Trial comparing the treatment outcomes of manual and instrument assisted mechanical manipulations of the thoracic spine for neck pain patients.

A: Manual manipulations of the thoracic spine

B: Mechanically applied manipulations of the thoracic spine

Both groups will receive a total of three manipulations. Within the first treatment session they will also receive a standardized home programme.
Primary outcome measure(s) Current primary outcome measures as of 22/01/2013:
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

Previous primary outcome measures until 22/01/2013:
1. Neck Disability Index (NDI)
2. European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L)
3. Patient’s Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC)
At all four appointments, before the treatment.
Secondary outcome measure(s) Current secondary outcome measures as of 22/01/2013:
1. Neck Disability Index (NDI)
2. European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L)
3. Patient’s Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC)
At all four appointments, before the treatment.

Previous secondary outcome measures until 22/01/2013:
1. Impulse iQ® Adjusting Instrument variables
1.1. Time
1.2. Frequency
1.3. Force
Sources of funding Balgrist University Hospital (Switzerland)
Trial website
Publications
Contact name Prof  Kim  Humphreys
  Address Balgrist University Hospital
Forschstrasse 340
  City/town Zurich
  Zip/Postcode 8008
  Country Switzerland
Sponsor Balgrist University Hospital (Uniklinik Balgrist) (Switzerland)
  Address c/o Swanenburg
Forschstrasse 340
  City/town Zurich
  Zip/Postcode 8008
  Country Switzerland
  Email jaap.swanenburg@balgrist.ch
  Sponsor website: http://www.balgrist.ch/en/
Date applied 27/11/2012
Last edited 22/01/2013
Date ISRCTN assigned 10/01/2013
Submit your trial protocol
Submit to Trials journal
Follow us on Twitter
© 2013 ISRCTN unless otherwise stated.