Effectiveness of Activity Oriented Therapy and Traditional Therapy in Cervical Discopathic Pain Syndrome

University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland

Status: Completed

Conditions: Forward Head Posture; Depression Disorders; Neck Pain Chronic; Anxiety Disorders

Treatments: Other: Traditional therapy; Other: Activity Oriented therapy (N.A.P.)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06803264

40/KBL/OIL/2020

Details and patient eligibility

About

Title: Effectiveness of Activity Oriented Therapy and Traditional Therapy in Cervical Discopathic Pain Syndrome

Procedures: You will be asked to complete a form containing questions characterizing the study group and several questionnaires before starting treatment, such as: NDI, CESD-R, STAI and the NRS scale. A photo of the head and shoulder area will also be taken in a front and side standing position. After completing the two-week treatment, you will be asked again to complete questionnaires and pose for photos. You will be informed about a follow-up visit 3 months after the end of therapy, during which you will be asked for the last time to complete questionnaires and pose for a photo.

Benefits: There are no direct benefits to you other than participating in a therapy more commonly used for cervical pain syndromes and the opportunity to discuss your experience with neck pain with a specialist. The information we obtain will help scientists better understand the problem of treating neck pain.

Risk: There are no physical risks to you while conducting this research. All information obtained from you will be anonymous. Your name and image will not be used in this study or reports.

Confidentiality: All research records will be confidential and appropriately secured. Records will only be published with your consent or by court order or as required by law. Any publication resulting from this research will not use identifying information, such as your name or likeness.

Freedom to opt out: Participation in the study is completely voluntary and free of charge. You may withdraw from this study at any time without any consequences.

Full description

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Activity Oriented Therapy (N.A.P. therapy) and traditional therapy during disc-related neck pain in terms of pain intensity, disability, Forward Head Posture (FHP), anxiety as a condition and level of depression. Patients were qualified based on a medical examination. Respondents were randomly divided into two groups.

The therapies were performed by experienced physiotherapists in cooperation with a psychologist. Treatment in both groups included 10 therapy sessions held daily from Monday to Friday over a two-week period.

Enrollment: 74 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 30 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• qualifying: non-traumatic, disc-like, chronic (symptoms lasting more than 3 months) cervical pain of mechanical origin, localized in the cervical region with the possibility of radiation to the upper edge of the scapula and head (without root symptoms and neurological disorders), classified as syndrome No. 1 according to the Quebec Task Force (QTF) Classification, and a condition not requiring surgery.

Exclusion criteria

• comorbid advanced neurological, rheumatic, urological, psychiatric diseases, and unsystematic participation in in therapy.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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74 participants in 2 patient groups

N.A.P. therapy group

Experimental group

Description:

Activity Oriented therapy (N.A.P.) is based on the assumption that motor activity affects the plasticity of the brain and it stimulates a positive change in its cortical representation. The therapist use motor teaching techniques, postural control exercises and improving respiratory functions. Breathing exercises are used to reduce nervous system stimulation, activating the parasympathetic system and relaxing the body and mind. Additionally, diaphragm exercises affect the stabilization of the spine muscles.

Treatment:

Other: Activity Oriented therapy (N.A.P.)

Traditional therapy group

Active Comparator group

Description:

In Poland, traditional treatment of neck pain includes physical treatments (e.g. cryotherapy or TENS) and exercises to strengthen and improve the range of muscles in the shoulder girdle and neck. Research shows that these interventions provide good benefits in the treatment of neck pain immediately after therapy, but there is often a lack of information about how this change is maintained over time. Considering the psychological aspect of chronic pain, such actions may not be sufficient to effectively cure the problem.

Treatment:

Other: Traditional therapy