Tech-Assisted Exercise Training in Chronic Neck Pain

Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Exercise Training Therapy; Chronic Neck Pain

Treatments: Other: Experimental Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07005076

E-60116787-020-481633

Details and patient eligibility

About

In this study, women with chronic neck pain residing in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, will participate in an exercise-based intervention. Both the control and experimental groups will engage in conventional exercise programs; however, the experimental group will also receive an additional technology-assisted exercise program. It is anticipated that these interventions will positively impact participants' daily living activities and functional abilities. The study aims to assess whether the inclusion of technology-supported exercises leads to superior outcomes compared to conventional exercises alone. The findings are expected to provide valuable evidence on the effectiveness of integrating technology-assisted exercise programs into physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices for women with chronic neck pain.

Full description

Considering the complex nature of chronic pain, it is believed that integrating exercise approaches with technology may enhance the effectiveness of exercise programs, increase participation and its sustainability, support the continuity of overall health and functional outcomes, and have positive effects on behavior change. The light-based exercise set for measuring reaction time is frequently preferred in clinical settings. The device uses small, illuminated pods controlled by an application, providing visual cues that promote both physical and cognitive activity. The individual aims to deactivate the lit pods as quickly as possible. Due to its interactive and enjoyable nature, it is commonly used across a wide range of populations-from pediatric to geriatric-especially among athletes. Technology-focused approaches, compared to traditional exercise practices, are believed to positively influence patients' active participation in the treatment process through a more innovative and engaging experience.

Enrollment: 42 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 59 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Non-specific neck pain diagnosis
• Having neck pain persisting for at least 3 months
• Having the ability to speak and comprehend Turkish fluently
• A pain score of 3 or higher according to the Numerical Rating Scale
• A score of 5 or higher on the Neck Disability Index

Exclusion criteria

• Having a history of spinal surgery.
• Having an additional musculoskeletal disorder affecting the cervical region and upper extremities (e.g., scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.).
• Receiving physical therapy and/or other treatments for any reason within the last 6 months.
• Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
• Having a vestibular pathology.
• Having visual problems despite using visual aids.
• Being pregnant.
• Having a neurological deficit that may affect balance.
• Discontinuing or being unable to complete the treatment process.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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42 participants in 2 patient groups

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

The treatment process for the control group consisted of hot therapy and TENS application before the exercises, followed by an exercise program including neck range of motion exercises, neck strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, scapular retraction, etc.

Experimental Group

Experimental group

Description:

The program will be implemented over four weeks, three days a week, with a duration of 40-45 minutes per day. In addition to conventional treatment, an exercise program prepared with a light reaction time measurement and exercise set will be implemented.

Treatment:

Other: Experimental Group