Neck Strengthening in Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain
Condition: Neck Pain
MeSH terms: Neck Pain
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study aims to investigate the effects of exercise interventions on neck muscle
      morphometry and composition in individuals with chronic non specific neck pain. The
      participants will be randomly assigned to either a moderate intensity or a high intensity
      neck strengthening program. The primary outcomes include neck disability. Secondary outcomes
      include changes in muscle volume and fat infiltration in the neck muscles measured using MRI,
      pain intensity, anxiety, and depression. The results of this study will contribute the future
      rehabilitation strategies.
    

Detailed description: 
      Chronic neck pain is a prevalent condition that significantly affects the quality of life for
      many individuals. It has been observed that individuals with chronic neck pain may experience
      alterations in muscle composition, including changes in muscle volume and the presence of fat
      infiltration. Exercise interventions have shown promise in improving muscle function and
      reducing pain in this population.

      Objective:

      The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of two
      different exercise interventions on the disability and muscle composition in individuals with
      chronic non specific neck pain. The study aims to compare the outcomes of a moderate
      intensity neck strengthening program and a high intensity neck strengthening program.

      Methods:

      Participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the moderate intensity neck
      strengthening (MINS) group or the high intensity neck strengthening (HINS) group. The
      exercise interventions will be supervised by qualified physiotherapists and will consist of
      targeted exercises specifically designed to strengthen the neck muscles.

      Outcomes :

      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Neck Disability Index (NDI), pain intensity, psychological
      measures such as anxiety and depression using validated questionnaires.

      Data analysis :

      Pre- and post-intervention measurements within each group and examining the between-group
      differences.

      Conclusion:

      This study aims to provide valuable insights into the effects of different exercise
      interventions on the disability an neck muscle morphometry/composition in individuals with
      chronic non specific neck pain. The study aims to enhance the understanding of the underlying
      mechanisms and potential benefits in this population. The findings may contribute to the
      development of targeted rehabilitation strategies that can effectively improve muscle
      function and reduce pain in individuals with chronic neck pain.
    

Intervention name(s): Physiotherapy
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): 4months with multimodal physiotherapy. 2 sessions/week. Sessions consisted of two sessions of 1 hour per week, focusing on neck and arm movements. Each session included education and manual therapy (20 minutes), and exercises targeting neck extensors, flexors, and shoulder girdle muscles (40 minutes).
Low-intensity neck resistance training :
Participants have to perform arm, neck flexors and extensors exercise. motor control exercises focusing on deep neck muscles, slow dynamic and static contractions (10 to 20 seconds) with low resistance using TheraBand and weights ranging from 0.5 kg to 1 kg.
High-Intensity Neck resistance training :
neck flexors exercise, neck extensors exercise, and one exercise for shoulder/upper limb. static contractions (10-seconds) and dynamic neck movements using a handheld biofeedback dynamometer or weights from 50% to 80% of the 1-repetition maximum
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: RCT
Masking: Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment