Clinical trial NCT07005076: Tech-Assisted Exercise Training in Chronic Neck Pain
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Technology-Assisted Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Chronic Neck Pain
Exercise Training Therapy
Lead sponsor: Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-06-05
Enrollment: 42
Sex: FEMALE
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 59
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: 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.

Detailed 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.

Eligibility criteria: 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.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
timeFrame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
measure: G-Walk Wireless Movement Analysis System
timeFrame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
measure: Modified Four Square Step Test
timeFrame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Merkez
country: Turkey
facility: Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
state: Afyonkarahisar
Study officials:
affiliation: Afyonkarahisar Sağlık Bİlimleri Üniversitesi
name: FATMA EKEN
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References: