Mechanical Neck Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Mechanical neck pain, Office workers, Eye exercises
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effects of eye exercises and eye exercises plus self-cervical mobilization versus ergonomic education in office workers with mechanical neck pain. A total of 66 participants will be randomized to one of three groups and followed for 6 weeks. Outcomes assessed at baseline and week 6 include pain (VAS), cervical proprioception (joint position error), neck disability (NDI), cervical range of motion, and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile).
Detailed description
Mechanical neck pain is common among office workers and may be associated with impaired cervical sensorimotor control. This study is a three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing (1) eye exercises, (2) eye exercises plus self-cervical mobilization, and (3) ergonomic education. Sixty-six eligible office workers aged 25-50 years with mechanical neck pain will be randomized using a computer-generated sequence; outcome assessment is intended to be performed by a blinded assessor. The intervention period is 6 weeks with programs delivered 3 times per week. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and week 6, including pain (VAS), cervical proprioception (joint position error), neck disability (NDI), cervical range of motion, and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile). Semra Karaçomak Etik Kurul
Interventions
OTHEREye Exercise Program
Structured eye exercise sessions performed 3 times/week for 6 weeks.
OTHEREye Exercise Program + Self-Cervical Mobilization
The same eye exercise program plus a self-cervical mobilization program, 3 times/week for 6 weeks.
OTHERErgonomic Education
Office ergonomics education/recommendations for neck pain management (control).
Sponsors
Bahçeşehir University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial (eye exercises; eye exercises + self-cervical mobilization; ergonomic education control).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Office workers aged 25-50 years. * Desk-based work for ≥6 months. * Computer use ≥4 hours/day, ≥5 days/week. * Mechanical neck pain (recurrent in the last 3 months or chronic ≥4 weeks).
Exclusion criteria
* History of cervical fracture/trauma or cervical surgery. * Neurological deficit (e.g., radiculopathy/myelopathy) or vestibular disorder. * Cervical disc herniation, fibromyalgia, or rheumatologic disease. * Significant visual disorder/strabismus or conditions affecting oculomotor/vestibulo-ocular function. * Participation in a neck/eye exercise program within the last 6 months. * Regular use of analgesics or muscle relaxants. * Pregnancy. * Hemophilia or bleeding/coagulation disorders.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain intensity (VAS 0-10) | Baseline and Week 6 | Change in neck pain intensity measured using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical proprioception (Joint Position Error, degrees) | Baseline and Week 6 | Change in cervical joint position error measured in degrees. |
| Neck disability (Neck Disability Index, NDI) | Baseline and Week 6 | Change in NDI score.Neck-related disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The scale consists of 10 items scored from 0 to 5, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater neck-related disability (worse outcome). |
| Cervical range of motion (goniometry) | Baseline and Week 6 | Change in cervical ROM (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation) measured with a goniometer. |
| Quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile, NHP) | Baseline and Week 6 | Change in NHP total and/or domain scores.Health-related quality of life assessed using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). The scale evaluates six domains (pain, physical mobility, energy, sleep, social isolation, and emotional reactions). Scores range from 0 to 100 for each domain, with higher scores indicating poorer perceived health status (worse outcome). |
Contacts
CONTACTSemra Karacomak, MSc
Outcome results
None listed