Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
Conditions
Keywords
nscnp, proprioception, pain management, motor imagery, suboccipital myofascial release
Brief summary
The aim of this three-group randomized controlled study is to investigate the effectiveness of MI and SMR interventions on pain, proprioception, quality of life, disability, and ROM parameters in individuals aged 18-50 with NSCNP. The primary research questions it seeks to answer are as follows: Do MI exercises, when applied in addition to active exercise, lead to changes in pain, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with NSCNP? Does the suboccipital myofascial release technique, when applied in addition to active exercise, lead to changes in pain, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with NSCNP? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups to compare the MI and SMR techniques.
Detailed description
Proprioception is considered a crucial element in the seamless execution of pain-free movement. In cases of chronic pain, proprioceptive ability is compromised due to altered sensorimotor control at various levels of pain transmission. Motor imagery (MI) is utilized to enhance motor performance and facilitate the learning of motor tasks, while suboccipital myofascial release (SMR) improves neck-related disability and overall pain. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of MI and SMR techniques in the management of non-specific neck pain (NSCNP) remains limited. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of MI exercises and the SMR technique in the management of NSCNP through a multifaceted evaluation, and to expand the range of effective, sustainable, and accessible conservative treatment alternatives. A dual inclinometer, goniometer, and algometer will be employed in the study. Participants will undergo assessments including proprioception, pressure pain threshold, and neck range of motion (ROM). The data obtained will shed light on the efficacy of these interventions regarding parameters such as pain intensity, disability, and kinesiophobia, potentially serving as foundational data for the future development of diagnostic, therapeutic, and clinical processes in this field.
Interventions
OTHERActive Exercise
Active exercises will consist of four cervical movements involving the maintenance of craniocervical flexion, and all of these exercises will be performed in a single session. The program will continue for six weeks.
OTHERMotor Imagery
Motor imagery exercises are structured in three stages. First stage: performing a guided mental task Second stage: internal visual imagery Third stage: external visual imagery The program will last for six weeks.
It will be performed by the therapist while the participant is in the supine position. The therapist will apply pressure to the suboccipital region until a reduction in muscle tone is detected. The procedure will be continued for six weeks.
Sponsors
Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Having an MIQ-3 score that is at most two standard deviations above or below the mean, * Having a Dizziness Handicap Inventory score below 20, * Having a diagnosis of NSCNP
Exclusion criteria
* Wiplash, * Pregnancy, * Neoplasia, * Infectious or inflammatory disorders, * Specific neck pain resulting from traumatic events involving bone fractures or neck injuries, * Osteoarthritic changes, * Positive neurological signs or evidence of spinal compression, * Neck pain associated with vertigo, * Cervical surgeries, * Acute headache, * Headaches occurring prior to the onset of neck pain and headaches of non-cervical origin
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Proprioception | baseline, six weeks | Measurement will be performed using a dual inclinometer. Joint position sense error will be evaluated. |
| Pain Pressure Threshold | baseline, six weeks | The pressure pain threshold will be assessed using an algometer. |
| Range of Motion (ROM) | baseline, six weeks | ROM will be assessed using a goniometer. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Kinesiophobia | baseline, six weeks |
| SF-36 for Quality of Life | baseline, six weeks |
| Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale for Neck Disability | baseline, six weeks |
| Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire for Pain Intensity | baseline, six weeks |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTAyça ŞİRİN, Master of Science
Outcome results
None listed