Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Tecar Therapy in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

Neck pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Alongside pharmacological treatments, evidence supports the efficacy of physical therapy modalities and exercise in managing chronic neck pain. Ultrasound (US) is a well-established physical therapy modality that delivers ultrasonic sound waves to target tissues. More recently, TECAR (Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive) therapy has gained traction as an innovative clinical application; it operates as an endogenous thermotherapy designed to heat both superficial and deep tissues. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of conventional physical therapy and the increasingly adopted TECAR therapy on pain, disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic neck pain.

Effectiveness of Pilates Exercises Applied to Violinists With Nonspecific Neck Pain

Nonspecific neck pain is common among violinists because of the sustained asymmetric posture required to hold the instrument. This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a 12-week Mat Pilates program with a 12-week Reformer Pilates program on pain intensity, neck disability, neck pain-related disability and upper-extremity function in violinists aged 18-50 years with nonspecific neck pain. Thirty participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates. Both programs were delivered twice weekly in supervised group sessions of 45 minutes for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks by an assessor blinded to group allocation.

Yogic Eye Exercises for Computer Vision Syndrome in Female Design Students

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a cluster of eye and musculoskeletal complaints - dryness, redness, blurred vision, foreign body sensation, excessive tearing, and neck, shoulder or back pain - that arises from prolonged work at a digital display. It is common among university students, and optical, pharmacological and nutritional treatments have given inconsistent results. Yoga-based eye exercises have been proposed as a brief, inexpensive alternative that requires no equipment. This study tested whether a short, structured programme of yogic eye exercises reduces self-reported CVS symptoms in female undergraduates in a graphic design and digital media programme, a group whose coursework demands sustained, colour-critical near work at a screen. All 36 female students enrolled in the programme took part. Each attended one supervised training session and then performed a 13-minute sequence of relaxation exercises (slow blinking, gazing at a distant target, acupressure around the eyes) and strengthening exercises (eye rolling, nose-tip gazing) three days a week for four weeks, a total of 12 sessions, reporting completion of each session on the same day. Nine symptoms - five ocular and four musculoskeletal - were rated on a four-point scale (never, rarely, sometimes, always) at the start and again at the end of week 4. The main question was whether the average of all nine ratings fell over the four weeks. Every participant served as her own comparison; there was no control group and no masking.

Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity in Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

Chronic non-specific neck pain can negatively affect individuals' upper extremity functions and activities of daily living by causing physical impairments such as pain, reduced muscle strength and endurance, restricted movement, and coordination deficits. The aim of this study is to compare the upper extremity functional exercise capacity, upper extremity functionality, peripheral muscle strength, and quality of life of individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain with those of healthy individuals.

Effect of Added Load on Map-Based Proprioceptive Training in Chronic Neck Pain

The purpose of this study is to find out whether adding an external load to a map-based cervical proprioceptive training program provides additional benefit for people with chronic neck pain. Adults aged 18-65 years with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated to two groups: one group performed map-based proprioceptive training without load (weightless group) and the other group performed the same training with a 2 kg load secured to the head with a band (weighted group). The main question is whether the added load improves cervical joint position sense (repositioning error). Shoulder joint position sense, scapular position (Lateral Scapular Slide Test), neck awareness (Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire), neck disability (Neck Disability Index) and fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia) were also assessed before and after the 8-week training period.

Electrical Stimulation in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of diadynamic current and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain and function in participants with chronic neck pain. The secondary objective of the research was to strengthen the neck muscles and enable participants with chronic neck pain to carry out everyday tasks on their own.

Effects of Music Therapy in Chronic Neck Pain

This study aims to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may impair proprioception and postural control, negatively affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention with potential benefits for pain management and sensorimotor function; however, evidence regarding its effects in musculoskeletal rehabilitation is limited. In this study, nineteen individuals with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode for 60 minutes. Pain intensity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance will be assessed before and after the intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence for the clinical use of music therapy as an adjunctive treatment in chronic neck pain rehabilitation.

A Comparison of Seated Thoracic Manipulation and Targeted Supine Thoracic Manipulation on Cervical Flexion Motion and Pain

Thirty-nine patients with cervical spine pain were randomly assigned to either a seated thoracic manipulation or targeted supine thoracic manipulation group. Pain and flexion range of motion measures were taken before and after the intervention.

A Novel Device for Neck Pain in Active-duty Military Personnel With Forward Head Posture.

Neck pain is a common complaint among active duty military personnel, and can have tremendous impacts on quality of life and participation in duty-related activities. Treatments for spinal pain in military personnel are typically multimodal, relying upon physical therapy, pharmacological agents, spinal manipulation, and psychotherapy. However, there does not exist a wide body of evidence to support many of these treatments in active-duty military. The Cervigard neck collar was designed to treat posture-related neck pain with minimal effort and time required for treatment by the patient. However, this has yet to be tested experimentally. The objective of this study is to evaluate the treatment effect and safety of a novel device for the treatment of neck pain using self-reported pain and function measures, as well as objective radiological measures of cervical lordosis and head posture. Participants will be randomized to be fitted with and receive the Cervigard neck collar either immediately, or 6-weeks after being screened. Participants will complete neck pain and function questionnaires, and have cervical X-Rays collected at screening, treatment, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks (for the immediate group). Participants will be instructed to wear the collar every day for the duration of the trial. Self-reported neck pain and function measures will be collected, as well as cervical X-Rays, protocol adherence measures, and adverse events. The intervention is expected to reduce neck pain/discomfort, improve function, and improve cervical lordosis.

The Effect of Exercise and Ergonomics Training Program on Musculoskeletal Disorders in Teachers

This randomized controlled trial tested whether adding a 12-week structured exercise program to ergonomics training improves low back and neck disability, burnout, musculoskeletal symptoms, and pain intensity in schoolteachers with musculoskeletal pain, compared with ergonomics training alone. Eighty teachers from preschool, primary, middle, and high schools in Tatvan (Bitlis, Türkiye) were stratified by school level and randomized 1:1. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at week 12.

Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Neuromuscular Control of the Head-neck System

The overall goal of this project is to develop sensitive and objective clinical research tools for the assessment of head-neck motor control. In order to accomplish this goal, the investigators aim to quantify changes in head-neck motor control before and after osteopathic manipulative treatment. The investigators hypothesize that head-neck motor control will improve in neck pain participants after 4-weeks of treatment. Additionally, the investigators will compare position and force head-neck motor control between healthy controls and neck pain patients. The investigators hypothesize that baseline tests of position and force head-neck motor control will be better in healthy individuals than neck pain patients.

Comparative Effects of Manuel and Percussion Massage in İndividuals With Neck Pain

This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of classical hands-on massage and percussion massage in individuals with neck pain. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of the two massage techniques. The study evaluated changes in muscle mechanical properties, pressure pain sensitivity, and anxiety, as well as patient satisfaction and therapist fatigue. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the effects of different massage techniques in the management of neck pain.

Differences in Mechanistic Measures (Oxytocin and Cortisol) of Therapeutic Alliance Between A Talk-Based Therapy and Soft-Tissue Mobilization in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Pain

The goal of this randomized cross-over mechanistic trial is to compare pre- and post-level cortisol and oxytocin changes in patients with chronic spine pain who receive either a hand's on (massage) or a hand's off (talk-based) approach. The study plans to address two primary aims. Specific Aim One: Directly compare pre- and post-session oxytocin and cortisol levels across two sessions of massage and talk-based therapy. Hypothesis 1: It is expected that in both treatments, oxytocin will increase and cortisol will decrease, demonstrating no significant between-group differences in hormone levels. Specific Aim Two: The study plans to compare pre- and post-session oxytocin and cortisol change scores a therapeutic alliance (TA) scale change scores and PROMIS patient-reported outcomes associated with pain, depression, and disability. Hypothesis 2a: It is projected that there will be moderate +/- relationships (R\>.4) between the therapeutic alliance change score and oxytocin and cortisol levels, suggesting that the hormones moderately reflect the construct associated with TA. Hypothesis 2b: It is expected that there will be weak (R\>.1) +/-relationships between hormone measures and PROMIS pain/disability/depression measures, which reflects similar findings to preliminary work. Participants will participant in a massage based treatment and a talk-based treatment approach. Participants will also complete patient report outcomes and will receive a total of four salivary swabs.

Kinesiology Taping Versus Self-Mobilization for Neck Pain Related to Prolonged Electronic Device Use

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether kinesiology taping or self-mobilization better reduces neck pain in adults who use electronic devices for long periods each day. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does kinesiology taping or self-mobilization lead to greater reduction in neck pain after 4 weeks? * Do the two treatments differ in their effects on neck-related disability, neck position sense, breathing muscle strength, and upper trapezius muscle activity? Researchers will compare kinesiology taping with self-sustained natural apophyseal glide (self-SNAG) mobilization to see which approach is more effective. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups * Receive kinesiology tape applied to the back of the neck every 4 days for 4 weeks, or learn and perform a towel-assisted neck self-mobilization exercise for 4 weeks * Receive education on posture and self-management * Complete assessments of pain, neck disability, neck position sense, breathing muscle strength, and neck-shoulder muscle activity at the start of the study, after 4 weeks, and 1 month later

Mobile App-Assisted Home Exercise for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Overview This study evaluates the effectiveness of a dedicated mobile health (mHealth) application in supporting home exercise programs for patients with musculoskeletal disorders, such as neck, shoulder, back, or knee pain. The research aims to address the widespread challenge of low patient adherence to unsupervised home-based exercises. Study Design The project employs a dual-methodology approach: Clinical Trial: 30 participants presenting with neck, shoulder, back, or knee pain will be randomly assigned to either an app-assisted group or a traditional home exercise group. Both groups will undergo 4 weeks of physiotherapy. The study will compare pain intensity, physical function, and exercise adherence between the two cohorts. Retrospective Analysis: To complement the trial, the study will analyze a large-scale database containing approximately 700,000 anonymized real-world data entries. This analysis aims to observe real-time pain fluctuations before and after exercise sessions within routine clinical settings. Goal The primary objective is to determine if integrating mHealth technology into traditional rehabilitation can enhance clinical outcomes and improve patient adherence to home-based exercise routines.

Neck and Shoulder Pain in Homemakers

This cross-sectional observational study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of neck and shoulder pain in homemakers aged 25-55 years. The study will examine the relationships between neck and shoulder pain and demographic characteristics, duration and type of housework, fatigue, physical activity, smartphone and social media use, hobbies, posture, functional status, instrumental activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life. Neck-related disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index, upper extremity function using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, instrumental activities of daily living using the Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, quality of life using the SF-12 Health Survey, and posture using the New York Posture Rating Chart. The findings are expected to contribute to identifying factors associated with neck and shoulder pain in homemakers and to inform future preventive and rehabilitative approaches.

ACUTE EFFECT OF DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING ON POSTOPERATIVE UPPER TRAPEZIUS PAIN

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises added to soft tissue mobilization and percussive therapy on pain intensity, functional disability, and pressure pain threshold in operating room nurses experiencing upper trapezius pain after surgery-related work activities. Participants will be operating room nurses working in a hospital operating theater who report upper trapezius pain and tenderness within 30 minutes after completing a surgical procedure. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving soft tissue mobilization, percussive therapy, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises, or a control group receiving soft tissue mobilization and percussive therapy alone. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and mechanical pain sensitivity using Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) measurements. Assessments will be performed immediately before and after a single treatment session. The study aims to determine whether the addition of diaphragmatic breathing exercises provides additional benefits in reducing pain and improving function in the acute postoperative working period of operating room nurses.

Wearable Spine Assessment in Adults With and Without Low Back or Neck Pain

This is a single-site, prospective, observational, single-visit feasibility and validity study. Adult participants with and without low back or neck pain will be screened, consented, and enrolled to undergo a structured wearable-sensor-based spine assessment in a single on-site visit. Approximately 20 participants will be enrolled at a single site: * Approximately 10 adults with self-reported chronic or subacute low back or neck pain (LBP/Neck Pain group) * Approximately 10 adults without current back or neck pain (Control group) The AxiSens battery includes the Fingertip-to-Floor (FTF) test for lumbar flexion, the Chin-to-Chest (CTC) test for cervical flexion, a seated Trunk Stability Test on an unstable surface, the Cervical Flexor Endurance Test, the five-times sit-to-stand F5xSTS) test, and a brief functional task module covering overhead and forward reach. To support intra-rater repeatability characterization, the AxiSens wearable assessment is performed twice within the same visit by a single trained operator, with sensor doffing and re-donning between the two assessments. A short rest interval is provided between the two assessments. Following the on-site assessment, participants complete a brief end-of-session usability and tolerability questionnaire and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire.

Comparison of Suboccipital Release and Muscle Energy Technique in Subjects With Mechanical Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture

This study will compare two physiotherapy treatments for adults with long-lasting neck pain and tender muscle spots, called trigger points, in the upper trapezius muscle between the neck and shoulder. The aim is to find out which treatment was more effective in reducing pain, improving neck movement, and reducing difficulty with daily activities. The study will includ 76 adults aged 20-40 years at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Participants will be assigned by chance to one of two treatment groups. One group will receive a cooling spray followed by gentle stretching of the affected muscle. The other group will receive sustained pressure applied by a therapist to the tender muscle spots. Both groups also will receive routine physiotherapy, including heat, exercises, and advice about neck care and posture. Participants will receive six treatment sessions over two weeks. Pain, neck movement, and difficulty with daily activities will be assessed before treatment, immediately after the first session, and after the sixth session.

Biofeedback Exercises Versus Mulligan Concept on Pain, Mobility, and Posture in Females With Mechanical Neck Pain

This study compares two physical therapy treatment approaches for females suffering from mechanical neck pain - pain in the neck that comes from the muscles, joints, or soft tissues rather than from nerve damage or disease. Mechanical neck pain is very common and can cause significant pain, stiffness, difficulty moving the head, and problems with daily activities. Fifty adult females aged 18 to 45 years with mechanical neck pain lasting more than 4 weeks will be randomly divided into two equal groups. Group M (25 participants) will receive upper cervical spine manual therapy using the Mulligan mobilization technique, which involves gentle joint movements to restore normal neck joint motion, combined with standard cervical exercises. Group B (25 participants) will receive the same Group M treatment plus biofeedback-guided deep cervical flexor training. This additional exercise uses a pressure sensor placed behind the neck to help the patient learn to activate the deep stabilizing muscles of the neck, which are often weakened in people with neck pain. Both groups will attend 3 treatment sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks (12 sessions total). Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes. Before each session, all participants receive suboccipital release, myofascial release, and stretching exercises as preparation. The researchers will measure pain intensity, upper cervical flexion range of motion, the flexion-rotation test (which assesses upper neck rotation), the Neck Disability Index (which measures how neck pain affects daily activities), and pressure pain threshold (which measures sensitivity to pressure over neck muscles). All measurements are taken before treatment begins and after the 4-week intervention period. The study aims to determine whether adding biofeedback-guided deep cervical flexor training to the Mulligan manual therapy approach produces greater improvements in pain, neck mobility, disability, and muscle sensitivity compared to the Mulligan approach alone.

Comparing Patient-Reported Symptoms to Objective Neck Range of Motion and Physical Capacity in Women With Chronic Neck Pain.

Chronic neck pain is a common health condition that causes disability and functional limitations, and while clinicians frequently rely on patient-reported questionnaires to assess symptoms, it remains unclear how accurately these self-reported measures reflect actual physical capacity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between patient-reported outcome measures and objective physical performance assessments in 98 women aged 18-45 years with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Participants will complete questionnaires evaluating perceived neck mobility (S-ROM-Neck), fear of movement (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), and pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), which will be compared against objective measurements including active cervical range of motion using a CROM device, controlled box-lifting capacity (PILE test), timed unloaded and loaded walking performance, and deep cervical flexor and extensor muscle endurance tests. Ultimately, the findings will clarify whether self-reported questionnaires are sufficient for evaluating physical capacity or if objective performance testing should be routinely integrated into clinical practice

Thermotherapy in Acute Nonspecific Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pain disorders secondary to low back pain. Medical and non-medical treatments such as physiotherapy are applied in its treatment. Patients with nonspecific neck pain (NBA) can be treated with various interventions such as drug therapy, manual therapy, heat and exercise. Although it is frequently used in clinical practice, there is no evidence that superficial thermotherapy (hot or cold) methods effectively relieve neck pain. Therefore, this study aims to compare the short-term effects of superficial hot or cold applications on pain, range of motion and functional status in patients with NBA.

Comparison Of Different Physiotherapy Methods In People With Non-Specific Neck Pain

The study will include 45 people between the ages of 25-55 with non-specific neck pain. The patients will be randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 will receive 5 minutes of ultrasound, 20 minutes of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and hot pack application. Group 2 will receive 5 minutes of ultrasound, 20 minutes of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and hot pack application in addition to the Mulligan mobilization technique. Group 3 will receive 5 minutes of ultrasound, 20 minutes of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and hot pack application in addition to graston treatment for 5 minutes to the upper and lower trapezius, rhomboid major and minor muscles.

Chiropractic Care for Chronic Neck Pain: A Pilot Study

This pilot randomized controlled trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary clinical effects of multimodal chiropractic care for adults with chronic neck pain. Forty participants will be randomized to receive either multimodal chiropractic care plus enhanced usual care or enhanced usual care alone. Feasibility outcomes include recruitment, retention, adherence, and safety. Clinical outcomes include pain intensity, neck-related disability, physical and psychological function, and quality of life. Exploratory electroencephalography (EEG) and gait assessments will examine potential neurophysiological and biomechanical biomarkers associated with treatment response.