Accessory breathing muscles in people with chronic neck pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational case-control study will use ultrasound to measure the diaphragm and accessory inspiratory muscles (sternocleidomastoid, anterior scalene, and upper trapezius) and will assess pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in adults with chronic non-specific neck pain and age-matched healthy controls. The goal is to understand whether changes in these muscles are associated with diaphragm function and breathing capacity, and how these relate to neck pain measures. Participants will undergo diaphragm and neck muscle ultrasonography, spirometry, and maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures, with data analyzed to explore correlations between muscle structure, function, and clinical symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain Group:

* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Presence of chronic non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months
* Non-traumatic origin of neck pain
* Pain intensity ≥ 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) or Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
* Neck Disability Index (NDI) score ≥ 15
* Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Healthy Control Group:

* Age between 18 and 65 years
* No neck pain during the previous 3 months
* Not receiving any treatment related to the cervical region
* Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria (Both Groups):

* History of whiplash injury or cervical trauma
* Previous cervical spine surgery
* Cervical radiculopathy or neurological deficits
* Chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma)
* Active respiratory tract infection
* Thoracic or abdominal surgery within the previous 6 months
* Rheumatologic, neuromuscular, or systemic inflammatory disorders
* Pregnancy
* Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain within the previous 3 months
* Regular respiratory muscle training or breathing exercises within the previous 3 months
* Inability to comply with study procedures or assessments

Where it's running

• Derince Training and Research Hospital
  Kocaeli, Derince, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hatice Sena Çınarlı, assisstant professor
• Email: haticesena.cinarli@kocaelisaglik.edu.tr
• Phone: 05436093619

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.