Assessing neck pain and sensorimotor control using virtual reality

Cervical Sensorimotor Control Assessment Using a Virtual Reality System in Individuals With and Without Chronic Neck Pain

Observational National Cheng Kung University · NCT06474130

This study is testing a virtual reality system to see how chronic neck pain affects movement control compared to healthy people.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Cheng Kung University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tainan)
Trial IDNCT06474130 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a virtual reality assessment system to evaluate cervical sensorimotor control in individuals with chronic neck pain compared to healthy individuals. It will incorporate various sensorimotor control tests to measure performance differences. The observational approach will allow researchers to gather data on how chronic neck pain affects sensorimotor function. Participants will include both those suffering from chronic neck pain and healthy adults without any pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with chronic neck pain lasting over three months and healthy adults without any recent pain or neuromusculoskeletal impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with acute neck pain, recent spinal surgery, or significant medical conditions affecting balance may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved assessment methods for chronic neck pain, potentially enhancing treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in assessing sensorimotor control is emerging, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. For patients with chronic neck pain:

   * Pain was unilateral or bilateral between the superior nuchal line and 1st thoracic vertebra,
   * Neck pain persisting for 3 months and above,
   * Average pain intensity of last pain episode was between 2 and 8 based on the numerical rating scale (NRS)
2. Healthy asymptomatic adults:

   * Do not have any complaints of current pain and impairments of neuromusculoskeletal systems within the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute or the first onset of neck pain
* previous fracture or surgery of the spine
* diagnosed cardiopulmonary diseases, for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema
* diagnosed gastrointestinal and abdominal conditions which may interfere daily activities within the past 6 months
* medical conditions that may affect balance and study procedures (e.g. neurological diseases, vestibular disorders, malignant tumors)
* metabolic diseases such as anemia and diabetes
* smoking, plan to pregnant or in pregnancy
* psychological disorders (affect questionnaire responses)
* unable to walk independently
* Corrected visual abnormalities or individuals unable to wear contact lenses for vision correction due to the potential interference of wearing VR head-mounted display with glasses

Where this trial is running

Tainan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Neck PainVirtual RealitySensorimotorSensorimotor controlChronic neck Paincervical
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.