Comparing aerobic, strengthening, and posture/stretching exercises for 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

Adults with chronic neck pain will be assigned to one of three supervised exercise protocols (aerobic, strengthening, or posture/stretching) delivered at a university clinic. Before and after the intervention, participants will complete neuropsychological tests, physical and pain-related assessments, and MRI scans including T1-weighted imaging and arterial spin labeling, and blood samples will be taken to measure cortisol, cytokines, BDNF, irisin, and IGF-1. The study will compare changes in pain, neck function, muscle strength, cognitive performance, brain structure and perfusion, and serum biomarkers across the exercise groups. Findings will be used to link specific exercise types to both symptom changes and underlying brain and blood marker changes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants aged 20-65
* Having neck pain at least 3 months and rated as 3 or more according to the Numeric Rating Scale
* Having a score of 10 or more according to the Neck Disability Index
* Having a score of 24 or above according to the Mini Mental State Examination
* Right hand dominancy according to Edinburgh Handedness Inventory
* Having at least a primary school graduate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having neuropsychiatric, neurologic, metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory disease(s)
* Participating in a rehabilitation program for neck pain in the last 6 months
* Having an exercise or sports history of 6 months or more
* Presence of brain parenchymal lesion on MRI
* Presence of materials in the body such as jewelry, metal, hearing aid, pacemaker, lead that cannot be removed and are not suitable for MRI
* History of neck or shoulder surgery
* Being pregnant or having given birth within the last year

Where it's running

• Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
  Ankara, Altindag, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zeynep Güven, MsC
• Email: fztzeynepguven@gmail.com
• Phone: 90+3123052525

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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.