Comparing aerobic, strengthening, and posture/stretching exercises for people with chronic neck pain

Effects of Different Exercise Protocols on Physical Status, Cognitive Functions, Brain Structure, and Blood Biomarkers in People With Chronic Neck Pain

This project will test whether three different exercise programs— aerobic, strengthening, or posture and stretching—can reduce pain and disability and improve thinking, brain imaging, and blood markers in adults with chronic neck pain.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 21 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Hacettepe University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Ankara, Altindag)
• Trial ID: NCT07432425 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 20–65 with chronic neck pain for at least 3 months, moderate disability and pain (NDI ≥10, NRS ≥3), right-handed, cognitively intact (MMSE ≥24), and with at least primary school education.

Not a fit: People with major neuropsychiatric, neurologic, metabolic, cardiovascular, or inflammatory diseases, recent neck rehabilitation or long-term exercise histories, MRI contraindications, recent neck/shoulder surgery, or recent pregnancy are unlikely to be eligible or to gain benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the right exercise program could reduce neck pain and disability, improve cognitive function, and produce measurable brain and blood biomarker changes that inform better rehabilitation choices.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies indicate exercise can improve neck pain and some cognitive outcomes, but combining different exercise protocols with detailed MRI perfusion/structure measures and blood biomarkers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Ankara, Altindag

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

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zeynep Güven, MsC

Conditions: Neck Pain, Chronic Neck Pain, Exercise, Cognition, Neuropsychological test, Neuroimaging, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay