Effects of Expectations on Dry Needling for Neck Pain
Official title: Influence of Induced Expectations on the Autonomic Nervous System During a Dry Needling Intervention for Patients With Neck Pain. A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Run by University of Alcala · NCT04636879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how different types of expectations—positive, neutral, or negative—affect pain relief and body responses in people getting dry needling for neck pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alcala Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 23, 2021 |
| Main results expected | September 5, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 5, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04636879 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing neck pain with hyperalgesic points in the upper trapezius muscle.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pain radiating to the upper limb, psychological disorders, whiplash, neuropathic symptoms, or prior cervical/shoulder spine surgery may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effects of positive, neutral, and negative expectations on the autonomic nervous system activation and pain relief in patients undergoing dry needling for neck pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, each receiving different types of expectation induction before treatment. The study will measure pain levels and autonomic responses before, during, and after the intervention using various physiological metrics. The goal is to understand how expectations influence treatment outcomes in dry needling therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of dry needling by optimizing patient expectations, leading to better pain management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that patient expectations can significantly influence treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Neck pain. * Hiperalgesic point in Upper trapezius muscle. Exclusion Criteria: * Pain Irradiation toward upper limb * Psychological disorders * Whiplash. * Neuropathic symptoms * Cervical and / or Shoulder Spine Surgery
Where it's running
-
Clinical University
Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel Pecos-Martín, PhD
- Email: daniel.pecos@uah.es
- Phone: + 34 918855142
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Upper extremity function in neck pain: comparing people with chronic neck pain to healthy individuals
We will test how chronic non-specific neck pain affects upper body function and quality of life by comparing people with neck pain to healthy adults.
-
Kinesiology Taping vs Self-Mobilization for Neck Pain from Prolonged Device Use
This study tests whether applying kinesiology tape or doing self-mobilization helps adults with neck pain who spend many hours on electronic devices.
-
Biofeedback and Mulligan neck therapy for mechanical neck pain in women
This study tests whether adding biofeedback-guided deep cervical flexor training to Mulligan mobilization and standard neck exercises helps reduce pain and improve movement in women aged 18–45 with mechanical neck pain.
-
Gelified radiopaque ethanol for cervical disc herniation in routine care
This observational study looks at how patients with cervical disc herniation and chronic neck pain fare after treatment with Absolute Gel, used in standard clinical practice.
-
Steroid Injections for Back and Neck Pain: What Works Best
This study tests different steroid injections and combinations to see what provides the best pain relief and function for adults with back or neck pain.
-
SCENAR therapy for chronic neck pain
This study tests whether repeating SCENAR therapy can reduce disability and pain for adults with long-standing non-specific neck pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.