Effects of Expectations on Dry Needling for Neck Pain
Influence of Induced Expectations on the Autonomic Nervous System During a Dry Needling Intervention for Patients With Neck Pain. A Randomized Clinical Trial.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alcala Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid) |
| Trial ID | NCT04636879 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing neck pain with hyperalgesic points in the upper trapezius muscle.
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.
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 performed: Previous studies have indicated that patient expectations can significantly influence treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Alcalá de Henares, Madrid
- Clinical University — Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel Pecos-Martín, PhD
- Email: daniel.pecos@uah.es
- Phone: + 34 918855142
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.