Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment45 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Alcala
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 23, 2021
Main results expectedSeptember 5, 2026
Study endsNovember 5, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 1, 2026
Trial IDNCT04636879 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.