Evaluating low-level laser therapies for neck pain in Air Force pilots
Evaluating Different Low-level Laser Therapies to Treat Neck Pain in Air Force Pilots and Flight Crew
This study tests different low-level laser treatments to see which one helps Air Force pilots with neck pain feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 296 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 62 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mike O'Callaghan Military Hospital Federal |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Las Vegas, Nevada) |
| Trial ID | NCT03945240 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to determine the most effective low-level laser therapy (LLLT) protocols for treating neck pain in active duty US Air Force pilots and navigators. Participants will be assigned to different groups receiving treatment with either the Pinnacle Series Laser Device or the Phoenix Thera-Lase Device. The study will assess the dosimetry parameters of LLLT to identify the best approach for alleviating flight-related neck pain. The focus is on pilots who have experienced neck pain for more than two months and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are active duty US Air Force pilots or navigators aged 18-62 with a history of neck pain lasting over two months.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have unstable cervical spines, or have certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective treatment options for neck pain, improving the quality of life and operational readiness of Air Force pilots.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into low-level laser therapy, this specific approach targeting Air Force personnel with neck pain is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
\*\*Patients must be able to get care at Nellis Air Force Base (a military installation) in order to participate in this study\*\* Inclusion Criteria: * Active Duty US Air Force pilots or onboard navigators, aged 18- 62 years of age * maintain operational flight status at enrollment or within the last 6 months * History of neck pain for a period of more than two months * Score on the Neck Disability Index ranging from 15-24 * No physiotherapy or local injection in 3 months before starting the study Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant * major surgery or trauma in the previous 3 months * unstable cervical spine * cervical radiculopathy * rheumatoid arthritis * open wound over neck * pace-maker or defibrillator implantation * overt neuropathic pain or radiation pain * inability to express pain or quality of life. * history of neurological disorders * medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia; systemic disease
Where this trial is running
Las Vegas, Nevada
- Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul F Crawford, MD — US Air Force
- Study coordinator: Jill M Clark, MBA
- Email: Jill.M.Clark15.ctr@mail.mil
- Phone: 7026533298
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.