Immediate effects of imagined movements versus motor control exercises for chronic neck pain
Comparison of the Acute Effects of Motor Imagery and Motor Control Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
We will test whether a single session of imagining neck movements or doing motor control exercises can reduce pain and improve neck sensitivity and movement control in people with chronic neck pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | KTO Karatay University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Konya, Karatay) |
| Trial ID | NCT07487987 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-session interventional study compares motor imagery exercises to motor control exercises in adults with chronic neck pain. Participants must have neck pain for at least 12 weeks, moderate pain (VAS ≥3), and a Mini Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher. Outcomes measured immediately after the session include pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, cervical proprioception, and motor imagery ability. The trial is conducted in person at KTO Karatay University in Konya, Turkey.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with chronic neck pain lasting at least 12 weeks, moderate current pain (VAS ≥3), and intact cognition (MMSE ≥24) are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with prior cervical surgery, neurological deficits, active cancer or rheumatic disease, or those who had neck physical therapy in the past three months are excluded and may not benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, a brief, low-risk session of motor imagery or motor control exercise could provide immediate pain relief and improved neck sensory-motor function for people with chronic neck pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research on motor control exercises and motor imagery in musculoskeletal pain has shown some short-term benefits, but results are mixed and single-session effects are not well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Neck pain lasting at least 12 weeks, * VAS score of at least 3 cm, * Standardized Mini Mental Test score of at least 24. Exclusion Criteria: * History of cervical surgery, * neurological deficit, * malignancy, * rheumatic diseases, * having received physical therapy for the neck region within the last 3 months
Where this trial is running
Konya, Karatay
- KTO Karatay University — Konya, Karatay, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hasan Gerçek, PhD
- Email: hasangercek42@gmail.com
- Phone: +905426488455
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.