Impact of Physical Touch on Back and Neck Pain Management

Effects of Physical Touch on Treatment Outcomes and Patient Perception in Individuals With Back and Neck Pain: an Experimental Study

NA · Philipps University Marburg · NCT06069193

This study is testing how professional touch techniques during treatment can help German-speaking adults with back or neck pain feel better and stick to their treatment plans.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPhilipps University Marburg (other)
Locations1 site (Marburg)
Trial IDNCT06069193 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how professional touch techniques affect treatment expectations and adherence in German-speaking adults suffering from back or neck pain. Participants will undergo a 45-minute session that includes structured components and physical touch interventions. The study aims to assess various factors such as treatment expectations, treatment effects, adherence, and participant motivation, providing insights into the role of touch in healthcare interactions and its influence on treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are German-speaking adults aged 18 and older who currently experience back or neck pain.

Not a fit: Patients with mild pain (NRS < 3) or severe medical conditions that contraindicate physical activity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance pain management strategies by integrating physical touch into treatment protocols.

How similar studies have performed: While the effects of verbal communication on the placebo effect have been well-studied, the impact of nonverbal factors like touch is less explored, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Present complaints of back or neck pain
* Age of at least 18 years
* Proficiency in the German language
* Willingness to engage in daily short exercise routines

Exclusion Criteria:

* NRS \<3 at baseline (0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain)
* Presence of contraindications for physical activity, such as severe disc diseases
* Presence of a severe medical condition
* Initiation of new pain treatment

Where this trial is running

Marburg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pain, randomized controlled trial, placeboresponse, pain, doctor-patient interaction, treatment expectations

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.