Investigating heart rate variability in people with chronic neck pain

Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation in People With Chronic Neck Pain - Indicated by Heart Rate Variability

Observational National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University · NCT06554704

This study is testing how heart rate changes in people with chronic neck pain compared to healthy individuals when they are in different positions and under physical stress.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 59 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT06554704 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain compared to healthy controls. It will assess HRV in different body positions and during an isometric hand-grip test to understand how the autonomic nervous system responds to physical stress. The study will involve 28 participants with chronic neck pain and 28 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, measuring HRV through electrocardiography in various conditions. The findings may provide insights into the physiological responses associated with chronic neck pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 20-59 with non-specific chronic neck pain persisting for over 90 days.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological diseases, orthopedic disorders, or those on medications affecting physical activity or pain perception may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of autonomic nervous system dysregulation in chronic neck pain, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on autonomic nervous system dysregulation in chronic neck pain, similar studies have shown promising results in related areas.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Chronic neck pain inclusion criteria:

* Chronic pain (persistent or recurrent pain \>90 days)
* Non-specific chronic neck pain and non-irradiated to the upper limbs (Superior nuchal line \~ scapular spine \~ acromion)

Chronic neck pain \& healthy control inclusion criteria:

* Age- and gender- matched (age: 20\~59 y/o)
* BMI between 18.5\~24.9 (Normal weight)
* Work at least 75% of full-time work

Exclusion criteria:

* Neurological diseases
* Orthopedic disorders
* Other disorders or regular use of medications known to affect physical activity, autonomic nervous system or pain perception

Where this trial is running

Taipei

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.
Conditions Chronic Neck PainAutonomic Nervous SystemHeart rate variabilityIsometric hand-grip testPosture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.