Tech-assisted exercise program for chronic neck pain
Investigation of the Effects of Technology-Assisted Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
We will test whether adding a light-based, technology-guided exercise program to regular exercises helps women in Afyonkarahisar with chronic neck pain improve daily function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Merkez, Afyonkarahisar) |
| Trial ID | NCT07005076 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Women with non-specific chronic neck pain living in Afyonkarahisar will be assigned to conventional exercise programs, with the experimental group also receiving a technology-assisted component using small illuminated pods controlled by an application. The device provides visual cues and reaction-time tasks that combine physical and cognitive activity to make exercises more interactive and engaging. Outcomes will include measures of daily living activities, functional ability, pain, and neck-related disability to compare the two approaches. The intent is to determine whether the technology-supported program produces superior functional and participation outcomes compared with conventional exercise alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women with non-specific neck pain lasting at least 3 months, a pain score of 3 or higher on the Numerical Rating Scale, a Neck Disability Index score of 5 or higher, fluent in Turkish, and able to attend the Afyonkarahisar site.
Not a fit: Patients with prior spinal surgery, other cervical musculoskeletal disorders, recent physical therapy, psychiatric or vestibular disorders, significant visual impairment despite aids, pregnancy, or neurological deficits affecting balance are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tech-guided exercises could improve daily function, engagement, and sustained participation in rehabilitation for women with chronic neck pain.
How similar studies have performed: Technology-assisted and light-based reaction-time exercises have shown promise for engagement and functional gains in other populations, but high-quality evidence specific to chronic neck pain is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Non-specific neck pain diagnosis * Having neck pain persisting for at least 3 months * Having the ability to speak and comprehend Turkish fluently * A pain score of 3 or higher according to the Numerical Rating Scale * A score of 5 or higher on the Neck Disability Index Exclusion Criteria: * Having a history of spinal surgery. * Having an additional musculoskeletal disorder affecting the cervical region and upper extremities (e.g., scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.). * Receiving physical therapy and/or other treatments for any reason within the last 6 months. * Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder. * Having a vestibular pathology. * Having visual problems despite using visual aids. * Being pregnant. * Having a neurological deficit that may affect balance. * Discontinuing or being unable to complete the treatment process.
Where this trial is running
Merkez, Afyonkarahisar
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University — Merkez, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fatma Eken — Afyonkarahisar Sağlık Bİlimleri Üniversitesi
- Study coordinator: Fatma EKEN
- Email: fatmaeken08@gmail.com
- Phone: +905365241207
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.