Chronic Neck PainNCT07005076
Tech-Assisted Exercise Training in Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Experimental Group in people with Chronic Neck Pain and Exercise Training Therapy, run by Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
In this study, women with chronic neck pain residing in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, will participate in an exercise-based intervention. Both the control and experimental groups will engage in conventional exercise programs; however, the experimental group will also receive an additional technology-assisted exercise… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 59 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Neck Pain, Exercise Training Therapy
- What is being tested?
- Experimental Group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2024to 30 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 59 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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.
Show all 9Show fewer
- Being pregnant.
- Having a neurological deficit that may affect balance.
- Discontinuing or being unable to complete the treatment process.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
Merkez, Afyonkarahisar, 03030
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Technology-Assisted Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
In this study, women with chronic neck pain residing in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, will participate in an exercise-based intervention. Both the control and experimental groups will engage in conventional exercise programs; however, the experimental group will also receive an additional technology-assisted exercise program. It is anticipated that these interventions will positively impact participants' daily living activities and functional abilities. The study aims to assess whether the inclusion of technology-supported exercises leads to superior outcomes compared to conventional exercises alone. The findings are expected to provide valuable evidence on the effectiveness of integrating technology-assisted exercise programs into physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices for women with chronic neck pain.
Read the detailed description
Considering the complex nature of chronic pain, it is believed that integrating exercise approaches with technology may enhance the effectiveness of exercise programs, increase participation and its sustainability, support the continuity of overall health and functional outcomes, and have positive effects on behavior change. The light-based exercise set for measuring reaction time is frequently preferred in clinical settings. The device uses small, illuminated pods controlled by an application, providing visual cues that promote both physical and cognitive activity. The individual aims to deactivate the lit pods as quickly as possible. Due to its interactive and enjoyable nature, it is commonly used across a wide range of populations-from pediatric to geriatric-especially among athletes. Technology-focused approaches, compared to traditional exercise practices, are believed to positively influence patients' active participation in the treatment process through a more innovative and engaging experience.
- Conditions
- Chronic Neck Pain, Exercise Training Therapy
- Being tested
- Experimental Group
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Experimental GroupOther
Also called Tech-Assisted Training
Participants in the experimental group will participate in a conventional exercise program similar to the control group, but with the addition of a technology-assisted exercise program. The intervention group will receive training with a reaction time measurement set using lights and an exercise set. The reaction time measurement and exercise set will be used, where light pods are placed in different positions, such as on a table, mirror, and floor, and patients will be instructed to extinguish the lit light as quickly as possible. The difficulty level of the sessions will be progressively increased by adjusting factors such as the duration of light activation, colors, the number of illuminated pods, their placement locations, and the distance between them.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control Group | No intervention | The treatment process for the control group consisted of hot therapy and TENS application before the exercises, followed by an exercise program including neck range of motion exercises, neck strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, scapular retraction, etc. |
| Experimental Group | Experimental | The program will be implemented over four weeks, three days a week, with a duration of 40-45 minutes per day. In addition to conventional treatment, an exercise program prepared with a light reaction time measurement and exercise set will be implemented. Receives: Other: Experimental Group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
Patients will be asked to mark the number between 0 and 10 that best corresponds to the intensity of their pain.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
G-Walk Wireless Movement Analysis System
G-Walk is a wireless system used to assess gait, balance, and functional mobility through motion sensors placed on the lower back. While wearing the G-Walk device, the participant walks at a normal pace between two markers placed 10 meters apart. Furthermore, static balance will be assessed by having the participant maintain a one-legged stance for 30 seconds.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Modified Four Square Step Test
The Modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) is used to assess dynamic balance and the ability to step in multiple directions. During the test procedure, four strips, each measuring 90 cm in length, are arranged on the floor to form a square, with each quadrant labeled from 1 to 4. The participant is instructed to step through each quadrant first in a clockwise direction and then in a counterclockwise direction, ensuring continuous forward gaze and avoiding contact with the strips throughout the test.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Jun 2025
- Study start1 Aug 2024
- Primary completion30 Mar 2026
- Study completion30 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fatma Eken, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
- Investigators
- FATMA EKEN, Principal investigator, Afyonkarahisar Sağlık Bİlimleri Üniversitesi
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07005076
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-60116787-020-481633
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 27 May 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Effects of Technology-Assisted Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07005076
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-60116787-020-481633
- Conditions
- Chronic Neck Pain, Exercise Training Therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 5 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
In this study, women with chronic neck pain residing in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, will participate in an exercise-based intervention. Both the control and experimental groups will engage in conventional exercise programs; however, the experimental group will also receive an additional technology-assisted exercise program. It is anticipated that these interventions will positively impact participants' daily living activities and functional abilities. The study aims to assess whether the inclusion of technology-supported exercises leads to superior outcomes compared to conventional exercises alone. The findings are expected to provide valuable evidence on the effectiveness of integrating technology-assisted exercise programs into physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices for women with chronic neck pain.
Detailed description
Considering the complex nature of chronic pain, it is believed that integrating exercise approaches with technology may enhance the effectiveness of exercise programs, increase participation and its sustainability, support the continuity of overall health and functional outcomes, and have positive effects on behavior change. The light-based exercise set for measuring reaction time is frequently preferred in clinical settings. The device uses small, illuminated pods controlled by an application, providing visual cues that promote both physical and cognitive activity. The individual aims to deactivate the lit pods as quickly as possible. Due to its interactive and enjoyable nature, it is commonly used across a wide range of populations-from pediatric to geriatric-especially among athletes. Technology-focused approaches, compared to traditional exercise practices, are believed to positively influence patients' active participation in the treatment process through a more innovative and engaging experience.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control Group | No intervention | –The treatment process for the control group consisted of hot therapy and TENS application before the exercises, followed by an exercise program including neck range of motion exercises, neck strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, scapular retraction, etc. |
| Experimental Group | Experimental | Other: Experimental GroupThe program will be implemented over four weeks, three days a week, with a duration of 40-45 minutes per day. In addition to conventional treatment, an exercise program prepared with a light reaction time measurement and exercise set will be implemented. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 59 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental GroupAlso: Tech-Assisted TrainingParticipants in the experimental group will participate in a conventional exercise program similar to the control group, but with the addition of a technology-assisted exercise program. The intervention group will receive training with a reaction time measurement set using lights and an exercise set. The reaction time measurement and exercise set will be used, where light pods are placed in different positions, such as on a table, mirror, and floor, and patients will be instructed to extinguish the lit light as quickly as possible. The difficulty level of the sessions will be progressively increased by adjusting factors such as the duration of light activation, colors, the number of illuminated pods, their placement locations, and the distance between them. | Other | Experimental Group |
Primary outcome
Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Patients will be asked to mark the number between 0 and 10 that best corresponds to the intensity of their pain.
G-Walk Wireless Movement Analysis System
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
G-Walk is a wireless system used to assess gait, balance, and functional mobility through motion sensors placed on the lower back. While wearing the G-Walk device, the participant walks at a normal pace between two markers placed 10 meters apart. Furthermore, static balance will be assessed by having the participant maintain a one-legged stance for 30 seconds.
Modified Four Square Step Test
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
The Modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) is used to assess dynamic balance and the ability to step in multiple directions. During the test procedure, four strips, each measuring 90 cm in length, are arranged on the floor to form a square, with each quadrant labeled from 1 to 4. The participant is instructed to step through each quadrant first in a clockwise direction and then in a counterclockwise direction, ensuring continuous forward gaze and avoiding contact with the strips throughout the test.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Chronic Neck Pain
Active, not recruiting
Multimodal Manual Therapy vs. Maitland Mobilization for Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Chronic Neck Pain
Not yet recruiting
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Exercises and Suboccipital Myofascial Release Techniques in Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain
Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
Not yet recruiting
Digital Use, 24-Hour Movement Behaviors, and Myofascial Release in University Students With Neck Pain
Forward Head Posture, Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
Active, not recruiting
Cervical Stabilization vs Scapular Clock Exercises for Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Agreement Between CSI and IASP Pain Classification in Chronic Cervical Myofascial Pain
Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Neck
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
FATMA EKEN principal investigator
Afyonkarahisar Sağlık Bİlimleri Üniversitesi
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Experimental Group in people with Chronic Neck Pain and Exercise Training Therapy, run by Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jul 2026.