Chronic Neck PainNCT07190014
Virtual Reality Application for Assessing Neck Movement and Position Sense
An observational study of Chronic Neck Pain, run by Hacettepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The goal of this observational study is to examine whether a virtual reality application developed by our team can be used to evaluate cervical range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS) in individuals with chronic neck pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Neck Pain
- How many people
- 58 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 25 Oct 2025to 30 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Study participants will be recruited from individuals referred to the Neurosurgery Department of Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye, as well as healthy volunteers from the general population. The study population will include adults within the target age range, consisting of both individuals with chronic neck pain and healthy controls, to allow comparison between clinical and non-clinical groups.
Who may be able to join
- Chronic Neck Pain (CNP) participants
- Age 18-65. 
- ≥ 6 months of neck pain. 
- Willing to participate (informed consent). 
- Healthy volunteers
- Age 18-65. 
- No neck pain complaints. 
- Willing to participate (informed consent). 
Who cannot join
- Prior adverse virtual reality experience. 
- Photophobia: UPSIS-12 score > 12. 
- Migraine screen: ≥2 "yes" on ID-Migraine. 
- Any neurological deficit. 
- History of spinal surgery. 
- Medical conditions that could interfere with participation: orthopedic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, rheumatologic, or vestibular problems. 
- Pregnancy.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Hacettepe University Hospital Department of Neurosurgery
Ankara, Ankara, 06000
Ahmet İ. Işıkay, MD, PhD., +905359635297, isikay@hacettepe.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of a Virtual Reality Application Developed for the Assessment of Cervical Joint Range of Motion and Joint Position Sense
The goal of this observational study is to examine whether a virtual reality application developed by our team can be used to evaluate cervical range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS) in individuals with chronic neck pain.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
- Does the virtual reality application provide reliable measurements of cervical ROM?
- Does the application accurately assess cervical JPS when compared with a standard clinical tool (Cervical Range of Motion device, CROM)?
Researchers will compare results from the VR application with results from the CROM device to see if the two methods give similar outcomes.
Participants will:
- Complete a demographic and clinical evaluation.
- Perform standardized neck movements (flexion, extension, left/right lateral flexion, left/right rotation).
- Be assessed using both the CROM device and the VR application for ROM and JPS.
Read the detailed description
Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems and is associated with limitations in mobility and proprioceptive deficits. Reliable assessment of cervical range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS) is critical for both clinical evaluation and rehabilitation planning. Traditional devices, such as the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) instrument, are widely used but have limitations, including the need for manual operation, restricted visualization, and lower potential for patient engagement.
Virtual reality (VR) technologies provide an opportunity to overcome these limitations by offering objective measurements, immersive feedback, and greater standardization of the testing environment. Our team has developed a VR-based application specifically designed to assess cervical ROM and JPS. This application may contribute to more accurate, reliable, and user-friendly evaluation methods compared to conventional tools.
In this observational study, individuals with chronic neck pain will be assessed using both the CROM device and the VR application. The study will compare the results obtained from both methods to determine the validity and reliability of the VR-based system.
The findings are expected to provide evidence for the clinical use of VR in musculoskeletal assessment, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting the development of innovative rehabilitation strategies.
- Conditions
- Chronic Neck Pain
- Keywords
- virtual reality, neck pain, pain, chronic pain, evaluation, range of motion, joint position sense, proprioception, application, technologic rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Pain, Chronic Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Reality Based Assesment Group - Participants with Chronic Neck Pain | Participants in this group will be evaluated with the virtual reality assessment module developed by our team. * Cervical range of motion (ROM): The module records movement angles in six directions - flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. * Joint position sense (JPS): For this assessment, participants move their head to 65% of their available range in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to reposition to the same target. Errors are recorded in degrees. Results from the VR module will be compared with those obtained using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device. | |
| CROM Based Assesment Group - Participants with Chronic Neck Pain | Participants in this group will be evaluated using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device, a standard clinical tool for neck assessment. * Cervical range of motion (ROM): Movement angles will be measured in six directions - flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. * Joint position sense (JPS): Participants will be guided to move their head to 65% of the available range in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to reposition to the same target. Errors will be recorded in degrees. Measurements obtained from the CROM device will be compared with those from the virtual reality assessment module. | |
| Virtual Reality Based Evaluation - Healthy Participiants | Participants in this group will be evaluated with the virtual reality assessment module developed by our team. • Cervical range of motion (ROM): The module records movement angles in six directions - flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. • Joint position sense (JPS): For this assessment, participants move their head to 65% of their available range in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to reposition to the same target. Errors are recorded in degrees. Results from the VR module will be compared with those obtained using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device. | |
| CROM Based Assesment Group - Healthy Participants | Participants in this group will be evaluated using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device, a standard clinical tool for neck assessment. • Cervical range of motion (ROM): Movement angles will be measured in six directions - flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. • Joint position sense (JPS): Participants will be guided to move their head to 65% of the available range in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to reposition to the same target. Errors will be recorded in degrees. Measurements obtained from the CROM device will be compared with those from the virtual reality assessment module. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) Measurements
Cervical ROM will be assessed in six directions (flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, right/left rotation). Measurements will be obtained using both the CROM device and the virtual reality assessment module developed by the research team. Results will be compared to evaluate the validity of the VR-based system.
Measured: At baseline, during a single assessment session (Day 1).
Cervical Joint Position Sense (JPS) Error
JPS will be evaluated by asking participants to move their head to 65% of the available ROM in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to relocate the same target position. Errors will be recorded in degrees. Measurements will be taken with both the CROM device and the VR assessment module, and results will be compared.
Measured: At baseline, during a single assessment session (Day 1).
Secondary outcomes (3)
Usability and Participant Experience
Participants' feedback on the ease of use, comfort, and overall experience of the virtual reality application will be collected using a structured questionnaire.
Measured: Immediately after completion of the VR assessment session (Day 1).
Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) Scores
Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) Scores VR-related side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, or eye strain, will be assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), a 16-item self-report scale. Each symptom is rated from 0 (none) to 3 (severe), and weighted total scores range from 0 (no symptoms) to 235 (maximum symptoms). Higher scores indicate more severe simulator sickness symptoms (worse outcome).
Measured: Immediately after completion of the VR assessment session (Day 1).
Assessment Duration
The total time required to complete the ROM and JPS evaluations will be recorded for both the VR application and the CROM device. This will allow comparison of the efficiency of the two assessment methods.
Measured: During the single assessment session (Day 1).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Sep 2025
- Study start25 Oct 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hacettepe University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, HATİCE ÇETİN, Hacettepe University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07190014
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- VRROMJPSEV
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 16 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: There are no current plans to share individual participant data because of privacy and confidentiality concerns.
Publications
Sarig Bahat H, Takasaki H, Chen X, Bet-Or Y, Treleaven J. Cervical kinematic training with and without interactive VR training for chronic neck pain - a randomized clinical trial. Man Ther. 2015 Feb;20(1):68-78. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2014.06.008. Epub 2014 Jul 5.
PubMed 25066503
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Effects of a Virtual Reality Application Developed for the Assessment of Cervical Joint Range of Motion and Joint Position Sense
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07190014
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- VRROMJPSEV
- Conditions
- Chronic Neck Pain
- Keywords
- virtual reality, neck pain, pain, chronic pain, evaluation, range of motion, joint position sense, proprioception
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Hacettepe UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Oct 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Sep 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.
The goal of this observational study is to examine whether a virtual reality application developed by our team can be used to evaluate cervical range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS) in individuals with chronic neck pain.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does the virtual reality application provide reliable measurements of cervical ROM?
- Does the application accurately assess cervical JPS when compared with a standard clinical tool (Cervical Range of Motion device, CROM)?
Researchers will compare results from the VR application with results from the CROM device to see if the two methods give similar outcomes.
Participants will:
- Complete a demographic and clinical evaluation.
- Perform standardized neck movements (flexion, extension, left/right lateral flexion, left/right rotation).
- Be assessed using both the CROM device and the VR application for ROM and JPS.
Detailed description
Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems and is associated with limitations in mobility and proprioceptive deficits. Reliable assessment of cervical range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS) is critical for both clinical evaluation and rehabilitation planning. Traditional devices, such as the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) instrument, are widely used but have limitations, including the need for manual operation, restricted visualization, and lower potential for patient engagement.
Virtual reality (VR) technologies provide an opportunity to overcome these limitations by offering objective measurements, immersive feedback, and greater standardization of the testing environment. Our team has developed a VR-based application specifically designed to assess cervical ROM and JPS. This application may contribute to more accurate, reliable, and user-friendly evaluation methods compared to conventional tools.
In this observational study, individuals with chronic neck pain will be assessed using both the CROM device and the VR application. The study will compare the results obtained from both methods to determine the validity and reliability of the VR-based system.
The findings are expected to provide evidence for the clinical use of VR in musculoskeletal assessment, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting the development of innovative rehabilitation strategies.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Reality Based Assesment Group - Participants with Chronic Neck Pain | – | –Participants in this group will be evaluated with the virtual reality assessment module developed by our team. * Cervical range of motion (ROM): The module records movement angles in six directions - flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. * Joint position sense (JPS): For this assessment, participants move their head to 65% of their available range in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to reposition to the same target. Errors are recorded in degrees. Results from the VR module will be compared with those obtained using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device. |
| CROM Based Assesment Group - Participants with Chronic Neck Pain | – | –Participants in this group will be evaluated using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device, a standard clinical tool for neck assessment. * Cervical range of motion (ROM): Movement angles will be measured in six directions - flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. * Joint position sense (JPS): Participants will be guided to move their head to 65% of the available range in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to reposition to the same target. Errors will be recorded in degrees. Measurements obtained from the CROM device will be compared with those from the virtual reality assessment module. |
| Virtual Reality Based Evaluation - Healthy Participiants | – | –Participants in this group will be evaluated with the virtual reality assessment module developed by our team. • Cervical range of motion (ROM): The module records movement angles in six directions - flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. • Joint position sense (JPS): For this assessment, participants move their head to 65% of their available range in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to reposition to the same target. Errors are recorded in degrees. Results from the VR module will be compared with those obtained using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device. |
| CROM Based Assesment Group - Healthy Participants | – | –Participants in this group will be evaluated using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device, a standard clinical tool for neck assessment. • Cervical range of motion (ROM): Movement angles will be measured in six directions - flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. • Joint position sense (JPS): Participants will be guided to move their head to 65% of the available range in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to reposition to the same target. Errors will be recorded in degrees. Measurements obtained from the CROM device will be compared with those from the virtual reality assessment module. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Study participants will be recruited from individuals referred to the Neurosurgery Department of Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye, as well as healthy volunteers from the general population. The study population will include adults within the target age range, consisting of both individuals with chronic neck pain and healthy controls, to allow comparison between clinical and non-clinical groups.
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Chronic Neck Pain (CNP) participants
- Healthy volunteers
- Age 18-65. 
- No neck pain complaints. 
- Willing to participate (informed consent). 
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Prior adverse virtual reality experience. 
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) Measurements
Time frame: At baseline, during a single assessment session (Day 1).
Cervical ROM will be assessed in six directions (flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, right/left rotation). Measurements will be obtained using both the CROM device and the virtual reality assessment module developed by the research team. Results will be compared to evaluate the validity of the VR-based system.
Cervical Joint Position Sense (JPS) Error
Time frame: At baseline, during a single assessment session (Day 1).
JPS will be evaluated by asking participants to move their head to 65% of the available ROM in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to relocate the same target position. Errors will be recorded in degrees. Measurements will be taken with both the CROM device and the VR assessment module, and results will be compared.
3 secondary outcomes
Usability and Participant Experience
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the VR assessment session (Day 1).
Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) Scores
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the VR assessment session (Day 1).
Assessment Duration
Time frame: During the single assessment session (Day 1).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Sep 2025.
- Background: PubMed 25066503Sarig Bahat H, Takasaki H, Chen X, Bet-Or Y, Treleaven J. Cervical kinematic training with and without interactive VR training for chronic neck pain - a randomized clinical trial. Man Ther. 2015 Feb;20(1):68-78. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2014.06.008. Epub 2014 Jul 5.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There are no current plans to share individual participant data because of privacy and confidentiality concerns.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Chronic Neck Pain, run by Hacettepe 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 8 inclusion and 7 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Sep 2025. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Hatice Cetin, PhD (+905079153272, haticebitirim@hacettepe.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) Measurements (time frame: At baseline, during a single assessment session (Day 1).). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07190014, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 29 Sep 2025.