Neck PainNCT07658729
Effects of Music Therapy in Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Music intervention in people with Neck Pain and Pain, run by Karabuk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may impair proprioception and postural control, negatively affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Pain, Music Therapy
- What is being tested?
- Music intervention
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 19 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 4 Aug 2026to 4 Oct 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 20 to 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Being between 20-50 years old
- Having experienced neck pain for at least 3 months
- Having a resting neck pain score of 3 or higher on the Numeric Pain Scale
- Being willing to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Patients with surgical indications for and/or who have undergone surgery in the cervical region
- Having received physiotherapy and/or other treatment for neck pain within the last year
- Those with a history of trauma and systemic disease in the cervical region (malignant condition, systemic rheumatic disease, etc.)
- Having additional musculoskeletal diseases that may also affect the cervical region (thoracic outlet and scoliosis, etc.)
- Having a psychiatric illness
- Being visually impaired
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Karabuk University
Karabük, Karabük Province, 78050
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Music Therapy on Pain, Cervical Position Sense, and Balance in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
This study aims to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may impair proprioception and postural control, negatively affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention with potential benefits for pain management and sensorimotor function; however, evidence regarding its effects in musculoskeletal rehabilitation is limited. In this study, nineteen individuals with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode for 60 minutes. Pain intensity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance will be assessed before and after the intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence for the clinical use of music therapy as an adjunctive treatment in chronic neck pain rehabilitation.
Read the detailed description
The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and body balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that can lead to disability. It significantly affects daily life activities and is more prevalent in women compared to men. In individuals with neck pain, functional deficiencies in the neck muscles and impairments in cervical mechanoreceptors can influence body balance. Inflammatory mediators and the negative impact of pain on proprioceptors may lead to deterioration in proprioceptive sensation. A reduction in proprioceptive input from the neck may weaken joint movement control and increase the risk of injury. Currently, neck pain is primarily treated with pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy methods. However, in individuals with chronic neck pain, the continuous use of medication may cause side effects and impose a financial burden. Moreover, especially for working individuals, additional treatment time may be required to restore job performance. Furthermore, individuals with neck pain may not always have access to treatment services. Music has been used since ancient times by various civilisations as an alternative treatment method with no side effects. Music therapy is an inexpensive and safe intervention known to reduce pain and anxiety and improve postural control and body awareness. There is limited research on the effects of music therapy in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to demonstrate the clinically specific effects of music as a simple and cost-effective treatment method, helping individuals with chronic neck pain become more productive in both daily and professional activities. In this study, the effects of music therapy as an alternative treatment method on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined. Nineteen patients with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode-which is suggested to have positive effects on mood and pain relief-using a media player and headphones for 60 minutes. Before and after music listening, pain severity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance parameters will be evaluated. It is expected that the results will provide a scientific basis for the broader clinical use of music therapy and contribute significantly to the quality of life of individuals experiencing loss of position sense and balance disorders.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Pain, Music Therapy
- Being tested
- Music intervention
- Keywords
- neck pain, music therapy, proprioception, balance
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Music interventionProcedure or surgery
The effect of music on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined as a simple and cheap alternative method. Nihavend Makam instrumental Turkish Classical Music, claimed to affect mood and pain-relieving properties positively, will be listened to for 60 minutes using a media player and headphones for 19 individuals.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| music therapy group | Experimental | The effect of music on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined as a simple and cheap alternative method. Nihavend Makam instrumental Turkish Classical Music, claimed to affect mood and pain-relieving properties positively, will be listened to for 60 minutes using a media player and headphones for 19 individuals. Receives: Procedure: Music intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Assessment
The Numerical Pain Scale and an algometer will be used in pain assessment. The Numerical Pain Scale uses a vertical line on a plane with scores between 0 and 10. The pain a person feels is represented as follows: "0: no pain", "10: very severe pain". Individuals are asked to rate the pain they feel on a scale of 0 to 10. The validity and reliability of the Numerical Pain Scale for assessing pain have been reported in the literature. It was classified pain intensity as mild (3 cm and below), moderate (3.1-6.9 cm), and severe (7 cm and above) neck pain.
Measured: 1 day
Pressure-pain threshold assessment
An algometer is an instrument that objectively measures pressure pain threshold and pain tolerance. The algometer is a mechanical pressure gauge with a circular rubber tip at the end of a spring-loaded cylinder, a pressure surface area of 1 cm², and displays the measured value in kg/cm². Its caliber range is 100 g and 10 kg/cm². Measurements were taken at the level of the right and left zygapophyseal joints of the dysfunctional cervical segment identified during physical examination. During the assessment, participants will be asked to lie prone, and the algometer probe will be placed perpendicular to the skin at a 90-degree angle. The applied pressure will be gradually increased, and the participant will be asked to report the first instance of pain. Measurements will be taken once, and the result will be recorded in kilograms.
Measured: 1 day
Cervical joint position sense assessment
Positional awareness will be measured using a CROM (CROM Deluxe, Performance Engagement Partners, Roseville, Minnesota, USA) inclinometer. Neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements will be assessed with eyes closed. CROM Deluxe is an inclinometer developed by the University of Minnesota and its validity and reliability have been demonstrated.
Measured: 1 day
Balance assessment
Postural balance was assessed using the Bertec Balance Legacy System device. The device's rigid platform detects body oscillations. However, a soft surface can be obtained thanks to the foam cushion that can be placed on top. The platform must be placed on a flat surface so that it does not move. The individual's center of pressure is visualized via the platform, and oscillations occurring in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions can be monitored. Changes occurring on the platform are displayed on a computer screen using Bertec Workbook software. On the screen, a coordinate plane representing the AP and ML directions and a cursor representing body mass are shown within a black square.
Measured: 1 day
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Jun 2026
- Study start4 Aug 2026
- Primary completion4 Sep 2026
- Study completion4 Oct 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for 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
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 19 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nurcan Contarli, Karabuk University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07658729
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KBU-FTR-NC-12
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Data are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Music Therapy on Pain, Cervical Position Sense, and Balance in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07658729
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KBU-FTR-NC-12
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Pain, Music Therapy
- Keywords
- neck pain, music therapy, proprioception, balance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 19 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 4 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 4 Oct 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 Jun 2026 (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.
This study aims to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may impair proprioception and postural control, negatively affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention with potential benefits for pain management and sensorimotor function; however, evidence regarding its effects in musculoskeletal rehabilitation is limited. In this study, nineteen individuals with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode for 60 minutes. Pain intensity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance will be assessed before and after the intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence for the clinical use of music therapy as an adjunctive treatment in chronic neck pain rehabilitation.
Detailed description
The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and body balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that can lead to disability. It significantly affects daily life activities and is more prevalent in women compared to men. In individuals with neck pain, functional deficiencies in the neck muscles and impairments in cervical mechanoreceptors can influence body balance. Inflammatory mediators and the negative impact of pain on proprioceptors may lead to deterioration in proprioceptive sensation. A reduction in proprioceptive input from the neck may weaken joint movement control and increase the risk of injury. Currently, neck pain is primarily treated with pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy methods. However, in individuals with chronic neck pain, the continuous use of medication may cause side effects and impose a financial burden. Moreover, especially for working individuals, additional treatment time may be required to restore job performance. Furthermore, individuals with neck pain may not always have access to treatment services. Music has been used since ancient times by various civilisations as an alternative treatment method with no side effects. Music therapy is an inexpensive and safe intervention known to reduce pain and anxiety and improve postural control and body awareness. There is limited research on the effects of music therapy in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to demonstrate the clinically specific effects of music as a simple and cost-effective treatment method, helping individuals with chronic neck pain become more productive in both daily and professional activities. In this study, the effects of music therapy as an alternative treatment method on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined. Nineteen patients with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode-which is suggested to have positive effects on mood and pain relief-using a media player and headphones for 60 minutes. Before and after music listening, pain severity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance parameters will be evaluated. It is expected that the results will provide a scientific basis for the broader clinical use of music therapy and contribute significantly to the quality of life of individuals experiencing loss of position sense and balance disorders.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| music therapy group | Experimental | Procedure: Music interventionThe effect of music on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined as a simple and cheap alternative method. Nihavend Makam instrumental Turkish Classical Music, claimed to affect mood and pain-relieving properties positively, will be listened to for 60 minutes using a media player and headphones for 19 individuals. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Being between 20-50 years old
- Having experienced neck pain for at least 3 months
- Having a resting neck pain score of 3 or higher on the Numeric Pain Scale
- Being willing to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Patients with surgical indications for and/or who have undergone surgery in the cervical region
- Having received physiotherapy and/or other treatment for neck pain within the last year
- Those with a history of trauma and systemic disease in the cervical region (malignant condition, systemic rheumatic disease, etc.)
- Having additional musculoskeletal diseases that may also affect the cervical region (thoracic outlet and scoliosis, etc.)
- Having a psychiatric illness
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Music interventionThe effect of music on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined as a simple and cheap alternative method. Nihavend Makam instrumental Turkish Classical Music, claimed to affect mood and pain-relieving properties positively, will be listened to for 60 minutes using a media player and headphones for 19 individuals. | Procedure or surgery | music therapy group |
Primary outcome
Pain Assessment
Time frame: 1 day
The Numerical Pain Scale and an algometer will be used in pain assessment. The Numerical Pain Scale uses a vertical line on a plane with scores between 0 and 10. The pain a person feels is represented as follows: "0: no pain", "10: very severe pain". Individuals are asked to rate the pain they feel on a scale of 0 to 10. The validity and reliability of the Numerical Pain Scale for assessing pain have been reported in the literature. It was classified pain intensity as mild (3 cm and below), moderate (3.1-6.9 cm), and severe (7 cm and above) neck pain.
Pressure-pain threshold assessment
Time frame: 1 day
An algometer is an instrument that objectively measures pressure pain threshold and pain tolerance. The algometer is a mechanical pressure gauge with a circular rubber tip at the end of a spring-loaded cylinder, a pressure surface area of 1 cm², and displays the measured value in kg/cm². Its caliber range is 100 g and 10 kg/cm². Measurements were taken at the level of the right and left zygapophyseal joints of the dysfunctional cervical segment identified during physical examination. During the assessment, participants will be asked to lie prone, and the algometer probe will be placed perpendicular to the skin at a 90-degree angle. The applied pressure will be gradually increased, and the participant will be asked to report the first instance of pain. Measurements will be taken once, and the result will be recorded in kilograms.
Cervical joint position sense assessment
Time frame: 1 day
Positional awareness will be measured using a CROM (CROM Deluxe, Performance Engagement Partners, Roseville, Minnesota, USA) inclinometer. Neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements will be assessed with eyes closed. CROM Deluxe is an inclinometer developed by the University of Minnesota and its validity and reliability have been demonstrated.
Balance assessment
Time frame: 1 day
Postural balance was assessed using the Bertec Balance Legacy System device. The device's rigid platform detects body oscillations. However, a soft surface can be obtained thanks to the foam cushion that can be placed on top. The platform must be placed on a flat surface so that it does not move. The individual's center of pressure is visualized via the platform, and oscillations occurring in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions can be monitored. Changes occurring on the platform are displayed on a computer screen using Bertec Workbook software. On the screen, a coordinate plane representing the AP and ML directions and a cursor representing body mass are shown within a black square.
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 23 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Data are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Music intervention in people with Neck Pain and Pain, run by Karabuk 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 4 inclusion and 6 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 23 Oct 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?
Pain Assessment (time frame: 1 day). The study lists 4 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 23 Oct 2026.