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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07158281

Dual-Task Effects on Gait in Nonspecific Neck Pain

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of motor and cognitive dual-task conditions on gait variability and gait symmetry in individuals with NSNP, compared with healthy controls. This cross-sectional trial will recruit participants aged 18-60, including 21 patients with NSNP and 21 age-matched healthy controls. Gait parameters will be assessed using a wearable sensor system (BTS G-Walk). Primary outcomes are gait variability and gait symmetry under single-task, motor dual-task, and cognitive dual-task walking conditions.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Gait Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Yuksek Ihtisas University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Each participant will complete three walking conditions:

Single-task walking (walking at a self-selected pace), Motor dual-task walking (walking while carrying a tray with a glass of water), and Cognitive dual-task walking (walking while verbally reporting the number of letters in presented words).

Gait parameters will be measured using the BTS G-Walk wearable sensor system, which records accelerometric data at the lumbar level (L4-L5) and calculates temporospatial parameters. Gait variability will be quantified using the coefficient of variation formula, and gait symmetry will be determined using symmetry index calculations.

The primary outcomes are gait variability and gait symmetry across the three walking conditions. Secondary outcomes include pain characteristics, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Bournemouth Neck Questionnaire (BNQ).

The study hypothesizes that both motor and cognitive dual-task conditions will significantly affect gait variability and symmetry in individuals with NSNP, and these effects will differ from those observed in healthy controls. Findings are expected to improve understanding of motor control alterations in NSNP and provide guidance for individualized rehabilitation programs and therapeutic interventions.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • for NSNP group:
  • Adults aged 18-60 years
  • History of nonspecific neck pain lasting at least 3 months
  • Neck Disability Index (NDI) score ≥10
  • Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
  • for the Healthy Control group
  • Adults aged 18-60 years
  • No history of neck pain or musculoskeletal/neurological/systemic disorders
  • Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

(applies to both groups):

  • Previous spinal surgery
  • History of traumatic cervical injury
  • Diagnosed cervical radiculopathy, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, or disc herniation
  • Presence of any neurological or systemic disease
  • Musculoskeletal disorders affecting gait performance
  • Cognitive impairment or psychiatric conditions interfering with test participation

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Gait Variability

    Time frame: up to 3 months

    Gait variability calculated using the coefficient of variation.Gait variability is the ratio of the mean to the standard deviation and is calculated as a percentage. The score ranges from 0 to 100. A higher score indicates greater variability and decreased gait control. formula.

    Measurement Tool: BTS G-Walk wearable sensor system.

  2. Gait Symmetry

    Time frame: up to 3 months

    Symmetry Index (SI) of spatiotemporal gait parameters between right and left limbs, calculated with the standard formula.Measurement Tool: BTS G-Walk wearable sensor system.Gait symmetry is calculated using a formula that compares the right and left extremities. "0" indicates complete symmetry, while "≥1" indicates asymmetry.

  3. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Assessed at baseline.

    Neck pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10).

  4. Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: Assessed at baseline (only in NSNP group).

    Self-reported questionnaire assessing functional disability related to neck pain. Validated Turkish version will be used.he NDI is a 10-item questionnaire assessing neck pain-related disability in daily life (e.g., pain intensity, personal care, concentration, work, driving, sleeping).Each item is scored from 0 to 5 (0 = no disability, 5 = maximum disability). The total score ranges from 0 to 50.

  5. Bournemouth Neck Questionnaire (BNQ)

    Time frame: Assessed at baseline (only in NSNP group).

    elf-reported questionnaire evaluating pain severity, emotional distress, fear of movement, and coping strategies. Validated Turkish version will be used.The BNQ is a 7-item questionnaire evaluating the impact of neck pain on pain severity, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, anxiety/depression, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and coping strategies.

    Scoring: Each item is scored on a 0-10 numeric rating scale (0 = no problem, 10 = maximum problem). The total score ranges from 0 to 70.

    Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater disability and psychosocial impact of neck pain.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hacettepe University

Other

Collaborators

  • Yuksek Ihtisas University

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Effects of Dual-Tasking on Gait Variability and Symmetry in Individuals With Nonspecific Neck Pain

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Sep 5, 2025
Registry last updated
May 22, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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