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NCT Number: NCT07005076

Tech-Assisted Exercise Training in 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.

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Neck Pain Exercise Training Therapy

Age range

18 year–59 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University

Merkez, Afyonkarahisar, 03030, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

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.

Treatment and study plan

experimental group

Other

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.

Other names: Tech-Assisted Training

Primary outcomes

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Effects of Technology-Assisted Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 8, 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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