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Effects of Transcutaneous Neuromodulation and Cervical Exercise in Students With Chronic Nonspecific Cervical Pain
Sponsor: Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a cervical exercise program, transcutaneous neuromodulation of the spinal accessory nerve, and a placebo intervention on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, cervical proprioception, functional disability, depression, anxiety, and stress in university students with chronic non-specific neck pain. The study will include a six-week intervention period with pre- and post-treatment assessments. The findings may contribute to the development of accessible physiotherapy interventions within university settings.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
51
Start Date
2026-04-01
Completion Date
2026-07-01
Last Updated
2026-03-09
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Supervised Cervical Exercise Program
Participants will perform a supervised cervical and scapular strengthening program focused on deep cervical flexor activation and motor control. The intervention will consist of 12 sessions over six weeks (two sessions per week). Exercises will include cranio-cervical flexion movements, isometric contractions in supine, prone, and side-lying positions, and progressive load adjustments guided by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (target intensity 7/10). Load progression will be implemented after week three to maintain training intensity.
Low-Frequency Transcutaneous Neuromodulation
Participants will receive low-frequency electrical stimulation applied bilaterally over the spinal accessory nerve at Erb's point using the Pointer Excel II device. Stimulation parameters will be set at 4 Hz for 5 minutes per side during each session. The intervention will be delivered twice weekly for six weeks.
Sham Transcutaneous Neuromodulation
Participants will undergo a simulated neuromodulation procedure using the same device and positioning as the active neuromodulation group. No electrical current will be delivered. The device will remain in point-detection mode to produce sound without stimulation. The duration and frequency of sessions will match the active intervention group.