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Whole-Body Vibration vs. Exercises for Chronic Neck Pain in Young Adults
Sponsor: Pamukkale University
Summary
Chronic neck pain is a prevalent issue among young adults, potentially impacting pain levels, range of motion, posture, balance, and daily functional activities. This study is designed to compare two distinct physical therapy interventions for young individuals diagnosed with chronic non-specific neck pain: Whole-Body Vibration (WBV), involving standing on a vibrating platform, and Sensorimotor Exercise (SME), which focuses on improving neck awareness, coordination, balance, and motor control. The primary objective is to determine whether one of these therapeutic approaches is more effective than the other in enhancing neck-related sensorimotor function, reducing pain intensity, and improving overall functional capacity over a 4-week intervention period. The study population consists of male and female university students aged 18 to 30 years presenting with chronic neck pain. The investigators anticipate that while both intervention protocols may yield clinical benefits, the comparative results will demonstrate which method provides superior short-term improvements in pain management and cervical function.
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Exercise Interventions on Sensorimotor Function in Young Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
38
Start Date
2025-05-30
Completion Date
2026-03-20
Last Updated
2026-05-04
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Whole Body Vibration
Participants received Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) training 3 days a week for a total of 4 weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Each session consisted of 10 sets of vibration. Each set involved 30 seconds of vibration followed by a 30-second rest period. The training was performed on a Compex Winplate™ vibration platform at a frequency of 30 Hz and an amplitude of 4 mm. Participants performed the exercises barefoot while maintaining various positions, starting from a static semi-squat (15° mini-squat) and progressing to more dynamic and advanced balance tasks across three levels. Each session initially lasted 12-15 minutes and progressed to 20-25 minutes based on participant tolerance.
Sensorimotor Training
Participants underwent a structured and progressive sensorimotor exercise program conducted 3 days a week for a total of 4 weeks. The protocol was tailored across three stages, with session durations increasing from an initial 12-15 minutes to 20 minutes. Key components included oculomotor and eye-head coordination tasks using a laser pointer for gaze stability, as well as static and dynamic balance exercises that progressed from wide to narrow bases of support and from stable to unstable surfaces. Additionally, the program incorporated deep neck flexor strengthening through precision-focused chin-tuck exercises using small exercise balls, and functional tasks such as squatting combined with laser pointer tracking. Exercises progressed from 5-7 repetitions to 10-12 repetitions per session based on individual tolerance, with 1-3 minute rest intervals provided between sets.
Locations (1)
Pamukkale University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
Denizli, Denizli, Turkey (Türkiye)