Clinical Research Directory

Neck Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Turkish Endodontists

This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists. Endodontists are exposed to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during clinical procedures, which may increase the risk of neck-related disorders. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, occupational factors, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain. In addition, physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception will be performed using validated measurement tools. The study also aims to identify factors associated with neck pain, such as working conditions, posture, and clinical experience. The findings may help improve preventive strategies, ergonomic recommendations, and rehabilitation approaches for dental professionals.

Does the Cervical Stenosis Affect Hand Function?

The cervical spine is a complex structure that supports the weight of the head and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS), which develops as a result of degenerative processes, can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerve structures, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. This condition can negatively affect hand function, particularly grip strength and dexterity. However, studies in the literature examining the effect of CSS on grip strength and hand function are limited. Therefore, our study will be conducted to determine the effect of the severity of cervical spinal stenosis, identified in patients who underwent MRI following their presentation with cervical problems at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, İzmir Democracy University, on hand grip strength and functionality. Grip strength will be assessed using the Jamar hand dynamometer, and fine pinch strength will be evaluated using the Lafayette pinch meter. Additionally, hand functionality will be measured using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The impact of neck pain on daily life will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index. The data obtained will be compared and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. This study is expected to fill a significant gap in the current literature by comprehensively elucidating the effects of cervical stenosis on hand function and grip performance, thereby contributing to the individualization of rehabilitation approaches.

Normalizing Cervical Intersegmental Kinematics With Spinal Manipulative Therapy

The broad long-term objective is to develop an objective biomarker for spinal health based on aberrant or abnormal movement patterns during functional activities to better target spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and other conservative treatments. The central hypotheses are a) that aberrant spinal motions and their location (area and level) are indicative of underlying spinal dysfunction, and b) that quantified 3D cervical spine intersegmental and global motion patterns during functional tasks can be used as a biomarker for subsequent clinical studies aimed at normalizing cervical kinematics. Specific Aim: Determine the extent to which SMT can modulate, or normalize, intersegmental motion in patients with neck pain. Rationale: SMT is a force-based biomechanical event whose hypothesized mechanism of action relies on moving the segment into the para-physiological zone, resulting in normalization of spinal kinematic function. Hypothesis: Severity of abnormal or aberrant motion, identified in those with NP, will improve following SMT. Approach: Participants with chronic mechanical neck pain will be recruited and randomized into one of three groups: 1) No Treatment, 2) Light Massage (pseudo- sham), and 3) Spinal Manipulative Therapy. Using a repeated measures study design, metrics of quality of spinal motion will be compared before and after the prescribed intervention.

Psychological Options for Wellness and Recovery (POWeR) Trial for Veterans With Chronic Back/Neck Pain

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn which treatment works better for veterans with chronic neck or back pain. This study is comparing three treatments: Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and usual care (whatever a person is already doing to cope with their pain). The main questions the study aims to answer are: 1. Which treatment works better for lowering pain: PRT, CBT, or usual care? 2. How do the effects of PRT compare with CBT and usual care in terms of pain relief and other factors such as emotional functioning, quality of life, anxiety, and pain medication use? Participants will: 1. Be randomly assigned to receive either PRT, CBT, or usual care. 2. Complete questionnaires about their pain and health. 3. If in the PRT or CBT group, have nine weekly therapy sessions over video calls with a therapist.

Combined Effect of Kendall Exercises With Wearable Vibrotactile Feedback Sensor in Forward Head Posture

The aim of this research is to determines Combined Effect of Kendall exercises with Wearable vibrotactile feedback Sensor on Forward Head Posture correction on neck pain, and improving craniovertebral angle and muscle thickness. Randomized controlled trials at Fauji Foundation Hospital and Margalla Institute of health sciences . The sample size was 64. The subjects were divided in two groups, 32 subjects will be included in wearbable sensors and kendall exercises group and 32 will be in Kendell exercise alone . Study duration will be 12 months. Sampling technique applied will be non probability convinience sampling technique. Participants eligible for recruitment in this study will include young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Eligible participants must also present with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of less than 50 degrees, a body mass index (BMI) within the range of 18.5-30 kg/m², and a daily screen time of less than five hours. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 26.

Wearable Spine Health System for Military Readiness

The goal of this observational trial is to compare the health history and motion capabilities of participants with low back pain disorders to participants with healthy spines. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are to: 1. Primary outcomes of this research effort include the development of composite measures or digital biomarkers to track functional recovery over time and predict duty or work status outcomes (return-to-full duty/work, limited duty/work restrictions or medical discharge/long-term disability). 2. Secondary outcomes of this research effort include characterization of motion assessment utility to predict reinjury risk and evaluate intervention effectiveness. In addition, exploratively, the investigators will determine biopsychosocial profiles of low back pain, and neck pain military populations to identify low back and neck pain phenotypes. Participants will complete questionnaires and wear a motion monitor that will assess the participant's back and/or neck. This session will be approximately 40-70 minutes. The research team will follow up with participants at 3 month, 6 months, and 1 year to complete a short series of questionnaires and a motion assessment test.

The Spine Phenome Project

The goal of this observational trial is to compare the health history and motion capabilities of participants with low back pain disorders to participants with healthy spines. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are to: 1. Primary outcomes of this research effort include composite measures that differentiate between control and patient populations, predict injury or reinjury risk, identify low back and neck pain patient phenotypes, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. 2. Secondary outcomes of this research effort include an assessment of wearable motion sensor accuracy, characterization of motion assessment utility, biopsychosocial profiling of control and low back and neck pain patient populations, and differentiation of sincere and insincere motion assessment efforts. Participants will complete questionnaires and wear a motion monitor that will assess your back and/or neck. This session will be approximately 40-70 minutes. The research team will follow up with participants at 3 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years to complete a short series of questionnaires and a motion assessment test.

MANUAL THERAPY ON PAIN, DISABILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

The aim of this study is to investigate whether conventional physical therapy combined with manual therapy reduces pain and maintains life support in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain, compared to conventional physical therapy alone. The study plans to evaluate the combined benefits of both treatment methods and manual therapy. Pain, quality of life, range of motion, and neck injuries will be assessed in the participants. The treatment protocol will be administered twice a week, for a total of 10 sessions over a 5-week period.

A Novel Device for Neck Pain in Active-duty Military Personnel With Forward Head Posture.

Neck pain is a common complaint among active duty military personnel, and can have tremendous impacts on quality of life and participation in duty-related activities. Treatments for spinal pain in military personnel are typically multimodal, relying upon physical therapy, pharmacological agents, spinal manipulation, and psychotherapy. However, there does not exist a wide body of evidence to support many of these treatments in active-duty military. The Cervigard neck collar was designed to treat posture-related neck pain with minimal effort and time required for treatment by the patient. However, this has yet to be tested experimentally. The objective of this study is to evaluate the treatment effect and safety of a novel device for the treatment of neck pain using self-reported pain and function measures, as well as objective radiological measures of cervical lordosis and head posture. Participants will be randomized to be fitted with and receive the Cervigard neck collar either immediately, or 6-weeks after being screened. Participants will complete neck pain and function questionnaires, and have cervical X-Rays collected at screening, treatment, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks (for the immediate group). Participants will be instructed to wear the collar every day for the duration of the trial. Self-reported neck pain and function measures will be collected, as well as cervical X-Rays, protocol adherence measures, and adverse events. The intervention is expected to reduce neck pain/discomfort, improve function, and improve cervical lordosis.

The Effects of Mulligan Joint Mobilization and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Individuals With Neck Pain

The study will include a total of 40 individuals aged 18-65 years with chronic neck pain for at least three months. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the Mulligan mobilization group (n=20) and the AYDM group (n=20). Both groups will receive a total of 12 treatment sessions, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Assessments will be performed before and after treatment. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), cervical awareness using the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire (FNA), and functionality using the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS). In addition, measurements of cervical joint range of motion, deep neck flexor muscle endurance, quality of life (SF-36), and depression level (Beck Depression Scale) will be taken.

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF POSTURAL EXERCISES AND TAPING

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) and a structured exercise program on pain, disability, balance, and psychosocial well-being in desk-based office workers with chronic neck pain. Background: Prolonged sedentary work, particularly desk jobs exceeding six hours per day, is a significant risk factor for chronic neck pain and postural dysfunction. This study focuses on employees of the Kocaeli Governorate to determine which conservative intervention-active (exercise) or passive/supportive (taping)-provides superior clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 45 volunteers (minimum 15 per group) aged 25-55, who work at desks for at least six hours a day and suffer from chronic neck pain, will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 4-week intervention period: Kinesio Taping Group: Participants will receive therapeutic taping for the cervical region. Exercise Group: Participants will undergo a structured program focusing on neck stabilization and postural correction. Control Group: Participants will receive no active intervention and will maintain their routine activities. Outcome Measures: Comprehensive assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the 4-week program: Pain \& Disability: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Physical Performance: Balance tests and Deep Neck Flexor Endurance test. Psychosocial Status: Quality of Life (SF-36) and depression levels (Beck Depression Inventory).

The Effect of Corrective Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

Our study will investigate the effects of corrective exercises on pain, functionality, and gait in individuals with chronic neck pain.

The Effect of Dry Needling With Electrical Stimulation on Individuals With Restless Legs Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of dry needling with electrical stimulation (DNES) on sleep quality, symptom severity, and function in individuals with restless legs syndrome.

Chiropractic Care for Chronic Neck Pain: A Pilot Study

This pilot randomized controlled trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary clinical effects of multimodal chiropractic care for adults with chronic neck pain. Forty participants will be randomized to receive either multimodal chiropractic care plus enhanced usual care or enhanced usual care alone. Feasibility outcomes include recruitment, retention, adherence, and safety. Clinical outcomes include pain intensity, neck-related disability, physical and psychological function, and quality of life. Exploratory electroencephalography (EEG) and gait assessments will examine potential neurophysiological and biomechanical biomarkers associated with treatment response.

Symmetrical Scapula-pelvis Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Superficial Back Line in Chronic Neck Pain With Hamstring Tightness

A research study will be conducted at Physiotherapy department of the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi, Pakistan. Overall 156 patients with 18-40 years old individuals with neck pain will be eligible and they will be included through non-probability, purposive sampling technique. The written informed consent will be taken from all the patients. They will be divided through Simple random sampling (computer generated software) method into two groups, 78 in each group. Group A (experimental group) will receive PNF Symmetrical Scapula-Pelvis Patterns (PNF-SSPP), group B (control group) will receive sub occipital muscle inhibition technique (SMI) and static stretching (SS) of hamstring muscle. All participants will be assessed using assessment form. Outcome measures will be Pain, disability, disability, neck range of motions, hamstring tightness, head posture, and levator scapulae index. An independent assessor blinded to the treatment will assess all the patients for treatment outcome assessment at baseline, after first session and post treatment. Treatment sessions will be given thrice a week for 6 weeks.

Cervical Spine Focused Treatment for Patients With Persistent Concussion Symptoms and Neck Pain

Assess the feasibility of recruiting, enrolling and randomizing patients with concussion symptoms and neck pain to receive manual therapy and cervical rehabilitative exercises in addition to standard concussion treatment. In the usual care workflow provided at the participating concussion clinic, cervical spine rehab is not typically introduced until after week 4. The rationale is that neck pain is often a self-limiting condition that may resolve spontaneously, without the need for specific cervical spine rehab. This study is chiefly focused on feasibility aims that revolve around developing changes to barriers in workflow issues at the participating concussion clinic, that would allow for earlier introduction of cervical spine rehab.

NECK DISABILITY AND WORK ROLE FUNCTIONING IN OFFICE WORKERS

This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate whether neck-related disability predicts work role functioning in a non-clinical sample of office workers. Office workers frequently experience neck discomfort and functional limitations due to prolonged sitting and computer use. However, the extent to which neck-related disability influences their ability to meet work role demands remains unclear. Participants will complete validated questionnaires assessing neck disability, perceived stress, general health status, and work role functioning. Demographic information will also be collected. No intervention will be applied. The findings of this study may help clarify the relationship between neck-related disability and occupational functioning and contribute to the development of preventive strategies in office-based work environments.

The Effectiveness of Chuna Maintenance Therapy for Chronic Bothersome Neck Pain

This study is a pragmatic randomized controlled study that assessed 250 subjects complaining of chronic bothersome neck pain with mild discomfort in a 1:1 ratio: chuna maintenance therapy group (125 subjects, 1 time/2 weeks, total 20 weeks) and lifestyle management \& self-exercise group (125 subjects, exercise method education 1 time/4 weeks, total 20 weeks).

Effects of Different Exercise Protocols on Physical and Cognitive Changes in People With Chronic Neck Pain

This study aims to investigate the effects of different exercise approaches on physical status, cognitive functions, brain structures, and blood biomarkers in individuals with chronic neck pain.

The Prevalence of Neck and Low Back Pain in FMSTRC Staff At the UWI Mona

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time staff at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC), The University of the West Indies, Mona. It also seeks to assess staff members' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding spine health and to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week standardised spine-specific exercise programme in reducing musculoskeletal discomfort among those experiencing neck and low back pain. The study will be conducted in two phases using a descriptive cross-sectional design followed by a prospective randomised controlled trial, in which participants reporting pain will be allocated to either a spine-specific exercise intervention group or a non-spine-specific exercise control group for comparative analysis of outcomes.

Low Back and Neck Pain in Nursing Students at The University of The West Indies

The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of neck and low back pain in nursing students enrolled at the University of the West Indies, Mona; to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice of good spine health and to determine the outcome of a standardised spine exercise program on nursing students experiencing neck and low back pain, using a prospective randomised control design.

Neck and Low Back Pain in Physical Therapy Students at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain among physical therapy students enrolled at The University of the West Indies, Mona. It also aims to assess students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding spine health and to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week standardised spine-specific exercise programme in reducing musculoskeletal pain and improving functional status among those reporting symptoms. The study will be conducted in two phases, beginning with a descriptive cross-sectional assessment of prevalence, followed by a prospective randomised controlled trial in which students experiencing neck and/or low back pain will be allocated to either a spine-specific exercise intervention group or a non-spine-specific exercise control group for comparative analysis of outcomes.

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation in Neck Pain Subjects

VR-NECKPAIN is a two-arm, monocentric, single-blind, randomized controlled trial in Neck Pain patients. The entire treatment consist in 12 sessions, each during 45 minutes, twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Subjects will be evaluated ad baseline (T0) and after six weeks of rehabilitation (T1). There will also be a 3 months Follow-Up assessment (T2). The total duration of study participation for each subject will be approximately 19 weeks, including evaluation at T0, treatment and evaluation at T1 and T2. Individuals in the experimental group (VRT) will undergo a virtual reality-based sensorimotor rehabilitation. Control group (CT) subjects will undergo the same rehabilitation of VR subjects, in terms of intensity, time and type, but with the virtual reality turned off.

Differences in Mechanistic Measures (Oxytocin and Cortisol) of Therapeutic Alliance Between A Talk-Based Therapy and Soft-Tissue Mobilization in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Pain

The goal of this randomized cross-over mechanistic trial is to compare pre- and post-level cortisol and oxytocin changes in patients with chronic spine pain who receive either a hand's on (massage) or a hand's off (talk-based) approach. The study plans to address two primary aims. Specific Aim One: Directly compare pre- and post-session oxytocin and cortisol levels across two sessions of massage and talk-based therapy. Hypothesis 1: It is expected that in both treatments, oxytocin will increase and cortisol will decrease, demonstrating no significant between-group differences in hormone levels. Specific Aim Two: The study plans to compare pre- and post-session oxytocin and cortisol change scores a therapeutic alliance (TA) scale change scores and PROMIS patient-reported outcomes associated with pain, depression, and disability. Hypothesis 2a: It is projected that there will be moderate +/- relationships (R\>.4) between the therapeutic alliance change score and oxytocin and cortisol levels, suggesting that the hormones moderately reflect the construct associated with TA. Hypothesis 2b: It is expected that there will be weak (R\>.1) +/-relationships between hormone measures and PROMIS pain/disability/depression measures, which reflects similar findings to preliminary work. Participants will participant in a massage based treatment and a talk-based treatment approach. Participants will also complete patient report outcomes and will receive a total of four salivary swabs.