Clinical Research Directory

AI-Driven Programs for Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain

Non-specific chronic neck pain represents a major global health burden, affecting 30% to 50% of the general population. It is particularly prevalent among office workers, computer users, and women, with a notable rise in young adults aged 20 to 24. While acute episodes of neck pain may initially resolve, underlying functional impairments often persist, causing over a third of patients to develop chronic symptoms lasting three months or longer. Typically localized in the lateral and posterior neck regions without radicular signs, this condition is frequently driven by poor posture and improper ergonomics. The resulting abnormal stress on the cervical spine and musculature severely limits daily activities, lowers overall quality of life, and places a heavy socioeconomic strain on patients and their communities. Traditional conservative management typically relies on a combination of pharmacotherapy and standard physical therapy modalities, including manual techniques, exercise programs, electrotherapy, and thermal agents. However, these conventional interventions demand frequent, in-person clinical visits, creating a significant financial and logistical barrier for many families, particularly under current economic challenges in Egypt. Consequently, there is an urgent need for cost-effective, highly accessible, and novel rehabilitation models that can streamline care and optimize clinical outcomes. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning offer a promising solution to these challenges by providing automated, data-driven remote care. Through mobile apps and smart rehabilitation platforms, AI can analyze complex clinical datasets-including patient demographics, pain intensity, and radiographic alignment-to predict treatment timelines and automate routine clinical tasks. Crucially, AI solves the problem of standardized, non-individualized home exercise plans by adjusting to a patient's daily symptom presentation, mimics a therapist's tailored approach, and offers real-time feedback. However, as these technologies advance, a clear gap remains in the physical therapy profession. Many clinicians lack a foundational understanding of AI fundamentals and harbor concerns about automation, highlighting an urgent need to evaluate physical therapists' perceptions and preparation to foster clinical trust and seamless integration.

High-intensity Laser Therapy for Neck Pain

Chronic nonspecific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder recognized for its high rates of disability and economic losses, ranking second in musculoskeletal conditions after low back pain. There are several effective physical therapy interventions to treat chronic nonspecific neck pain, such as laser therapy. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is a recent treatment proposed to reduce musculoskeletal pain; however, there are few studies that prove its effects in reducing neck pain. The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of high-intensity laser therapy on pain intensity in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. The research will be carried out in the laboratory of physical agents at the Andrés Bello University, Campus Casona de las Condes. Participants will be employers and volunteer students with non-specific chronic neck pain. Participants will be randomized and allocated into 2 study groups: group 1 (HILT and stretching exercises) and group 2 (simulated HILT and stretching exercises). Treatments will be performed twice a week for 4 weeks with 3 assessments: before treatment, at the end of treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment (follow-up). The main results will be the differences in pain pressure threshold (ΔPPT), intensity of pain at rest (ΔRPI) and intensity of pain on movement (ΔMPI). Secondary outcome measures, on the other hand, will include differences in cervical spine range (ΔCROM) and cervical disability (ΔND).

Effect of Kendall and Scapulothoracic Exercises in Treatment of Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

The purpose of the clinical trial is to investigate the effect of the combined Kendall and scapulothoracic exercises program on mechanosensitivity of brachial plexus, cervical range of motion, neck functional ability, and craniovertebral angle in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. we have 3 groups to compare between traditional treatment, scapulothoracic and kendall exercises in treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain.