NCT06842381

Electrotherapy Combined With Neck Exercises for Non-Specific Neck Pain

Electrotherapy Combined With Neck Exercises for Non-Specific Neck Pain: Telerehabilitation Versus Face-to-Face Program: Study Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Adelaida María Castro-Sánchez · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 30 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation versus a face-to-face program in the therapeutic approach to non-specific neck pain through exercise and analgesic electrotherapy. Methods: Randomized clinical trial on 100 participants with nonspecific neck pain who will be randomized into two groups to receive analgesic electrotherapy combined with a cervical exercise program through telemedicine or face to face. A total of 24 sessions will be applied over 8 weeks. Demographic and clinical data, disability, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, isometric spinal muscle strength, quality of life, and cervical mobility will be collected. Assessments will be performed at the beginning of the study (baseline), at 8 weeks (post-treatment) and 2 months after the end of the intervention (follow-up).

Detailed description

Introduction: Neck pain is a common problem in the working-age population, with a high recurrence rate and one of the highest health costs globally. Exercise is considered one of the keys in the management of this pathology, and electrotherapy is consolidated as a safe and proven analgesic measure. Telemedicine facilitates access to health care by eliminating geographical barriers and reducing costs, allowing consultations from any location and favoring the patient's work-life balance. The widespread availability of smartphones, tablets and computers makes telerehabilitation more accessible than ever. Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation versus a face-to-face program in the therapeutic approach to non-specific neck pain through exercise and analgesic electrotherapy. Methods: Randomized clinical trial with 100 participants with non-specific neck pain who will be randomized into two groups to receive analgesic electrotherapy combined with a cervical exercise program through telemedicine or face to face. A total of 24 sessions will be applied over 8 weeks. Demographic and clinical data, disability, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, isometric spinal muscle strength, quality of life, and cervical mobility will be collected. Assessments will be performed at the beginning of the study (baseline), at 8 weeks (post-treatment) and 2 months after the end of the intervention (follow-up).

Conditions

• Chronic Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Telerehabilitation Program	A support system for the treatment of cervical pain based on Web technologies will be used, accredited as a health website. This system has a structure based on 4 sections: database treatment, database user profiles, recommendations, and feedback/biofeedback procedures. This system allows the registration and introduction of a subject, and modification of a treatment with electroanalgesia and exercises, according to the symptomatic evolution of the pain. It is based on an initial patient assessment system.
OTHER	Face to Face Program	Electroanalgesia therapy and the McKenzie exercise protocol will be applied by six therapists with more than 10 years of experience in both procedures. This program will be developed in the Health Sciences clinical units of the Universities of Almeria, Granada and Malaga.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-01
• Primary completion: 2025-12-30
• Completion: 2026-02-28
• First posted: 2025-02-24
• Last updated: 2025-12-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Spain