NCT07158281

Dual-Task Effects on Gait in Nonspecific Neck Pain

Investigation of the Effects of Dual-Tasking on Gait Variability and Symmetry in Individuals With Nonspecific Neck Pain

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 42 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Hacettepe University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of motor and cognitive dual-task conditions on gait variability and gait symmetry in individuals with NSNP, compared with healthy controls. This cross-sectional trial will recruit participants aged 18-60, including 21 patients with NSNP and 21 age-matched healthy controls. Gait parameters will be assessed using a wearable sensor system (BTS G-Walk). Primary outcomes are gait variability and gait symmetry under single-task, motor dual-task, and cognitive dual-task walking conditions.

Detailed description

Each participant will complete three walking conditions: Single-task walking (walking at a self-selected pace), Motor dual-task walking (walking while carrying a tray with a glass of water), and Cognitive dual-task walking (walking while verbally reporting the number of letters in presented words). Gait parameters will be measured using the BTS G-Walk wearable sensor system, which records accelerometric data at the lumbar level (L4-L5) and calculates temporospatial parameters. Gait variability will be quantified using the coefficient of variation formula, and gait symmetry will be determined using symmetry index calculations. The primary outcomes are gait variability and gait symmetry across the three walking conditions. Secondary outcomes include pain characteristics, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Bournemouth Neck Questionnaire (BNQ). The study hypothesizes that both motor and cognitive dual-task conditions will significantly affect gait variability and symmetry in individuals with NSNP, and these effects will differ from those observed in healthy controls. Findings are expected to improve understanding of motor control alterations in NSNP and provide guidance for individualized rehabilitation programs and therapeutic interventions.

Conditions

• Neck Pain
• Gait

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-01
• Primary completion: 2025-10-15
• Completion: 2025-11-01
• First posted: 2025-09-05
• Last updated: 2025-10-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)