Electrical Stimulation in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Pain; Neck Pain; Neck Pain Chronic; Pain Intensity Assessment; Functional Status

• Registration Number: NCT06911125
• Lead Sponsor: Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University

Brief Summary

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of diadynamic current and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain and function in participants with chronic neck pain. The secondary objective of the research was to strengthen the neck muscles and enable participants with chronic neck pain to carry out everyday tasks on their own.

Detailed Description

Chronic neck pain is a common problem in individuals of all ages. Approximately two-thirds of individuals experience neck pain at least once in their lifetime. The methods used to treat non-specific neck pain are conservative-oriented, with medical treatment and physiotherapy being the first-line modalities. Electrotherapy tools like transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), interferential current, diadynamic current, laser, and ultrasound are used to treat chronic neck pain. So are thermal modalities like hot packs, cold packs, hydrotherapy, and infrared; exercise therapies like neuromuscular control, diversified therapeutic exercises, range of motion (ROM) exercises, and strengthening exercises; and interventions like massage, mobilization-manipulation, and traction.

Methods that reduce pain and improve function are essential in treatment. Electrotherapy is a commonly used treatment among physical therapy modalities. While the results of the use of TENS, an electrotherapy method, in chronic neck pain are included in some studies, the evidence regarding the effects of diadynamic currents is quite limited. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of diadynamic current and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain and function in participants with chronic neck pain. The secondary objective of the research was to strengthen the neck muscles and enable participants with chronic neck pain to carry out everyday tasks on their own.

The study's hypotheses are as follows:

Hypothesis 1: There is a difference between the effects of diadynamic current and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain in participants with chronic neck pain.

Hypothesis 2: There is a difference between the effects of diadynamic current and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on functionality in participants with chronic neck pain.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-03-12
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-12
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-03
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-04
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-04
• Primary Completion: 2025-12-01
• Study Completion: 2025-12-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 93

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must be aged 18 to 60. Participants must report chronic neck pain for a minimum duration of three months.

Participants experiencing pain must have a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of at least 3.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants with a history of neck or shoulder surgery Participants diagnosed with a rheumatic or neurological disorder

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Evaluation of pain intensity change in participants with chronic neck pain.	The first evaluation will be done before the treatment, the treatment program will be applied for 3 weeks and the same evaluations will be done again after the treatment is over	Visual Analog Scale will be used to assess pain intensity.; Visual Analog Scale Participants will be instructed to indicate their average pain intensity during rest, activity, and sleep on a 10-centimeter (cm) line, where 0 represents no pain and 10 represents horrible pain. The distance from the origin to the participant-marked point will be measured using a ruler, and pre-treatment pain scores will be recorded.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Evaluation of functionality in participants with chronic neck pain.	The first evaluation will be done before the treatment, the treatment program will be applied for 3 weeks and the same evaluations will be done again after the treatment is over	The Neck Disability Index is a scale that shows the functional status of the participants. The Neck Disability Index consists of ten questions related to pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, concentration, headaches, working, driving, sleeping, and recreational activities. For each question, there are 6 options ranging from 0 to 5 points. The questionnaire is evaluated out of a maximum of 50 points. "0 points" means no restrictions; "50 points' means full disability. "0-4 points" means no restriction, "5-14 points' means slightly restricted, "14-24 points' means moderately restricted, "25-34 points' means severely restricted, and "35 and above' means completely restricted.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Afyonkarahisar Health Science University; 🇹🇷 Türkiye, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

Afyonkarahisar Health Science University

🇹🇷Türkiye, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey