Virtual Reality Application for Assessing Neck Movement and Position Sense

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Chronic Neck Pain

• Registration Number: NCT07190014
• Lead Sponsor: Hacettepe University

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational study is to examine whether a virtual reality application developed by our team can be used to evaluate cervical range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS) in individuals with chronic neck pain.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does the virtual reality application provide reliable measurements of cervical ROM?

* Does the application accurately assess cervical JPS when compared with a standard clinical tool (Cervical Range of Motion device, CROM)?

Researchers will compare results from the VR application with results from the CROM device to see if the two methods give similar outcomes.

Participants will:

* Complete a demographic and clinical evaluation.

* Perform standardized neck movements (flexion, extension, left/right lateral flexion, left/right rotation).

* Be assessed using both the CROM device and the VR application for ROM and JPS.

Detailed Description

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems and is associated with limitations in mobility and proprioceptive deficits. Reliable assessment of cervical range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS) is critical for both clinical evaluation and rehabilitation planning. Traditional devices, such as the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) instrument, are widely used but have limitations, including the need for manual operation, restricted visualization, and lower potential for patient engagement.

Virtual reality (VR) technologies provide an opportunity to overcome these limitations by offering objective measurements, immersive feedback, and greater standardization of the testing environment. Our team has developed a VR-based application specifically designed to assess cervical ROM and JPS. This application may contribute to more accurate, reliable, and user-friendly evaluation methods compared to conventional tools.

In this observational study, individuals with chronic neck pain will be assessed using both the CROM device and the VR application. The study will compare the results obtained from both methods to determine the validity and reliability of the VR-based system.

The findings are expected to provide evidence for the clinical use of VR in musculoskeletal assessment, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting the development of innovative rehabilitation strategies.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-16
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-16
• Study First Posted: 2025-09-24
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-24
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-29
• Study Start: 2025-10-25
• Primary Completion: 2026-07-30
• Study Completion: 2026-07-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 58

Inclusion Criteria

• Chronic Neck Pain (CNP) participants

  • Age 18-65. 
  • ≥ 6 months of neck pain. 
  • Willing to participate (informed consent). 

Healthy volunteers

• Age 18-65. 
• No neck pain complaints. 
• Willing to participate (informed consent). 

Exclusion Criteria

• Prior adverse virtual reality experience. 

  • Photophobia: UPSIS-12 score > 12. 
  • Migraine screen: ≥2 "yes" on ID-Migraine. 
  • Any neurological deficit. 
  • History of spinal surgery. 
  • Medical conditions that could interfere with participation: orthopedic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, rheumatologic, or vestibular problems. 
  • Pregnancy.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) Measurements	At baseline, during a single assessment session (Day 1).	Cervical ROM will be assessed in six directions (flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, right/left rotation). Measurements will be obtained using both the CROM device and the virtual reality assessment module developed by the research team. Results will be compared to evaluate the validity of the VR-based system.
Cervical Joint Position Sense (JPS) Error	At baseline, during a single assessment session (Day 1).	JPS will be evaluated by asking participants to move their head to 65% of the available ROM in a given direction, return to the neutral position, and then attempt to relocate the same target position. Errors will be recorded in degrees. Measurements will be taken with both the CROM device and the VR assessment module, and results will be compared.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Assessment Duration	During the single assessment session (Day 1).	The total time required to complete the ROM and JPS evaluations will be recorded for both the VR application and the CROM device. This will allow comparison of the efficiency of the two assessment methods.
Usability and Participant Experience	Immediately after completion of the VR assessment session (Day 1).	Participants' feedback on the ease of use, comfort, and overall experience of the virtual reality application will be collected using a structured questionnaire.
Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) Scores	Immediately after completion of the VR assessment session (Day 1).	Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) Scores VR-related side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, or eye strain, will be assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), a 16-item self-report scale. Each symptom is rated from 0 (none) to 3 (severe), and weighted total scores range from 0 (no symptoms) to 235 (maximum symptoms). Higher scores indicate more severe simulator sickness symptoms (worse outcome).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hacettepe University Hospital Department of Neurosurgery; Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)