Comparison of Efficiency of Interferential Current Application Methods in Chronic Neck Pain

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Chronic Neck Pain
• Interventions: Device: Sham vacuum; Device: Interferential Current Therapy Vacuum Electrodes; Device: Interferential Current Therapy Carbon-silicon Pad Electrodes

• Registration Number: NCT06562933
• Lead Sponsor: Abant Izzet Baysal University

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Interferential Current Therapy on pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain and to compare the effects of applying Interferential Current Therapy with vacuum electrodes versus carbon-silicon pad electrodes.

Detailed Description

Neck pain is quite common in the adult population and is a frequent reason for seeking medical attention. The prevalence of neck problems has increased with modern lifestyle changes. In individuals with neck pain, symptoms may resolve on their own within a few weeks, but approximately 30% of cases can become chronic. Neck pain lasting 1-4 weeks is considered acute; 4-12 weeks is subacute; and neck pain persisting for 12 weeks or more is considered chronic. Interferential current therapy is used in the treatment of chronic neck pain and is one of the physical therapy methods with analgesic effects. It is widely used around the world. Interferential Current Therapy can be applied using two types of electrodes: vacuum electrodes and carbon-silicon pad electrodes.The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Interferential Current Therapy on pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain and to compare the effects of applying Interferential Current Therapy with vacuum electrodes versus carbon-silicon pad electrodes

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-08-01
• Study First Submitted: 2024-08-18
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-08-18
• Study First Posted: 2024-08-20
• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-25
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-26
• Primary Completion: 2025-04-01
• Study Completion: 2025-04-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients with chronic neck pain lasting at least 3 months
• Ages between 20 and 50 years

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients with inflammatory or infectious diseases and those with radiculopathy or myelopathy symptoms
• Patients for whom electrotherapy is contraindicated (e.g., those with pregnancy, neurological conditions such as epilepsy, inner ear hearing aids, arrhythmias, pacemakers, active infections, skin lesions, etc.)
• Individuals with a history of malignancy, major surgery, or previous trauma
• Individuals who have received physical therapy within the last year
• Patients whose evaluation could not be completed for any reason
• Patients who do not wish to complete their evaluations for any reason

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Sham vacuum	Sham vacuum	Sham vacuum
Interferential Current Therapy Vacuum Electrodes	Interferential Current Therapy Vacuum Electrodes	Interferential Current Therapy Vacuum Electrodes
Interferential Current Therapy Carbon-silicon Pad Electrodes	Interferential Current Therapy Carbon-silicon Pad Electrodes	Interferential Current Therapy Carbon-silicon Pad Electrodes

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pressure Pain Threshold	2 week after treatment	A pressure algometer (dolorimeter) is a device used for assessing pain sensitivity and measuring pressure perception.It has been proven useful in evaluating trigger points, arthritis activation, and visceral pain-pressure sensitivity. The pressure algometer consists of a metal piston with a rubber disc at the end, which has a 1 cm² surface, and is connected to a gauge that measures pressure in kilograms of force (kgf). In our study, a manual algometer (BaselineR Dolorimeter, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc, NY, USA) was used. The algometric measurement will be performed three times on the most painful point as reported by the patient and detected by palpation. The average of these three measurements will be included in the evaluation.
Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire	2 week after treatment	Adapted from the Bournemouth Low Back Pain Questionnaire developed by Bolton and Humphreys in 2002, this questionnaire includes variables that must be assessed in individuals with neck pain. The content of the questionnaire covers pain intensity, the impact of pain on daily living activities and social life, anxiety and depression levels, kinesiophobia, and pain coping strategies. Each of the 7 questions is scored from 0 to 10. The highest possible score is 70, with a higher score indicating a higher level of disability.
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale	2 week after treatment	It is used to measure pain. The numerical scale for perceived pain intensity usually includes 11 numbers. The participant selects the number that best reflects their pain.In our study, participants were informed that '0' indicates no pain and '10' represents pain of unbearable intensity.
Neck Disability Index	2 week after treatment	The Neck Disability Index (NDI) Turkish version was used for assessing patients' disability. This index is a scale consisting of 10 questions used to evaluate how and to what extent neck pain affects the patient's daily living activities. The scale includes parameters such as pain intensity, self-care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, driving, sleep, and social activities. Patients were asked to mark the option that best applies to them from the 6 choices provided for each parameter. Each item is scored from 0 (no disability) to 5 (complete disability). The total score ranges from 0 (no disability) to 50 (total disability). After obtaining the total score, the value calculated according to the formula is expressed as a percentage of impairment. As the score increases, disability increases; as the score decreases, disability decreases.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Abant Izzet Baysal University; 🇹🇷 Bolu, Turkey