The effects of physical exercise on the brain and the immune system in individuals with chronic pain.

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Whiplash Associated Disorder; Chronic Pain; Musculoskeletal - Other muscular and skeletal disorders; Neurological - Other neurological disorders

• Registration Number: ACTRN12619000629134
• Lead Sponsor: The University of Queensland

Brief Summary

Not available

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2019-04-29
• Study Completion: 2019-12-31
• Last Update Posted: 17 January 2022

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 16

Inclusion Criteria

Inclusion criteria – WAD
- Chronic whiplash associated disorder (>12 weeks duration)
- Aged between 18 and 55 years
o The lower age limit of 18 years will be applied as the brain in children is still in development which could potentially affect the MR outcomes. An upper age limit of 55 years will be applied to limit the possible effect of degenerative changes in the aging brain.
- Moderate neck pain intensity (at least 4/10 on a 0-10 numeric rating scale)
- Pain moderately interferes with daily activities (assessed using one item* from the SF-36 questionnaire)
- Currently low level of physical activity (assessed with the Godin-Shephard activity questionnaire)
- Motivated to commit to an eight-week exercise program
- Able to lie in an MRI scanner on their back for one hour
- Free from metal implants or pacemaker
* During the past 4 weeks, how much did pain interfere with your normal work (including both work outside the home and housework)?

Inclusion criteria – healthy controls
- No current neck pain, nor having had treatment for neck/shoulder complaints in the past 5 years
- No history of injury or trauma to the neck or head
- No current musculoskeletal pain in any body area
- Aged between 18 and 55 years
o The lower age limit of 18 years will be applied as the brain in children is still in development which could potentially affect the MR outcomes. An upper age limit of 55 years will be applied to limit the possible effect of degenerative changes in the aging brain.
- Currently low level of physical activity (assessed with the Godin-Shephard activity questionnaire)
- Motivated to commit to an eight-week exercise program
- Able to lie in an MRI scanner on their back for one hour
- Free from metal implants or pacemaker
- Matched to an individuals with WAD based on sex and age

Exclusion Criteria

Exclusion criteria – WAD and healthy individuals
- History of migraine headaches
- Surgery to the neck
- Diabetes
- Posttraumatic stress symptoms (assessed on the PCL-5)
o Individuals with substantial posttraumatic stress symptoms will be excluded from this study as psychological stress may interfere with adherence to the exercise program,58 the neurobiological effects of exercise, and the effects of exercise on health outcomes.
- Currently receiving treatment for their neck pain (e.g., physiotherapy, chiropractic, or similar)
- Comorbidities preventing regular exercise
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Claustrophobic

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified