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Acute Effect of Topical Menthol on Neck Pain

Not Applicable
Terminated
Conditions
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Interventions
Other: Placebo
Other: Biofreeze
Registration Number
NCT01542827
Lead Sponsor
National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark
Brief Summary

Topical menthol gels are classified 'topical analgesics' and are used to relieve aching and tenderness of muscles and joints. However, double-blind randomized controlled trials are lacking. Here the investigators examine - in a double-blind randomized controlled cross-over trial - the acute effect of topical menthol (Biofreeze) and placebo (gel with a menthol scent) on neck pain.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • more than 30 days with neck pain during the last year
  • frequent pain or discomfort, defined as at least 3 days per week
  • pain intensity at least 4 on a scale of 0-10
  • working at least 30 hours per week
Exclusion Criteria
  • blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg
  • pregnancy
  • life-threatening disease

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PlaceboPlaceboTopical gel containing a menthol scent, but no active menthol
BiofreezeBiofreezeBiofreeze topical gel containing 3.5% menthol
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Neck pain intensity (scale 0-10)before and 20 min after application

the participant rates pain intensity on a scale from 0-10 immediately before, and 0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after application of the gel. The primary efficacy endpoint is at 20 min

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pressure pain threshold (PPT)before and 20 min after application

pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius muscle is measured by a handheld algometer immediately before, and 0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after application of the gel.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Research Centre for the Working Environment

🇩🇰

Copenhagen, Denmark

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