Brain Activity and Clinical Changes After Physiotherapy in Adults with Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are examining the relationship between brain activity patterns and clinical features in adults with chronic non-specific neck pain. The study also evaluates how these clinical and brain function measures change after physiotherapy treatment. Additionally, a healthy control group without neck pain will be assessed to provide comparison data for interpreting brain function in those with chronic neck pain. Participants with chronic non-specific neck pain will receive a six-week physiotherapy program consisting of weekly sessions that include manual therapy targeting the cervical and thoracic spine, combined with a neck-specific home exercise plan focusing on neck flexor and extensor muscles. Baseline clinical, psychophysical, and 64-channel electroencephalographic EEG assessments will be conducted before treatment. These assessments will be repeated about one week after completing the intervention. Healthy controls will undergo similar baseline assessments but will not receive physiotherapy or post-treatment evaluations. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires, pain mapping, sensory testing, and EEG recordings while seated comfortably. Clinical outcomes such as pain intensity, neck disability, psychological factors, and sleep quality will be monitored at baseline, shortly after treatment, and 12 weeks following the last physiotherapy session. The primary outcome is measured by the Global Rating of Change scale. This approach allows researchers to track both immediate and longer-term effects of physiotherapy on clinical symptoms and brain activity in chronic neck pain.

Clinical and Brain Activity Assessment Before and After Physiotherapy in People With Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain