Effects of Different Exercise Protocols on Physical Status, Cognitive Functions, Brain Structure, and Blood Biomarkers in People With Chronic Neck Pain

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how different types of exercises affect physical health, cognitive functions, brain structure, and blood markers in adults with chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain often comes with physical and cognitive challenges, but the exact brain and biochemical reasons are not fully understood. The study focuses on improving these issues by using exercise programs known to support both physical and cognitive well-being. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: aerobic exercise, strengthening exercise, or posture and stretching exercises as a control. Each group will complete 36 individual exercise sessions over 12 weeks, exercising three times per week. Aerobic training involves cycling at varying intensities and durations, while strengthening exercises include specific neck and upper body resistance training. The control group will perform posture and stretching exercises. During the study, participants will undergo detailed assessments before and after the exercise program, including tests of attention, memory, language, and executive function, as well as brain imaging to observe structural and blood flow changes. Physical evaluations will measure pain levels, neck disability, muscle strength, function, and sleep quality. Blood samples will be collected to analyze various biochemical markers. Muscle strength and functional capacity will also be checked at week six to adjust exercise intensity. Pain intensity will be tracked at baseline, week six, and week twelve, with all data helping researchers understand how different exercises impact people with chronic neck pain.

Effects of Different Exercise Protocols on Physical and Cognitive Changes in People With Chronic Neck Pain