Study on Combining Pain Neuroscience Education and Therapeutic Exercise for Adults With Non-specific Neck Pain to Improve Pain and Upper Limb Function

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of combining pain neuroscience education with exercise on pain, fear of movement kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, exercise understanding, and upper limb function in adults with non-specific neck pain. This randomized, double-blind clinical trial compares three approaches pain neuroscience education with exercise, exercise alone, and a placebo. The study aims to better understand how tailored pain education alongside exercise impacts these factors and informs clinical treatment recommendations. Participants are assigned to one of three groups one group receives 20 minutes of pain neuroscience education focused on movement-related fear and exercise benefits, followed by therapeutic exercises a second group performs the same exercises without the education session and a third group receives a placebo intervention using a turned-off TENS device without exercise. Exercises involve performance tests such as the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test, Single Arm Military Press, and Seated Medicine Ball Throw, with intensity adjusted based on participant fatigue. Throughout the study session, participants complete questionnaires measuring pain, fear, catastrophizing, and beliefs about pain and exercises at multiple points, including before and after interventions. Upper limb function is assessed using specific performance tests. Researchers track changes in these outcomes to evaluate the interventions effects. Participants are blinded to their group assignment, and assessments are conducted by different investigators to maintain blinding. The studys total duration is one session per participant, with multiple assessments during that session.

Effects of Education and Exercise on Pain, Psychosocial Factors, and Upper Limb Function in Non-specific Neck Pain.