Effects of Pain Neuroscience Education and Therapeutic Exercise on Pain, Catastrophizing, Kinesiophobia and Upper Limb Function in Patients With Non-specific Neck Pain.

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of combining pain neuroscience education with therapeutic exercise for people experiencing non-specific neck pain. This study focuses on how this combination impacts pain levels, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), catastrophizing thoughts, understanding of exercise, and upper limb function. The trial also aims to compare the results of exercise alone versus exercise combined with tailored pain education in improving these outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving pain neuroscience education plus exercise, one receiving exercise alone, and a control group receiving a placebo intervention involving a turned-off TENS device. The education session lasts 20 minutes and focuses on movement-related fears and benefits of exercise. Exercise interventions include specific upper limb performance tests with increasing difficulty based on fatigue levels. The placebo group receives no exercise or education but undergoes the placebo procedure for 15 minutes. Throughout the study session, participants will complete several assessments including pain ratings, fear of movement, catastrophizing scales, beliefs about pain and exercise, and upper limb performance tests. Measurements are taken before intervention, after education or rest, and after exercise or placebo. These evaluations aim to understand changes in pain, psychological factors, and physical function. The study participation involves a single session with multiple assessments and interventions conducted under blinded conditions to reduce bias.

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