Dokki

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of deep cervical flexor muscle training combined with sensorimotor proprioception training for adults aged 20 to 40 years suffering from chronic mechanical neck pain lasting longer than three months. This randomized controlled trial involves 60 participants and aims to address gaps in physiotherapy management for this condition within the regional context. The study is conducted at the outpatient clinic of the faculty of physical therapy at Cairo University. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group receives conventional physical therapy plus deep cervical flexor muscle training using a pressure biofeedback unit and proprioception training including head relocation, oculomotor, and eye-head coordination exercises. The control group receives only conventional physical therapy, including stretching, isometric strengthening exercises, TENS, and hot back treatments. Both groups attend supervised sessions three times weekly for four weeks, with each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. During the study, assessments occur at the start and after four weeks. Evaluations include pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, craniovertebral angle measured by a mobile app, cervical range of motion, segmental mobility, neuromotor control via a flexion test, proprioception through head repositioning accuracy, and respiratory function using spirometry. The study monitors changes in these outcomes to provide evidence-based recommendations for managing chronic mechanical neck pain.

Post-herpetic neuralgia PHN is a long-lasting nerve pain that occurs after shingles herpes zoster infection. This study investigates whether adding transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation taVNS, a non-invasive nerve stimulation technique, to standard treatment can reduce pain and improve quality of life for people aged 35 to 65 with PHN. The trial includes both men and women and compares the effects of taVNS plus usual care to usual care alone. Participants are divided into two groups one receives taVNS using the EV-906 device with TENS ear clips alongside their regular medical treatment, and the other receives only the regular medical treatment. The stimulation is applied according to safety standards and study protocols. The study runs for four weeks with assessments at the start, after two weeks, and after four weeks to measure changes in pain intensity and how pain affects daily activities. During the study, participants will undergo interviews using the Brief Pain Inventory short form and the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 to evaluate pain severity and interference. Researchers will monitor pain levels and quality of life throughout the trial. The goal is to see if taVNS can be a safe, non-invasive addition to current therapies for managing PHN. The study lasts about one month for each participant, with close attention to safety and treatment effects.