The knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms behind prolonged Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) is insufficient and whether changes can be restored by rehabilitation or not is unknown. The aim of these studies are to investigate different parameters to further learn about pathophysiological mechanisms (neck muscle fatty infiltration, cross-sectional area, volume, inflammation and function, brain structure and activity, biomarkers for stress and inflammation, cervical kinaesthesia and balance before and after intervention) and the association for clinical outcomes in individuals with chronic WAD (n=30) compared with age and gender matched healthy individuals (n=30). Measurements will be made at baseline (patients and healthy) and at 3 months (patients only, at the end of treatment). However, for the blood and saliva samples, they will be re-investigated in the healthy group as well. The study results may contribute to the development of improved understanding and diagnostics in chronic WAD that may improve future rehabilitation.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 63 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Study population
The inclusion criteria for patients are:
* Chronic neck problems corresponding to WAD grades 2-3 verified by clinical examination
* Average estimated pain in the last week at least 20 mm on the visual analogue scale (VAS)
* Neck disability of more than 20% on the Neck Disability Index (NDI) \[10\]
* Working age (18 - 63 years)
* Daily access to a computer/tablet/smart phone and Internet
* Neck symptoms within the first week after the injury (i.e., neck pain, neck stiffness, or cervical radiculopathy).
For the present sub group study additional criteria were:
* Right handed
* Dominant right sided or equal sided pain
Inclusion criteria for healthy controls:
• Age and gender matched healthy individuals without neck pain and disability (VAS \<10mm, NDI \<5%) that feel overall healthy without known diseases.
Exclusion criteria for patients:
* Individuals with any of the following signs of head injury at the time of whiplash injury will be excluded: loss of consciousness, amnesia before or after the injury, altered mental status (e.g., confusion, disorientation), focal neurological changes (changes in smell and taste).
* Previous fractures or dislocation of the cervical spine
* Known or suspected serious physical pathology included myelopathy,
* Spinal tumours
* Spinal infection
* Ongoing malignancy
* Previous severe neck problems that resulted in sick leave for more than a month in the year before the current whiplash injury
* surgery in the cervical spine…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Speckle tracking analyses of neck and shoulder muscle function
Timeframe: Baseline and at 3 months follow-up when intervention ended. The outcome measure is going to report a change over time for patients.
2
Cross-sectional area, volume, fatty infiltration and inflammation of neck muscles
Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months. The outcome measure is going to report a change over time for patients.
3
Brain function in cortical networks related to pain
Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months. The outcome measure is going to report a change over time for patients.
4
Biomarkers for inflammation and stress
Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months. The outcome measure is going to report a change over time for patients.
5
Cervikal kinaesthesia
Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months. The outcome measure is going to report a change over time for patients.
6
Balance test
Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months. The outcome measure is going to report a change over time for patients.