CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of Manual Therapy Combined With Therapeutic Exercise on Brain Biomarkers in Neck Pain

Thailand52 participantsStarted 2022-11-15

Plain-language summary

Structural brain alterations in pain-related areas have been demonstrated in patients with nonspecific neck pain. While manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise is an effective management for neck pain, its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The primary objective of this trial is to investigate the effects of manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise on brain imaging biomarkers in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. The secondary objectives are to assess neurochemical biomarkers, clinical features of neck pain, cervical range of motion and cervical muscle strength.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 59 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * a history of nonspecific neck pain for ≥ 3 months * an average pain intensity over the past week ≥ 35 mm. on a visual analogue scale (VAS) Exclusion Criteria: * a history of head and neck injury or surgery * known or suspected vestibular pathology or dizziness caused by underlying pathology in the ear, brain and sensory nerve pathways (e.g. benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) and/or vascular disorders * any neurological or musculoskeletal condition that could affect the outcomes (e.g., scoliosis, torticollis, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis) * metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity (BMI \> 30 kg/m2) and hypertension) * psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression and schizophrenia) * contraindications to MRI (e.g., pregnancy/breastfeeding, claustrophobia and ferromagnetic implants) * receiving physiotherapy treatment for their neck conditions in the past 12 months.

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

Cortical gray matter: volume and thickness

Timeframe: At baseline and post-intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05568394

SponsorChiang Mai University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-11-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Neck Pain trials