By InvitationNot Applicable

Relationship Between Cervical Pain According to Cervical Proprioceptive Awareness Level in the Healthy Elderly

Turkey (Türkiye)120 participantsStarted 2025-11-29

Plain-language summary

Aging is a progressive and irreversible process characterized by changes occurring at the cellular level, in organs and systems. Kinesiophobia in older adults is defined as a condition in which an individual is unable to perform movement due to fear of pain or injury. Studies have shown that with increasing age, kinesiophobia also increases, leading to a decrease in physical activity. In older individuals with chronic neck pain, significant relationships have been found between kinesiophobia, proprioceptive position error (JPE), and functional performance. Kinesiophobia is strongly associated with pain intensity and stands out as an important factor that negatively affects proprioceptive perception and functional performance, particularly in neck extension and rotation movements (for example, handgrip strength). In summary, decreased proprioception in older adults may lead to reduced functional fitness and increased kinesiophobia. This may cause the individual to avoid movement, leading to a vicious cycle in which proprioceptive sense and functional capacity further deteriorate. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between cervical pain, functional fitness, and kinesiophobia according to the level of cervical proprioceptive awareness in healthy older adults.At least 60 individuals with high proprioceptive awareness and 60 individuals with low cervical proprioceptive awareness will be included in the study. First, a sociodemographic data form will be completed. The Standardized Mini-Mental Test will be administered to assess the participants' cognitive functions. Then, the Cervical Joint Position Error Test will be used to evaluate the sense of position in the neck region. The Geriatric Pain Scale will be applied to assess the participants' pain levels; this scale is used to evaluate the intensity, quality, and impact of pain on daily living activities in older adults. Finally, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia will be used to assess fear of movement. Participants will complete the 17-item self-report questionnaire under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Who can participate

Age range

65 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: * age ≥ 65 * mini mental test score ≥ 24 * Being independent in physical functions * Being able to read and write in Turkish * Consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Having a history of cervical surgery * Experiencing cervical trauma within the past month * Having neurological diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's * Having cognitive impairment * Having other musculoskeletal problems that may affect the cervical region, such as impingement, thoracic outlet syndrome, or scoliosis * Using assistive devices for walking and/or standing * Using more than four medications per day * Having vision problems that are not corrected despite visual aids * Having specific pathological conditions such as malignancy, fractures, or systemic rheumatoid disease * Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder * Receiving medical treatment that may affect balance and posture

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

Cervical Joint Position Error Test

Timeframe: one day

Cervical Joint Position Error Test (CJPE)

Timeframe: 1 day

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07238595

SponsorSuleyman Demirel University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-03-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Elderly (People Aged 65 or More) trials