Kinesiophobia, Pain and Disability in Chronic Neck Pain

May 7, 2026 updated by: MİNE PEKESEN KURTÇA, Ondokuz Mayıs University

Kinesiophobia As A Mediator Of The Association Between Pain Intensity And Disability In Chronic Neck Pain

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of kinesiophobia in the relationship between pain intensity and disability in individuals with chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is a multidimensional clinical condition influenced not only by biological factors but also by psychological components such as fear of movement. Understanding the mechanisms underlying disability may contribute to more targeted rehabilitation strategies. Participants with chronic neck pain lasting at least three months will be assessed using validated self-report questionnaires measuring pain intensity, kinesiophobia, disability, and physical activity levels.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with significant functional limitations and reduced quality of life. While pain intensity is considered an important determinant of disability, it does not fully explain variations in functional outcomes among individuals. Psychological factors, particularly kinesiophobia, may influence the relationship between pain and disability through fear-avoidance mechanisms.

The purpose of this cross-sectional observational study is to examine whether kinesiophobia mediates the relationship between pain intensity and disability in individuals with chronic neck pain. Disability will be assessed in a multidimensional framework including neck-related and upper extremity functional limitations. Findings from this study may provide clinical implications for rehabilitation approaches targeting psychological components of chronic pain.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

250

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

    • Samsun
      • Samsun, Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye), 55080
        • Recruiting
        • Samsun Romatem Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adults with chronic neck pain recruited voluntarily from outpatient clinics and community settings.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Individuals aged 18 years or older
  • Presence of chronic neck pain lasting at least 3 months
  • Ability to understand and complete questionnaires
  • Voluntary participation

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Acute neck pain (< 3 months)
  • History of cervical spine surgery
  • Neurological disease or cervical radiculopathy
  • Inflammatory, neoplastic, or traumatic conditions affecting the neck
  • Cognitive impairment preventing questionnaire completion

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Pain-Related Disability
Time Frame: Single assessment (baseline)
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Single assessment (baseline)
Pain Intensity
Time Frame: Baseline
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Baseline
Kinesiophobia
Time Frame: Baseline
Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK)
Baseline
Deep cervical flexor muscle function
Time Frame: Baseline
Craniocervical Flexion Test'in Performance Index (CCFT-PI)
Baseline
Physical Activity Level
Time Frame: Baseline
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF)
Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

April 10, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

July 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

July 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 6, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 6, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

April 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 11, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 7, 2026

Last Verified

April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on Chronic Neck Pain

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