Questa pagina è stata tradotta automaticamente e l'accuratezza della traduzione non è garantita. Si prega di fare riferimento al Versione inglese per un testo di partenza.

Effect of Cervical Force Control Training on Force Sense and Steadiness in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain

9 settembre 2026 aggiornato da: Mohamed Mahmoud Refaey, Cairo University

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) is a very common issue among young adults, often linked to poor posture, prolonged screen time, and sedentary habits. This persistent pain can change how the neck muscles work and control movement. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a specific type of rehabilitation-called "cervical force control training"-can help improve how well people can feel and control their neck muscle strength, and whether this reduces their pain and improves their daily function.

Researchers will invite young adults (18 to 24 years old) who have had neck pain for at least 3 months to participate. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups:

Force Control Training Group: Will receive a new training program that uses a handheld dynamometer with a screen to help them practice holding steady, precise neck muscle contractions with visual feedback.

Conventional Exercise Group: Will receive a standard physical therapy program consisting of neck muscle stretches and shoulder-blade strengthening exercises.

Both groups will perform their exercises 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure participants' neck muscle steadiness, pain levels, and neck disability before the program starts, right after the 8-week program ends, and again at a 3-month follow-up to evaluate the long-lasting effects.

Panoramica dello studio

Stato

Non ancora reclutamento

Condizioni

Intervento / Trattamento

Descrizione dettagliata

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) involves persistent cervical pain without an identifiable structural pathology. Recent evidence suggests that CNSNP is closely associated with sensorimotor control deficits, including impaired proprioception and diminished force steadiness (the neuromuscular ability to produce and sustain precise submaximal force levels with minimal fluctuations). While conventional exercises improve strength and reduce pain, they often neglect the fine-motor precision and sensorimotor integration necessary for optimal neck function.

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) is designed to investigate the effect of cervical force control training compared to conventional neck exercises on force sense, force steadiness, pain intensity, and functional disability in young adults (18-24 years) with CNSNP.

Following baseline assessments for maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), force sense, and force steadiness (quantified by the coefficient of variation) using a Handheld Dynamometer (HHD), as well as clinical measures (VAS for pain, NDI for disability), eligible participants will be randomized into two groups:

Experimental Group (Force Control Training):

Participants will undergo an 8-week targeted training program (3 sessions/week, 30-40 mins each). The protocol utilizes submaximal isometric contractions with visual feedback via an HHD device paired with an application. The program progresses systematically through three phases: Phase 1 (Calibration & Reference at MVIC), Phase 2 (Acquisition using descending submaximal intensities 25% to 10% MVIC with continuous visual tracking), and Phase 3 (Retention & Transfer involving faded/no feedback and complex dual-tasking, such as auditory monitoring or arithmetic).

Control Group (Conventional Exercise Training):

Participants will undergo an 8-week program (3 sessions/week, 30 mins each) consisting of standard cervical stretching (upper trapezius and levator scapulae) and scapular strengthening/stabilization exercises (e.g., side-lying external rotation, side-lying forward flexion, prone extension, and push-up plus). Resistance will be tailored based on gender and body weight.

Re-evaluations will be conducted immediately post-intervention (at 8 weeks) and at a 3-month follow-up. The study aims to establish whether integrating specific force-control tasks offers superior benefits in restoring sensorimotor function and alleviating symptoms in patients with CNSNP compared to conventional rehabilitation alone.

Tipo di studio

Interventistico

Iscrizione (Stimato)

32

Fase

  • Non applicabile

Contatti e Sedi

Questa sezione fornisce i recapiti di coloro che conducono lo studio e informazioni su dove viene condotto lo studio.

Contatto studio

Backup dei contatti dello studio

Luoghi di studio

    • Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate
      • Kafr ash Shaykh, Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate, Egitto
        • Faculty of Physical Therapy
        • Contatto:
        • Investigatore principale:
          • Mohamed M Refaey, M.Sc.

Criteri di partecipazione

I ricercatori cercano persone che corrispondano a una certa descrizione, chiamata criteri di ammissibilità. Alcuni esempi di questi criteri sono le condizioni generali di salute di una persona o trattamenti precedenti.

Criteri di ammissibilità

Età idonea allo studio

  • Adulto

Accetta volontari sani

No

Descrizione

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients diagnosed with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain (CNSNP) lasting >= 3 months.
  • Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m² (non-obese).
  • Pain intensity >= 30 mm on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
  • Neck disability ranging from mild to moderate (10% to 48%) on the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
  • Able to perform isometric contractions with visual feedback.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Shoulder/upper limb fractures or replacement (<12 months), or moderate-severe shoulder osteoarthritis (OA).
  • Cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy, peripheral neuropathy, vestibular disorders, or history of stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).
  • Upper limb pathology (tendinopathy, capsulitis), thoracic outlet syndrome, or fibromyalgia.
  • Received neck-specific physiotherapy within the last 3 months.
  • Severe osteoporosis, uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >9%), or active infection/inflammation.
  • Cervical injections or surgery within the last 6 months.
  • Inability to follow 2-step instructions.

Piano di studio

Questa sezione fornisce i dettagli del piano di studio, compreso il modo in cui lo studio è progettato e ciò che lo studio sta misurando.

Come è strutturato lo studio?

Dettagli di progettazione

  • Scopo principale: Trattamento
  • Assegnazione: Randomizzato
  • Modello interventistico: Assegnazione parallela
  • Mascheramento: Separare

Armi e interventi

Gruppo di partecipanti / Arm
Intervento / Trattamento
Sperimentale: Experimental Group: Force Control Training
Patients in this group will receive an 8-week cervical force control training program (3 sessions/week). The training involves submaximal isometric neck contractions using visual feedback via a Handheld Dynamometer, progressing from simple feedback-assisted holds to complex dual-task exercises.
An 8-week program (3 sessions/week, 30-40 mins each) utilizing submaximal isometric neck contractions with visual feedback via a Handheld Dynamometer. The protocol progresses through three phases: initial calibration, acquisition using descending target intensities (25% to 10% MVIC) with continuous visual tracking, and retention/transfer using faded or no feedback combined with dual-tasking (e.g., auditory monitoring or arithmetic).
Comparatore attivo: Active Comparator: Conventional Exercise Training
Patients in this group will receive an 8-week conventional exercise program (3 sessions/week). The program includes standard cervical stretching (upper trapezius and levator scapulae) and scapular strengthening and stabilization exercises.
An 8-week program (3 sessions/week, 30 mins each) consisting of standard cervical stretching for the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, alongside scapular strengthening and stabilization exercises (e.g., side-lying external rotation, side-lying forward flexion, prone extension, and push-up plus). Resistance is tailored based on patient gender and body weight.

Cosa sta misurando lo studio?

Misure di risultato primarie

Misura del risultato
Misura Descrizione
Lasso di tempo
Cervical Force Sense
Lasso di tempo: Baseline, 8 weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 3-month follow-up
Assessed using a Handheld Dynamometer (HHD) during force reproduction tasks. It is measured by calculating the absolute error between a target submaximal force and the reproduced force without visual feedback. Lower error values indicate better force sense and proprioception.
Baseline, 8 weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 3-month follow-up
Cervical Force Steadiness
Lasso di tempo: Baseline, 8 weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 3-month follow-up
Evaluated by calculating the Coefficient of Variation (CoV) of force during submaximal isometric cervical contractions using a Handheld Dynamometer (HHD). Lower CoV percentages indicate better force steadiness and neuromuscular control.
Baseline, 8 weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 3-month follow-up

Misure di risultato secondarie

Misura del risultato
Misura Descrizione
Lasso di tempo
Neck Functional Disability (Neck Disability Index - NDI)
Lasso di tempo: Baseline, 8 weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 3-month follow-up
A 10-item patient-completed questionnaire assessing how neck pain affects the ability to manage everyday life activities. Total scores range from 0 to 50, which can be expressed as a percentage (0-100%). Higher scores indicate greater patient-rated functional disability.
Baseline, 8 weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 3-month follow-up
Pain Intensity (Visual Analogue Scale - VAS)
Lasso di tempo: Baseline, 8 weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 3-month follow-up
Pain intensity is assessed using a 100-mm horizontal line, anchored by "no pain" at 0 mm and "worst imaginable pain" at 100 mm. Lower scores indicate a lower level of pain.
Baseline, 8 weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 3-month follow-up

Collaboratori e investigatori

Qui è dove troverai le persone e le organizzazioni coinvolte in questo studio.

Sponsor

Pubblicazioni e link utili

La persona responsabile dell'inserimento delle informazioni sullo studio fornisce volontariamente queste pubblicazioni. Questi possono riguardare qualsiasi cosa relativa allo studio.

Studiare le date dei record

Queste date tengono traccia dell'avanzamento della registrazione dello studio e dell'invio dei risultati di sintesi a ClinicalTrials.gov. I record degli studi e i risultati riportati vengono esaminati dalla National Library of Medicine (NLM) per assicurarsi che soddisfino specifici standard di controllo della qualità prima di essere pubblicati sul sito Web pubblico.

Studia le date principali

Inizio studio (Stimato)

1 settembre 2026

Completamento primario (Stimato)

1 dicembre 2026

Completamento dello studio (Stimato)

1 dicembre 2026

Date di iscrizione allo studio

Primo inviato

6 settembre 2026

Primo inviato che soddisfa i criteri di controllo qualità

6 settembre 2026

Primo Inserito (Effettivo)

10 settembre 2026

Aggiornamenti dei record di studio

Ultimo aggiornamento pubblicato (Effettivo)

11 settembre 2026

Ultimo aggiornamento inviato che soddisfa i criteri QC

9 settembre 2026

Ultimo verificato

1 settembre 2026

Maggiori informazioni

Termini relativi a questo studio

Altri numeri di identificazione dello studio

  • P.T.REC/012/006579

Piano per i dati dei singoli partecipanti (IPD)

Hai intenzione di condividere i dati dei singoli partecipanti (IPD)?

NO

Informazioni su farmaci e dispositivi, documenti di studio

Studia un prodotto farmaceutico regolamentato dalla FDA degli Stati Uniti

No

Studia un dispositivo regolamentato dalla FDA degli Stati Uniti

No

Queste informazioni sono state recuperate direttamente dal sito web clinicaltrials.gov senza alcuna modifica. In caso di richieste di modifica, rimozione o aggiornamento dei dettagli dello studio, contattare register@clinicaltrials.gov. Non appena verrà implementata una modifica su clinicaltrials.gov, questa verrà aggiornata automaticamente anche sul nostro sito web .