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CompletedNCT07005076Updated Jul 8, 2026

Tech-Assisted Exercise Training in Chronic Neck Pain

An interventional study of Experimental Group in Chronic Neck Pain and Exercise Training Therapy, sponsored by Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 59 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-08.

Sponsored by Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Registered 9 months after the study started (first participant enrolled Aug 2024, registered May 2025).
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
42
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 59 Years
Sex
Female
01

Study summary

In this study, women with chronic neck pain residing in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, will participate in an exercise-based intervention. Both the control and experimental groups will engage in conventional exercise programs; however, the experimental group will also receive an additional technology-assisted exercise program. It is anticipated that these interventions will positively impact participants' daily living activities and functional abilities. The study aims to assess whether the inclusion of technology-supported exercises leads to superior outcomes compared to conventional exercises alone. The findings are expected to provide valuable evidence on the effectiveness of integrating technology-assisted exercise programs into physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices for women with chronic neck pain.

Read the detailed description

Considering the complex nature of chronic pain, it is believed that integrating exercise approaches with technology may enhance the effectiveness of exercise programs, increase participation and its sustainability, support the continuity of overall health and functional outcomes, and have positive effects on behavior change. The light-based exercise set for measuring reaction time is frequently preferred in clinical settings. The device uses small, illuminated pods controlled by an application, providing visual cues that promote both physical and cognitive activity. The individual aims to deactivate the lit pods as quickly as possible. Due to its interactive and enjoyable nature, it is commonly used across a wide range of populations-from pediatric to geriatric-especially among athletes. Technology-focused approaches, compared to traditional exercise practices, are believed to positively influence patients' active participation in the treatment process through a more innovative and engaging experience.

02

Conditions studied

  • Chronic Neck Pain
  • Exercise Training Therapy
03

In context

Lead sponsor

Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University is the lead sponsor of 107 studies on the registry; 33 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 59 Years
Sexes eligible
Female
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Non-specific neck pain diagnosis
  • Having neck pain persisting for at least 3 months
  • Having the ability to speak and comprehend Turkish fluently
  • A pain score of 3 or higher according to the Numerical Rating Scale
  • A score of 5 or higher on the Neck Disability Index

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Having a history of spinal surgery.
  • Having an additional musculoskeletal disorder affecting the cervical region and upper extremities (e.g., scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.).
  • Receiving physical therapy and/or other treatments for any reason within the last 6 months.
  • Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
  • Having a vestibular pathology.
  • Having visual problems despite using visual aids.
  • Being pregnant.
  • Having a neurological deficit that may affect balance.
  • Discontinuing or being unable to complete the treatment process.
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Participant)
Enrollment
42 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • No intervention
    Control Group

    The treatment process for the control group consisted of hot therapy and TENS application before the exercises, followed by an exercise program including neck range of motion exercises, neck strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, scapular retraction, etc.

  • Experimental
    Experimental Group

    The program will be implemented over four weeks, three days a week, with a duration of 40-45 minutes per day. In addition to conventional treatment, an exercise program prepared with a light reaction time measurement and exercise set will be implemented.

    Other: Experimental Group

Interventions

  • OtherExperimental Group

    Participants in the experimental group will participate in a conventional exercise program similar to the control group, but with the addition of a technology-assisted exercise program. The intervention group will receive training with a reaction time measurement set using lights and an exercise set. The reaction time measurement and exercise set will be used, where light pods are placed in different positions, such as on a table, mirror, and floor, and patients will be instructed to extinguish the lit light as quickly as possible. The difficulty level of the sessions will be progressively increased by adjusting factors such as the duration of light activation, colors, the number of illuminated pods, their placement locations, and the distance between them.

    Also known as: Tech-Assisted Training

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

    Patients will be asked to mark the number between 0 and 10 that best corresponds to the intensity of their pain.

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks

  2. G-Walk Wireless Movement Analysis System

    G-Walk is a wireless system used to assess gait, balance, and functional mobility through motion sensors placed on the lower back. While wearing the G-Walk device, the participant walks at a normal pace between two markers placed 10 meters apart. Furthermore, static balance will be assessed by having the participant maintain a one-legged stance for 30 seconds.

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks

  3. Modified Four Square Step Test

    The Modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) is used to assess dynamic balance and the ability to step in multiple directions. During the test procedure, four strips, each measuring 90 cm in length, are arranged on the floor to form a square, with each quadrant labeled from 1 to 4. The participant is instructed to step through each quadrant first in a clockwise direction and then in a counterclockwise direction, ensuring continuous forward gaze and avoiding contact with the strips throughout the test.

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
    Merkez, Afyonkarahisar 03030, Turkey (Türkiye)
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Jul 8, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07005076
Lead sponsor
Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
Responsible party
Fatma Eken (Research asistant, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Jun 5, 2025
Start date
Aug 1, 2024
Primary completion
Mar 30, 2026
Completion
Mar 30, 2026
Last update
Jul 8, 2026

Study contacts

FATMA EKEN
principal investigator · Afyonkarahisar Sağlık Bİlimleri Üniversitesi

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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