An interventional study of Active Exercise and Motor Imagery in Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain, sponsored by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-20.
Sponsored by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
The aim of this three-group randomized controlled study is to investigate the effectiveness of MI and SMR interventions on pain, proprioception, quality of life, disability, and ROM parameters in individuals aged 18-50 with NSCNP.
The primary research questions it seeks to answer are as follows:
Do MI exercises, when applied in addition to active exercise, lead to changes in pain, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with NSCNP? Does the suboccipital myofascial release technique, when applied in addition to active exercise, lead to changes in pain, proprioception, and kinesiophobia in individuals with NSCNP? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups to compare the MI and SMR techniques.
Proprioception is considered a crucial element in the seamless execution of pain-free movement. In cases of chronic pain, proprioceptive ability is compromised due to altered sensorimotor control at various levels of pain transmission. Motor imagery (MI) is utilized to enhance motor performance and facilitate the learning of motor tasks, while suboccipital myofascial release (SMR) improves neck-related disability and overall pain. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of MI and SMR techniques in the management of non-specific neck pain (NSCNP) remains limited.
The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of MI exercises and the SMR technique in the management of NSCNP through a multifaceted evaluation, and to expand the range of effective, sustainable, and accessible conservative treatment alternatives. A dual inclinometer, goniometer, and algometer will be employed in the study. Participants will undergo assessments including proprioception, pressure pain threshold, and neck range of motion (ROM).
The data obtained will shed light on the efficacy of these interventions regarding parameters such as pain intensity, disability, and kinesiophobia, potentially serving as foundational data for the future development of diagnostic, therapeutic, and clinical processes in this field.
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This study's planned enrollment of 51 is below the median of 75 across 1,089 interventional studies indexed under Agnosia.
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Exclusion Criteria:
An active exercise program will be implemented.
Other: Active Exercise
In addition to active exercise, motor imagery exercises will be administered.
Other: Active Exercise · Other: Motor Imagery
In addition to active exercise, the suboccipital myofascial release technique will be applied.
Other: Active Exercise · Other: Suboccipital Myofascial Release
Active exercises will consist of four cervical movements involving the maintenance of craniocervical flexion, and all of these exercises will be performed in a single session. The program will continue for six weeks.
Motor imagery exercises are structured in three stages. First stage: performing a guided mental task Second stage: internal visual imagery Third stage: external visual imagery The program will last for six weeks.
It will be performed by the therapist while the participant is in the supine position. The therapist will apply pressure to the suboccipital region until a reduction in muscle tone is detected. The procedure will be continued for six weeks.
Proprioception
Measurement will be performed using a dual inclinometer. Joint position sense error will be evaluated.
Time frame: baseline, six weeks
Pain Pressure Threshold
The pressure pain threshold will be assessed using an algometer.
Time frame: baseline, six weeks
Range of Motion (ROM)
ROM will be assessed using a goniometer.
Time frame: baseline, six weeks
Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Kinesiophobia
Time frame: baseline, six weeks
SF-36 for Quality of Life
Time frame: baseline, six weeks
Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale for Neck Disability
Time frame: baseline, six weeks
Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire for Pain Intensity
Time frame: baseline, six weeks
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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