Neck PainNCT05605132
SENSORY RE-TRAINING IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN
A study testing Proprioceptive Training Exercise and Tactile Acuity Training in people with Neck Pain and Cervical Pain, run by Hacettepe University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
It is known that tactile acuity and proprioceptive sense decrease in patients with chronic neck pain. However, sensory re-training in patients with chronic neck pain has not been given sufficient importance. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Cervical Pain, Neck Muscle Issue
- What is being tested?
- Proprioceptive Training Exercise and Tactile Acuity Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 57 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 18 Jan 2023to 30 Dec 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- to be aged between 20-60 years old
- Pain limited to the posterior of the cervical region.
- Pain that lasts longer than 3 months
- Pain severity of 3 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale
Who cannot join
- Malignant tumor in any part of the body (no screening will be performed for the presence of tumor and patients diagnosed with tumors before the study will not be included).
- Vertebral fractures
- Fibromyalgia
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- History of surgery in the neck or shoulder area
- Radicular pain
Show all 11Show fewer
- Neurological deficit of disc pathologies
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Pronounced cervical kyphosis
- Significant scoliosis involving the cervical region
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Kübra Canlı contact
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
Hacettepe Universty
Ankara, Sıhhıye, 06100
Kübra Canlı, MD
- Recruiting
Kübra
Ankara, Sıhhıye, 06230
Kübra, 903123052525, kbrac91@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Proprioception and Tactile Accuracy Training on Proprioception, Range of Motion, Pain and Disability in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain
It is known that tactile acuity and proprioceptive sense decrease in patients with chronic neck pain. However, sensory re-training in patients with chronic neck pain has not been given sufficient importance. The effects of proprioceptive and tactile acuity training on pain intensity in patients with chronic neck pain will be compared in this study. Eligible participants will be divided into three groups as follows: Proprioceptive Training Group (PTG), Tactile Acuity Training Group (TAG), and Control Group (CG). The randomization will be performed using the block randomization method to obtain an equal number of participants in the groups. Each participant will be evaluated two times at a 4-week interval. Participants will be evaluated regarding subjective pain intensity by using a Numerical Rating Scale, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation using an algometer (JTECH Medical-Algometer Commander, USA). Neck proprioception exercises will be applied to the patients in the PTG at 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Tactile acuity training will be applied to the patients in the TAG 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Between the two assessments, the Control Group will not receive any treatment.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Cervical Pain, Neck Muscle Issue, Neck Pain, Posterior, Cervical Pain, Posterior
- Being tested
- Proprioceptive Training Exercise, Tactile Acuity Training, Control Group
- Keywords
- oculomotor exercises, neck pain, cervical pain, sensory re-training
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Proprioceptive Training ExerciseOther
oculomotor exercises will be applied to the participants three times a week for four weeks.
oculomotor exercises:
- head relocation
- gaze stability
- eye follow
- saccadic eye movement
- head and eye coordination
Tactile Acuity TrainingOther
Participants will be requested to lie face down. Five points will be marked in the painful areas on the right and left sides of the neck. The distance between the points will equal the two-point discrimination value. A photograph of the neck will be taken. The patient will not see his/her own neck during the application but see the photograph of his/her neck. The points will be touched lightly with two different stimuli (a pen with a 2 mm diameter and a mushroom probe with an 11 mm diameter). Participants will be asked about the location and type of the stimuli. The interstimulus interval will be 15 seconds. If more than 90% of correct answers are obtained, the distance between the points will be reduced by 10%. The training will be performed in three separate blocks, a total of 72 stimuli (block duration = 6 minutes, rest time between blocks = 3 minutes, number of stimuli applied in each block = 24 stimuli). The treatment time will be 24 minutes.
Control GroupOther
The participants will be evaluated two times at 4-week intervals. No intervention will be applied during the time frame.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Proprioceptive Training Group | Experimental | oculomotor exercises will be applied to the participants three times a week for four weeks.
oculomotor exercises:
head relocation gaze stability eye follow saccadic eye movement head and eye coordination Receives: Other: Proprioceptive Training Exercise |
| Tactile Acuity Training | Experimental | Participants will be requested to lie face down. Five points will be marked in the painful areas on the right and left sides of the neck. The distance between the points will equal the two-point discrimination value. A photograph of the neck will be taken. The patient will not see his/her own neck during the application but see the photograph of his/her neck. The points will be touched lightly with two different stimuli (a pen with a 2 mm diameter and a mushroom probe with an 11 mm diameter). Participants will be asked about the location and type of the stimuli. The interstimulus interval will be 15 seconds. If more than 90% of correct answers are obtained, the distance between the points will be reduced by 10%. The training will be performed in three separate blocks, a total of 72 stimuli (block duration = 6 minutes, rest time between blocks = 3 minutes, number of stimuli applied in each block = 24 stimuli). The treatment time will be 24 minutes. Receives: Other: Tactile Acuity Training |
| Control Group | Sham comparator | The participants will be evaluated two times at 4-week intervals. No intervention will be applied during the time frame. Receives: Other: Control Group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
pain intensity
It will be evaluated using a Numerical Rating Scale (0 indicate no pain, 10 indicate most vulnerable pain)
Measured: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
pressure pain threshold
It will be evaluated in the middle of the upper trapezius muscle and the dominant side of the tibialis anterior muscle. It will be evaluated two times at 30-second intervals. The average of value will be recorded.
Measured: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
temporal summation
It will be evaluated in the middle of the upper trapezius muscle. 10 subsequent stimuli with a 1-second application at the level of pressure pain threshold and 1-second rest. Pain intensity at 1, 5 and 10th stimuli will be asked based on the Numerical Rating Scale.
Measured: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
conditioned pain modulation
The sphygmomanometer will be applied on the arm which is the contralateral side of the upper trapezius. It will be inflated at a rate of 20 mm/Hg and held at this value for 30 seconds. Then, the patient's pain intensity will be questioned according to the numerical pain scale.
Measured: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
neck disability
A neck disability questionnaire (NDI) will be used
Measured: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Nov 2022
- Study start18 Jan 2023
- Primary completion30 Dec 2023 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2024 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Hacettepe UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 57 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hacettepe University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kübra Canli, Hacettepe University
- Investigators
- Kübra canlı, Study chair, Hacettepe UniversityFiliz Can, Study director, Hacettepe UniversityGökhan Demirkıran, Principal investigator, Hacettepe University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05605132
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Neck Pain
- Status last verified
- Nov 2022
- First submitted
- 29 Oct 2022
- Last updated
- 25 Aug 2023
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Canli K, Demirkiran G, Can F. The efficiency of tactile discrimination training and oculomotor exercises in people with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 May 27;26(1):519. doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-08755-0.
PubMed 40420069
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Aug 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of the Effects of Proprioception and Tactile Accuracy Training on Proprioception, Range of Motion, Pain and Disability in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05605132
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Neck Pain
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Cervical Pain, Neck Muscle Issue, Neck Pain, Posterior, Cervical Pain, Posterior
- Keywords
- oculomotor exercises, neck pain, cervical pain, sensory re-training
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 57 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Hacettepe UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 Jan 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2023 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2024 (estimated)
- First posted
- 4 Nov 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
It is known that tactile acuity and proprioceptive sense decrease in patients with chronic neck pain. However, sensory re-training in patients with chronic neck pain has not been given sufficient importance. The effects of proprioceptive and tactile acuity training on pain intensity in patients with chronic neck pain will be compared in this study. Eligible participants will be divided into three groups as follows: Proprioceptive Training Group (PTG), Tactile Acuity Training Group (TAG), and Control Group (CG). The randomization will be performed using the block randomization method to obtain an equal number of participants in the groups. Each participant will be evaluated two times at a 4-week interval. Participants will be evaluated regarding subjective pain intensity by using a Numerical Rating Scale, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation using an algometer (JTECH Medical-Algometer Commander, USA). Neck proprioception exercises will be applied to the patients in the PTG at 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Tactile acuity training will be applied to the patients in the TAG 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Between the two assessments, the Control Group will not receive any treatment.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Proprioceptive Training Group | Experimental | Other: Proprioceptive Training Exerciseoculomotor exercises will be applied to the participants three times a week for four weeks. oculomotor exercises: head relocation gaze stability eye follow saccadic eye movement head and eye coordination |
| Tactile Acuity Training | Experimental | Other: Tactile Acuity TrainingParticipants will be requested to lie face down. Five points will be marked in the painful areas on the right and left sides of the neck. The distance between the points will equal the two-point discrimination value. A photograph of the neck will be taken. The patient will not see his/her own neck during the application but see the photograph of his/her neck. The points will be touched lightly with two different stimuli (a pen with a 2 mm diameter and a mushroom probe with an 11 mm diameter). Participants will be asked about the location and type of the stimuli. The interstimulus interval will be 15 seconds. If more than 90% of correct answers are obtained, the distance between the points will be reduced by 10%. The training will be performed in three separate blocks, a total of 72 stimuli (block duration = 6 minutes, rest time between blocks = 3 minutes, number of stimuli applied in each block = 24 stimuli). The treatment time will be 24 minutes. |
| Control Group | Sham comparator | Other: Control GroupThe participants will be evaluated two times at 4-week intervals. No intervention will be applied during the time frame. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- to be aged between 20-60 years old
- Pain limited to the posterior of the cervical region.
- Pain that lasts longer than 3 months
- Pain severity of 3 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Malignant tumor in any part of the body (no screening will be performed for the presence of tumor and patients diagnosed with tumors before the study will not be included).
- Vertebral fractures
- Fibromyalgia
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- History of surgery in the neck or shoulder area
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Proprioceptive Training Exerciseoculomotor exercises will be applied to the participants three times a week for four weeks. oculomotor exercises: * head relocation * gaze stability * eye follow * saccadic eye movement * head and eye coordination | Other | Proprioceptive Training Group |
| Tactile Acuity TrainingParticipants will be requested to lie face down. Five points will be marked in the painful areas on the right and left sides of the neck. The distance between the points will equal the two-point discrimination value. A photograph of the neck will be taken. The patient will not see his/her own neck during the application but see the photograph of his/her neck. The points will be touched lightly with two different stimuli (a pen with a 2 mm diameter and a mushroom probe with an 11 mm diameter). Participants will be asked about the location and type of the stimuli. The interstimulus interval will be 15 seconds. If more than 90% of correct answers are obtained, the distance between the points will be reduced by 10%. The training will be performed in three separate blocks, a total of 72 stimuli (block duration = 6 minutes, rest time between blocks = 3 minutes, number of stimuli applied in each block = 24 stimuli). The treatment time will be 24 minutes. | Other | Tactile Acuity Training |
| Control GroupThe participants will be evaluated two times at 4-week intervals. No intervention will be applied during the time frame. | Other | Control Group |
Primary outcome
pain intensity
Time frame: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
It will be evaluated using a Numerical Rating Scale (0 indicate no pain, 10 indicate most vulnerable pain)
4 secondary outcomes
pressure pain threshold
Time frame: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
temporal summation
Time frame: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
conditioned pain modulation
Time frame: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
neck disability
Time frame: Change form baseline at 4 weeks
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Aug 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40420069Canli K, Demirkiran G, Can F. The efficiency of tactile discrimination training and oculomotor exercises in people with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 May 27;26(1):519. doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-08755-0.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Kübra Canlı contact
Kübra canlı study chair
Hacettepe University
Filiz Can study director
Hacettepe University
Gökhan Demirkıran principal investigator
Hacettepe University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Proprioceptive Training Exercise and Tactile Acuity Training in people with Neck Pain and Cervical Pain, run by Hacettepe University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Aug 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Kübra canlı (90 312 305 25 25 ext. 187, kbrac91@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
pain intensity (time frame: Change form baseline at 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05605132, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Aug 2023.