The Effect of Corrective Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

This study is a randomized controlled trial. The study population will consist of a total of 70 individuals with chronic neck pain, including students and staff from Dokuz Eylül University and İzmir Katip Çelebi University. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics will be recorded through face-to-face interviews. The 'BTS G-Walk' device will be used for gait assessment, the Neck Disability Index for functionality assessment, and the Verbal Rating Scale for pain intensity assessment. First, gait measurements will be taken. Gait assessment will be performed using the BTS G-Walk, and individuals will walk a distance of 10 meters. Individuals will first walk in normal walking patterns, and then in a dual-task walking pattern while carrying a tray. Exercises will be taught to participants individually in face-to-face sessions, and then they will be asked to perform them as home exercises three times a week for six weeks. Face-to-face meetings will be held with participants every two weeks via video conference to gather feedback on the exercises and make necessary updates. Patients will be randomly divided into two groups. The first group will receive corrective exercise training, while the second group, the control group, will receive behavioral modification and posture training in daily life. The effects of these two methods on pain, functionality, and gait in individuals with chronic neck pain will be compared.

• Exercise (Other), also known as Rehabilitation: Corrective exercises will be taught to participants individually in face-to-face during the first session, and then they will be asked to perform them as home exercises 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Meetings will be held with participants every two weeks via video conference to obtain feedback on the exercises and make necessary updates.
• Posture education (Behavioral): This is control group, they will receive behavioral changes and posture education in daily life

Primary outcomes

• Gait speed [6 weeks]: The BTS G-Walk (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A., GarbagnateMilanese, Italy), a wearable sensor device, will be used to assess gait speed (m/sec) during gait with and without dual task through a Bluetooth®3.0 connection (G-Studio®software).
• Cadence [6 weeks]: The BTS G-Walk (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A., GarbagnateMilanese, Italy), a wearable sensor device, will be used to assess cadence (steps/min) during gait with and without dual task through a Bluetooth®3.0 connection (G-Studio®software).
• Stride length [6 weeks]: The BTS G-Walk (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A., GarbagnateMilanese, Italy), a wearable sensor device, will be used to assess stride length (m) during gait with and without dual task through a Bluetooth®3.0 connection (G-Studio®software).
• Step Length [6 weeks]: The BTS G-Walk (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A., GarbagnateMilanese, Italy), a wearable sensor device, will be used to assess step length (% strength length) during gait with and without dual task through a Bluetooth®3.0 connection (G-Studio®software).
• Pelvic symmetry [6 weeks]: The BTS G-Walk (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A., GarbagnateMilanese, Italy), a wearable sensor device, will be used to assess pelvic symmetry (%) during gait with and without dual task through a Bluetooth®3.0 connection (G-Studio®software). The score is calculated by the device as a percentage score out of 100. The higher score indicates more pelvic symmetry.

Secondary outcomes

• Neck Disability Index [6 weeks]: Neck Disability Index will be used to evaluate the effects of neck pain on functional disability. It is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess neck-related disability. The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability and worse functional status.
• The Numeric Rating Scale [6 weeks]: The Numeric Rating Scale will be used to assess the severity of neck pain. Pain severity is defined on an 11-point scale, where 0 = no pain and 10 = unbearable pain. On this scale, the patient expresses their pain verbally or in writing by choosing a number. Higher scores indicate greater pain status.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to any

Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged 18 years and over
* Individuals who have had neck pain for at least 3 months
* Individuals with a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score of 10 or higher
* Individuals who are able to understand the statements on the scale
* Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study after being informed about the study

Exclusion Criteria

* Individuals who have received physiotherapy for neck pain within the last 6 months
* Individuals who have undergone neck surgery
* Individuals with sensory loss
* Individuals diagnosed with orthopedic, neurological, or vestibular disorders
* Individuals with a history of trauma (whiplash)
* Individuals diagnosed with or treated for cancer or osteoporosis

• Hatice AYAN, PhD, Principal investigator, Izmir Katip Celebi University