Trapezius Oxygenation and Cervical Function in Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with impaired cervical mobility, reduced muscle performance, and increased disability. Alterations in local muscle oxygenation and microcirculation, particularly in the trapezius muscle, may contribute to persistent symptoms and functional limitations. Near-infrared spectroscopy provides a non-invasive method for assessing muscle oxygenation and hemodynamic responses. This study aims to investigate the relationship between trapezius muscle oxygenation, cervical range of motion, muscle strength, and disability in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Primary outcomes

• Trapezius Muscle Oxygen Saturation [First Day]: Trapezius muscle oxygen saturation will be assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy monitor during upper-extremity exercise.
• Trapezius Total Hemoglobin [First day]: Trapezius total hemoglobin will be assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy monitor during upper-extremity exercise.

Secondary outcomes

• Trapezius Muscle Strength [Second Day]: Upper and middle trapezius muscle strength will be measured using a handheld dynamometer.
• Cervical Range of Motion [Second day]: Active cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation will be measured using a goniometer.
• Neck Disability [Second day]: Disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI; 0-50 points), with higher scores indicating greater disability.
• Upper-Extremity Exercise Capacity [First Day]: Maximum upper-extremity exercise capacity will be assessed using an arm ergometer test, with peak workload recorded in watts.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-65 years.
* Chronic neck pain lasting for at least 3 months.
* Neck pain intensity of ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale during activity.
* Willingness to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Motor deficit in the upper extremities.
* History of cervical or upper-extremity surgery.
* Rheumatologic or neurologic disease.
* Any musculoskeletal condition affecting upper-extremity function.
* Cervical injection or other invasive procedure within the previous 6 months.
* Cognitive impairment preventing understanding or performance of study assessments.