Acute Effects of Action Observation on Neck Pain

Acute Effects of Action Observation on Pain Intensity, Muscle Strength, Tactile Acuity and Pressure Pain Threshold.

This study aims to assess the immediate effects of action observation therapy on the cervical muscles' strength, pain intensity, tactile acuity and pain pressure threshold in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain.

This study is a randomized controlled trial with two arms: action observation group vs control group. The action observation group will be asked to watch videos of neck exercises with full attention and concentration and not perform any motion or execute any movement during the observation time. The control group will be asked to watch videos of a landscape.

Participants will be assessed at baseline and at post-intervention for muscle strength, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold and tactile acuity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have nonspecific chronic neck pain, defined as a recurrent or persistent pain that lasts more than 3 months, with no trauma or etiology/diagnosis associated.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Visual and hearing dysfunction not corrected by eyeglasses/contact lenses or a hearing aid;
• Infectious diseases;
• Cervical myelopathy;
• Cervical surgery;
• Cervical fracture or/and subluxation;
• Vestibular pathology;
• Neurological disorder/deficits;
• Rheumatic autoimmune diseases;
• History of cancer;
• Severe cervical trauma.