Interdisciplinary Value-based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for People with Persistent Whiplash Associated Disorders.

Interdisciplinary Value-based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for People with Persistent Whiplash Associated Disorders After Road Traffic Accidents: Protocol for a Multiple Baselines Single-case Experimental Design.

The goal of this clinical trial is to address the critical need for effective interventions by developing and testing an interdisciplinary values-based cognitive behavioral therapy (V-CBT) program for individuals with persistent whiplash. The main question it aims to answer are:

• What is the treatment effect of the interdisciplinary values-based cognitive behavioral therapy (V-CBT) program on individuals with persistent whiplash?
• What are the temporal relationships between primary and secondary outcome measures in the context of the V-CBT program?

Participants will undergo a replicated multiple baselines single-case experimental design (SCED). Twelve participants who meet specific eligibility criteria will be block-randomized to a 1, 2, or 3-week baseline phase, serving as their own controls. The intervention involves an interdisciplinary team delivering a manualized adapted V-CBT program over ten sessions, focusing on psychological and physical rehabilitation. Participants will be required to attend these sessions as part of the treatment protocol. Data collection includes daily online self-reports and comprehensive measurements at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and a three-month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• have persistent symptoms after a whiplash injury that happened more than 3 months ago
• have pain and disability defined as > 35 % on Neck Disability Index (NDI)
• be 18 years or older
• speak and read Danish

Exclusion Criteria:

• denote headache as the primary problem
• show red flags in the neurological and physiotherapeutic examination such as known or suspected serious spinal pathology, confirmed fracture or dislocation in the neck at the time of injury or signs of nerve root compromise (weakness, reflex changes or sensory loss)
• have had spinal surgery within the past 12 months
• are socially and occupationally unresolved
• have daily significant functional limitations related to other pain conditions
• have severe psychiatric illness
• are pregnant
• are not willing or able to respond to items on a daily basis.