Electrotherapy Combined With Neck Exercises for Non-Specific Neck Pain: Telerehabilitation Versus Face-to-Face Program: Study Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Electrotherapy Combined With Neck Exercises for Non-Specific Neck Pain: Telerehabilitation Versus Face-to-Face Program: Study Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation versus a face-to-face program in the therapeutic approach to non-specific neck pain through exercise and analgesic electrotherapy.
Methods: Randomized clinical trial on 100 participants with nonspecific neck pain who will be randomized into two groups to receive analgesic electrotherapy combined with a cervical exercise program through telemedicine or face to face. A total of 24 sessions will be applied over 8 weeks. Demographic and clinical data, disability, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, isometric spinal muscle strength, quality of life, and cervical mobility will be collected. Assessments will be performed at the beginning of the study (baseline), at 8 weeks (post-treatment) and 2 months after the end of the intervention (follow-up).
Introduction: Neck pain is a common problem in the working-age population, with a high recurrence rate and one of the highest health costs globally. Exercise is considered one of the keys in the management of this pathology, and electrotherapy is consolidated as a safe and proven analgesic measure. Telemedicine facilitates access to health care by eliminating geographical barriers and reducing costs, allowing consultations from any location and favoring the patient's work-life balance. The widespread availability of smartphones, tablets and computers makes telerehabilitation more accessible than ever.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation versus a face-to-face program in the therapeutic approach to non-specific neck pain through exercise and analgesic electrotherapy.
Methods: Randomized clinical trial with 100 participants with non-specific neck pain who will be randomized into two groups to receive analgesic electrotherapy combined with a cervical exercise program through telemedicine or face to face. A total of 24 sessions will be applied over 8 weeks. Demographic and clinical data, disability, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, isometric spinal muscle strength, quality of life, and cervical mobility will be collected. Assessments will be performed at the beginning of the study (baseline), at 8 weeks (post-treatment) and 2 months after the end of the intervention (follow-up).
Inclusion Criteria:
Male and female patients between the ages of 30 and 65, with a medical diagnosis of cervical pain of non-specific origin,
Chronic cervical pain lasting 3 months or more and not receiving any other type of physiotherapy treatment.
Exclusion Criteria: