The aim of this study is to examine the impact of motor and cognitive dual-task conditions on gait variability and gait symmetry in individuals with NSNP, compared with healthy controls. This cross-sectional trial will recruit participants aged 18-60, including 21 patients with NSNP and 21 age-matched healthy controls. Gait parameters will be assessed using a wearable sensor system (BTS G-Walk). Primary outcomes are gait variability and gait symmetry under single-task, motor dual-task, and cognitive dual-task walking conditions.

Each participant will complete three walking conditions:

Single-task walking (walking at a self-selected pace), Motor dual-task walking (walking while carrying a tray with a glass of water), and Cognitive dual-task walking (walking while verbally reporting the number of letters in presented words).

Gait parameters will be measured using the BTS G-Walk wearable sensor system, which records accelerometric data at the lumbar level (L4-L5) and calculates temporospatial parameters. Gait variability will be quantified using the coefficient of variation formula, and gait symmetry will be determined using symmetry index calculations.

The primary outcomes are gait variability and gait symmetry across the three walking conditions. Secondary outcomes include pain characteristics, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Bournemouth Neck Questionnaire (BNQ).

The study hypothesizes that both motor and cognitive dual-task conditions will significantly affect gait variability and symmetry in individuals with NSNP, and these effects will differ from those observed in healthy controls. Findings are expected to improve understanding of motor control alterations in NSNP and provide guidance for individualized rehabilitation programs and therapeutic interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• for NSNP group:

  • Adults aged 18-60 years
  • History of nonspecific neck pain lasting at least 3 months
  • Neck Disability Index (NDI) score ≥10
  • Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

• for the Healthy Control group

  • Adults aged 18-60 years
  • No history of neck pain or musculoskeletal/neurological/systemic disorders
  • Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:(applies to both groups):

• Previous spinal surgery
• History of traumatic cervical injury
• Diagnosed cervical radiculopathy, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, or disc herniation
• Presence of any neurological or systemic disease
• Musculoskeletal disorders affecting gait performance
• Cognitive impairment or psychiatric conditions interfering with test participation

The study population will consist of adults aged 18-60 years, including individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) and age-matched healthy volunteers. Participants will be recruited from the students, staff, and first-degree relatives of Yüksek İhtisas University, Faculty of Health Sciences.

The NSNP group will include participants with a history of neck pain lasting at least three months and a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score of ≥10. The control group will include individuals without neck pain or neurological, systemic, or musculoskeletal disorders.