Whole-Body Vibration vs. Exercises for Chronic Neck Pain in Young Adults

Comparison of the Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Exercise Interventions on Sensorimotor Function in Young Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is a prevalent issue among young adults, potentially impacting pain levels, range of motion, posture, balance, and daily functional activities. This study is designed to compare two distinct physical therapy interventions for young individuals diagnosed with chronic non-specific neck pain: Whole-Body Vibration (WBV), involving standing on a vibrating platform, and Sensorimotor Exercise (SME), which focuses on improving neck awareness, coordination, balance, and motor control.

The primary objective is to determine whether one of these therapeutic approaches is more effective than the other in enhancing neck-related sensorimotor function, reducing pain intensity, and improving overall functional capacity over a 4-week intervention period. The study population consists of male and female university students aged 18 to 30 years presenting with chronic neck pain. The investigators anticipate that while both intervention protocols may yield clinical benefits, the comparative results will demonstrate which method provides superior short-term improvements in pain management and cervical function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain,
• Age of 18 years or older,
• History of neck pain for at least 3 months,
• Pain intensity score of 3 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS),
• Functional disability score of 5 or higher on the Neck Disability Index (NDI),
• Sufficient literacy to complete the assessment scales.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of disc herniation or spinal stenosis,
• History of spinal surgery or major trauma,
• Systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or advanced arthrosis,
• Neurological diseases or balance disorders,
• Severe pain in other body parts or recent lower extremity injuries.