The Effectiveness of Breathing Training in Subacute Neck Pain

The Effectiveness of Breathing Training in Subacute Neck Pain

The aim of this clinical study is to investigate the effectiveness of breathing training added to a standard physical therapy and exercise program in individuals with non-specific subacute neck pain. Specifically, the study will evaluate the effect of breathing training on functional loss due to neck pain and on respiratory function. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does breathing training reduce functional loss due to neck pain in participants?
• Does breathing training improve respiratory function in participants?

Researchers will compare Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) with Progressive Muscle Relaxation(PMR).

Participants will be randomly divided to two groups: a study group and a control group.

Both groups will receive traditional physical therapy five days a week for three weeks.

The study group will receive Active Cycle of Breathing Technique and exercise three days a week for six weeks, while the Control Group will receive Progressive Muscle Relaxation and exercise three days a week for six weeks.

Participants will:

• Attend a total of 18 treatment sessions with a physiotherapist, 3 days a week for 6 weeks.
• Perform home exercises twice daily.
• Assessments will be conducted at the beginning of the study and after treatment at week 6.

The study will also evaluate changes in pain, posture, head position, muscle strength, joint position sense, anxiety and depression, severity of insomnia, and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 35-60 years, of either sex.
• Ability to read, write, and understand Turkish.
• Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain by a specialist physician.
• Neck pain duration of ≥6 weeks and <12 weeks, with pain intensity of ≥3/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neck pain with an identified specific underlying cause, such as traumatic injury (e.g., fracture or dislocation), infection, tumor, significant nerve root or spinal cord compression, or systemic rheumatic/inflammatory disease.
• Upper cervical symptoms, including dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Diagnosed primary headache disorders, including migraine and tension-type headache.
• Persistent night pain, severe muscle spasm, unexplained weight loss, daily headache, loss of consciousness, or confusion.
• Cardiopulmonary or respiratory diseases.
• Acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain in other body regions that may interfere with participation in the exercise program.
• Major surgery within the previous 6 months.
• Spinal, thoracic, or abdominal surgery within the previous 3 years.
• Current smoking or alcohol use.
• Physiotherapy or osteopathic treatment for the neck region within the previous 3 months.