← Back to Search

Behavioural Intervention

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

N/A
Waitlist Available
Research Sponsored by Tufts University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Patients aged 18-90 years
Be older than 18 years old
Must not have
Patients will be excluded if they have a history of spinal surgery
Patients will be excluded if they have a serious medical condition such as cancer, spondylolisthesis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or other related autoimmune diseases
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 1 year
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will compare two physical therapy treatments to see which is better for neck pain over a 1-year period.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-90 with neck pain who show a directional preference during initial physical therapy assessment. It's not for those with spinal surgery history, cervical instability, serious conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, upper motor neuron signs, or certain symptoms like dizziness and swallowing issues.
What is being tested?
The study compares two physical therapy approaches for neck pain: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) versus Cervical Spine Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these treatments and monitored over a year to see which is more effective short-term.
What are the potential side effects?
Since the interventions are non-invasive physical therapy techniques, side effects may include temporary increased discomfort or muscle soreness following treatment sessions. Serious side effects are unlikely but can depend on individual health conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I am between 18 and 90 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
Select...
I have never had spinal surgery.
Select...
I do not have serious conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Select...
I do not show signs of upper motor neuron disease.
Select...
I do not have issues with dizziness, hearing, swallowing, or controlling my bladder or bowels.
Select...
I do not have cervical instability or issues with blood flow in my neck.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~1 year
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 year for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Secondary study objectives
Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ)
Global Rating of Change Scale (GROC)
Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
MDT is a system of examination and intervention based on the patient's response to repeated end range neck movements.
Group II: Cervical Spine Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)Active Control1 Intervention
The CPGs are guidelines for examination and intervention based on a summary of research conducted on people with neck pain.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Tufts UniversityLead Sponsor
270 Previous Clinical Trials
594,691 Total Patients Enrolled
~0 spots leftby Jan 2025