About this trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a cervical exercise program, transcutaneous neuromodulation of the spinal accessory nerve, and a placebo intervention on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, cervical proprioception, functional disability, depression, anxiety, and stress in university students with chronic non-specific neck pain. The study will include a six-week intervention period with pre- and post-treatment assessments. The findings may contribute to the development of accessible physiotherapy interventions within university settings.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
University students aged 18-30 years
Chronic non-specific neck pain lasting ≥ 3 months
Pain intensity >3/10 on VAS
No pharmacological or physiotherapy treatment in the past 3 months
Disqualifiers
Specific cervical pathology (e.g., radiculopathy)
Neurological, cardiovascular, systemic, or infectious disease
Diagnosed psychological disorders
Pregnancy or postpartum period < 1 year
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Supervised Cervical Exercise Program
- Low-Frequency Transcutaneous Neuromodulation
- Sham Transcutaneous Neuromodulation