Dual-Task Effects on Gait in Nonspecific Neck Pain

NCT07158281 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: non-spesific neck pain
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 42
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Neck Pain; Gait

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Gait Variability

  Gait variability calculated using the coefficient of variation.Gait variability is the ratio of the mean to the standard deviation and is calculated as a percentage. The score ranges from 0 to 100. A higher score indicates greater variability and decreased gait control. formula. Measurement Tool: BTS G-Walk wearable sensor system.

  up to 3 months

• Gait Symmetry

  Symmetry Index (SI) of spatiotemporal gait parameters between right and left limbs, calculated with the standard formula.Measurement Tool: BTS G-Walk wearable sensor system.Gait symmetry is calculated using a formula that compares the right and left extremities. "0" indicates complete symmetry, while "≥1" indicates asymmetry.

  up to 3 months

• Pain Intensity

  Neck pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10).

  Assessed at baseline.

• Neck Disability Index (NDI)

  Self-reported questionnaire assessing functional disability related to neck pain. Validated Turkish version will be used.he NDI is a 10-item questionnaire assessing neck pain-related disability in daily life (e.g., pain intensity, personal care, concentration, work, driving, sleeping).Each item is scored from 0 to 5 (0 = no disability, 5 = maximum disability). The total score ranges from 0 to 50.

  Assessed at baseline (only in NSNP group).

• Bournemouth Neck Questionnaire (BNQ)

  elf-reported questionnaire evaluating pain severity, emotional distress, fear of movement, and coping strategies. Validated Turkish version will be used.The BNQ is a 7-item questionnaire evaluating the impact of neck pain on pain severity, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, anxiety/depression, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and coping strategies. Scoring: Each item is scored on a 0-10 numeric rating scale (0 = no problem, 10 = maximum problem). The total score ranges from 0 to 70. Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater disability and psychosocial impact of neck pain.

  Assessed at baseline (only in NSNP group).

Study Arms (2)

Nonspecific Neck Pain

Adults aged 18-60 with chronic nonspecific neck pain (≥3 months), scoring ≥10 on the Neck Disability Index, no neurological/systemic disease, no prior cervical surgery.

Healthy Control

Age- and sex-matched adults without neck pain or neurological/systemic disorders.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

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.

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hacettepe University: lead
• Yuksek Ihtisas University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Yuksek Ihtisas University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Busra Kalkan Balak

  Yuksek Ihtisas University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Elıf Sena Colak

  Yuksek Ihtisas University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Aslı Isıkdemır

  Yuksek Ihtisas University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Demet Cıhan

  Yuksek Ihtisas University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Gungor Beyza Ozvar Senoz

CONTACT

505 388 86 17; beyzaozvar@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investıgator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 28, 2025
• First Posted: September 5, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: October 15, 2025
• Study Completion: November 1, 2025
• Last Updated: October 6, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)