Effects of Music Therapy in Chronic Neck Pain

NCT07658729 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: KBU-FTR-NC-12
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 19
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may impair proprioception and postural control, negatively affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention with potential benefits for pain management and sensorimotor function; however, evidence regarding its effects in musculoskeletal rehabilitation is limited. In this study, nineteen individuals with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode for 60 minutes. Pain intensity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance will be assessed before and after the intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence for the clinical use of music therapy as an adjunctive treatment in chronic neck pain rehabilitation.

Conditions

Neck Pain; Pain; Music Therapy

Keywords

neck pain; music therapy; proprioception; balance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Pain Assessment

  The Numerical Pain Scale and an algometer will be used in pain assessment. The Numerical Pain Scale uses a vertical line on a plane with scores between 0 and 10. The pain a person feels is represented as follows: "0: no pain", "10: very severe pain". Individuals are asked to rate the pain they feel on a scale of 0 to 10. The validity and reliability of the Numerical Pain Scale for assessing pain have been reported in the literature. It was classified pain intensity as mild (3 cm and below), moderate (3.1-6.9 cm), and severe (7 cm and above) neck pain.

  1 day

• Pressure-pain threshold assessment

  An algometer is an instrument that objectively measures pressure pain threshold and pain tolerance. The algometer is a mechanical pressure gauge with a circular rubber tip at the end of a spring-loaded cylinder, a pressure surface area of 1 cm², and displays the measured value in kg/cm². Its caliber range is 100 g and 10 kg/cm². Measurements were taken at the level of the right and left zygapophyseal joints of the dysfunctional cervical segment identified during physical examination. During the assessment, participants will be asked to lie prone, and the algometer probe will be placed perpendicular to the skin at a 90-degree angle. The applied pressure will be gradually increased, and the participant will be asked to report the first instance of pain. Measurements will be taken once, and the result will be recorded in kilograms.

  1 day

• Cervical joint position sense assessment

  Positional awareness will be measured using a CROM (CROM Deluxe, Performance Engagement Partners, Roseville, Minnesota, USA) inclinometer. Neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements will be assessed with eyes closed. CROM Deluxe is an inclinometer developed by the University of Minnesota and its validity and reliability have been demonstrated.

  1 day

• Balance assessment

  Postural balance was assessed using the Bertec Balance Legacy System device. The device's rigid platform detects body oscillations. However, a soft surface can be obtained thanks to the foam cushion that can be placed on top. The platform must be placed on a flat surface so that it does not move. The individual's center of pressure is visualized via the platform, and oscillations occurring in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions can be monitored. Changes occurring on the platform are displayed on a computer screen using Bertec Workbook software. On the screen, a coordinate plane representing the AP and ML directions and a cursor representing body mass are shown within a black square.

  1 day

Study Arms (1)

music therapy group

EXPERIMENTAL

The effect of music on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined as a simple and cheap alternative method. Nihavend Makam instrumental Turkish Classical Music, claimed to affect mood and pain-relieving properties positively, will be listened to for 60 minutes using a media player and headphones for 19 individuals.

Procedure: Music intervention

Interventions

Music intervention PROCEDURE

The effect of music on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined as a simple and cheap alternative method. Nihavend Makam instrumental Turkish Classical Music, claimed to affect mood and pain-relieving properties positively, will be listened to for 60 minutes using a media player and headphones for 19 individuals.

music therapy group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Being between 20-50 years old
• Having experienced neck pain for at least 3 months
• Having a resting neck pain score of 3 or higher on the Numeric Pain Scale
• Being willing to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• Patients with surgical indications for and/or who have undergone surgery in the cervical region
• Having received physiotherapy and/or other treatment for neck pain within the last year
• Those with a history of trauma and systemic disease in the cervical region (malignant condition, systemic rheumatic disease, etc.)
• Having additional musculoskeletal diseases that may also affect the cervical region (thoracic outlet and scoliosis, etc.)
• Having a psychiatric illness
• Being visually impaired

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Karabuk University

Karabük, Karabük Province, 78050, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain; Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Central Study Contacts

Nurcan Contarli, PhD

CONTACT

+90 370 418 9171; nurcancontarli@karabuk.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 14, 2026
• First Posted: June 22, 2026
• Study Start: July 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 25, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 30, 2026
• Last Updated: June 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)