Clinical Assessment: Participants will undergo clinical assessments including body composition, pain threshold, posture, cervical range of motion, sensory function, and cervical disability. No therapeutic intervention will be applied.
Study summary
Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects quality of life, daily activities, and work productivity. Although various physical, postural, and psychosocial factors have been associated with NSNP, the role of body composition in pain and functional outcomes remains unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that muscle and fat mass may influence musculoskeletal pain and related dysfunctions; however, studies examining these relationships in individuals with NSNP using objective measurements are limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of body composition on pain threshold, posture, cervical range of motion, sensation, and cervical function in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Individuals diagnosed with NSNP will be recruited from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic. Participants' body composition, pain threshold, posture, cervical range of motion, sensory function, and cervical disability will be assessed using validated and objective measurement tools. Understanding the relationship between body composition and cervical outcomes in individuals with non-specific neck pain may contribute to early identification of risk factors and support the development of more targeted and effective physical therapy and rehabilitation strategies.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Inclusion Criteria:
* To be between 18-65 years old
* To be diagnosed with non-specific neck pain
* Not having had any surgery related to the cervical region
Exclusion Criteria:
* Having a neurological and psychiatric problem that may affect evaluation methods
* Pregnancy and pregnancy suspected
* To be an elite athlete
* Having a malignant disease
Primary outcome measure(s)
Total Body Weight — Baseline Total body weight (kg) will be measured using the Tanita BC-700 (Tanita, Japan) body composition analyzer, which uses single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology.
Body Mass Index (BMI) — Baseline Body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) will be calculated automatically by the Tanita BC-700 based on measured body weight and participant-reported height entered into the device prior to measurement.
Total Body Fat Percentage — Baseline Total body fat percentage (%) will be assessed using the Tanita BC-700 body composition analyzer based on bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Lower Extremity Fat Percentage — Baseline Lower extremity fat percentage (%) will be measured using the Tanita BC-700 body composition analyzer.
Total Body Muscle Percentage — Baseline Total body muscle percentage (%) will be assessed using the Tanita BC-700 body composition analyzer.
Lower Extremity Muscle Percentage — Baseline Lower extremity muscle percentage (%) will be measured using the Tanita BC-700 body composition analyzer.
Assessment of Pain Threshold — Baseline Pressure pain threshold (PPT) will be evaluated to determine participants' pain sensitivity. A Wagner digital algometer (Wagner Instruments) will be used for PPT assessment. Participants will be seated on a height-adjustable chair with their feet flat on the floor and knees flexed at 90 degrees. The algometer will be applied to the measurement sites at a 90-degree perpendicular angle. Measurements will be taken bilaterally at the following locations: lateral aspect of the C5 spinous process, the midpoint of the upper trapezius, and the midpoint of the deltoid muscle. Each site will be measured three times, with at least a 30-second interval between repeated measurements to prevent sensitization. The value at which the participant first perceives pain will be recorded, and the average of the three measurements will be calculated for each site.
Assessment of Posture — Baseline Posture will be evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS). This scale was first published in 1958 and assesses the body in 13 different regions for potential postural deviations. Each region is scored as follows: 5 points for correct posture, 3 points for moderate deviation, and 1 point for severe deviation. The total score ranges from 13 to 65 points, with higher scores indicating better overall posture.
Assessment of Cervical Range of Motion — Baseline Cervical range of motion (CROM) will be assessed using the Pa Crom Basic - Cervical Range of Motion device. The CROM device is an inclinometer system that relies on gravity and magnetic fields. It consists of two fixed inclinometers for the sagittal and frontal planes, a horizontal-plane inclinometer with a magnetic needle attached to the top of the device, an arm with a ruler for linear measurements, a magnetic cervical collar, and a vertebra-locating arm with a level system. The device is worn like a pair of glasses, resting on the nose, above both ears, and on the forehead. Flexion and extension movements are measured using the inclinometer positioned at the left lateral side of the head, right and left lateral flexion are measured with the inclinometer at the midpoint of the forehead, and right and left rotation movements are measured with the inclinometer on top of the head combined with the magnetic stabilizer.
Assessment of Sensation — Baseline Sensation will be assessed using the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test, which evaluates light touch and pressure perception. The therapist applies monofilaments of increasing force (0.086-448 g) from the smallest detectable filament. Testing is performed on the first to fifth fingers, distal to proximal, on anterior and posterior surfaces. The pressure at which the patient first perceives the stimulus is recorded. Responses are marked on a hand map and classified using a color-coded system.
Assessment of Cervical Function — Baseline Cervical function will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). This questionnaire is used to assess pain originating from the neck and the degree of limitation in daily living activities. It was developed by Dr. Howard in 1980 and consists of a total of 10 items. These items cover areas such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleep, and recreation, with each item having six response options. Items are scored from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no disability and 5 indicates complete disability. The total score can reach 50 points, which is then converted to a percentage. Higher scores indicate a higher level of disability.
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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