Effects of manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise versus routine physical therapy on brain biomarkers in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain in Thailand: a study protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Structural brain alterations in pain-related areas have been demonstrated in patients with non-specific neck pain. While manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise is an effective management for neck pain, its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The primary objective of this trial is to investigate the effects of manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise on grey matter volume and thickness in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. The secondary objectives are to assess changes in white matter integrity, neurochemical biomarkers, clinical features of neck pain, cervical range of motion and cervical muscle strength.

Methods and analysis

This study is a single-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Fifty-two participants with chronic n

SUBMITTER: Chaikla R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10151953 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature