App-Based Relaxation Exercises for Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: Pragmatic Randomized Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic neck pain is a highly prevalent condition. Learning a relaxation technique is recommended by numerous guidelines for chronic neck pain. Smartphone apps can provide relaxation exercises; however, their effectiveness, especially in a self-care setting, is unclear.

Objective

The aim of this pragmatic randomized trial is to evaluate whether app-based relaxation exercises, including audio-based autogenic training, mindfulness meditation, or guided imagery, are more effective in reducing chronic neck pain than usual care alone.

Methods

Smartphone owners aged 18 to 65 years with chronic (>12 weeks) neck pain and the previous week's average neck pain intensity ≥4 on the Numeric Rating Scale (0=no pain to 10=worst possible pain) were randomized into either a

SUBMITTER: Pach D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8783271 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature