Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation in People With Chronic Neck Pain

Launched by NATIONAL YANG MING CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY · Aug 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the body’s nervous system, which helps control functions like heart rate, responds in people with chronic neck pain compared to healthy individuals. Researchers want to see if there are differences in heart rate patterns when participants are lying down, sitting, or standing, and how their heart rates change during a simple hand squeeze test. By understanding these differences, the study aims to learn more about how chronic neck pain might affect the body’s overall functioning.

To participate, individuals must be between 20 and 59 years old and have been experiencing neck pain for more than 90 days that doesn’t spread to the arms. Healthy volunteers who match these criteria in age and weight are also welcome. Participants can expect to undergo heart rate assessments in different positions and during the hand grip test. It's important to note that people with certain health issues, such as neurological or orthopedic disorders, or those taking specific medications, cannot take part in this study. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to shed light on how chronic pain might impact the body’s nervous system.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Chronic neck pain inclusion criteria:
• • Chronic pain (persistent or recurrent pain \>90 days)
• • Non-specific chronic neck pain and non-irradiated to the upper limbs (Superior nuchal line \~ scapular spine \~ acromion)
• Chronic neck pain \& healthy control inclusion criteria:
• • Age- and gender- matched (age: 20\~59 y/o)
• • BMI between 18.5\~24.9 (Normal weight)
• • Work at least 75% of full-time work
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Neurological diseases
• • Orthopedic disorders
• • Other disorders or regular use of medications known to affect physical activity, autonomic nervous system or pain perception