Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) is a widespread musculoskeletal condition leading to pain, disability, and impaired quality of life. Due to its multifactorial nature involving biomechanical, sensorimotor, and psychosocial aspects, various rehabilitation interventions have been recommended. However, there is a lack of direct evidence comparing structured exercise, sensorimotor training, and pain neuroscience education within a comprehensive biopsychosocial framework.
The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of structured exercise, sensorimotor training, and pain neuroscience education on disability, pain intensity, sensorimotor control, and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with CNSNP.
Participants aged 18-65 with chronic non-specific neck pain will be randomly allocated into three intervention groups:
Structured Exercise Group (SEG): Cervical stabilization, isometric/isotonic exercises, stretching, and range of motion training.
Sensorimotor Training Group (SMTG): Cervical joint position sense retraining, oculomotor exercises, and balance training.
Pain Neuroscience Education Group (PNEG): Online educational sessions focused on pain neurophysiology, central sensitization, and cognitive-behavioral strategies.
Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (T0), completion of 8 weeks of intervention (T1), and 4 weeks post-intervention follow-up (T2, 12th week).