Telerehabilitation versus face-to-face programme on electrical stimulation and neck exercises for non-specific neck pain: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

Neck pain is a common issue among the working-age population, with a high recurrence rate and one of the highest healthcare costs globally. Exercise is proposed as one of the key components in managing this condition, and electrotherapy is established as a safe and proven analgesic measure. Telemedicine improves access to healthcare by removing geographical barriers and reducing costs, allowing consultations from any location and supporting the work-life balance of the patient. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of e-Health versus a face-to-face programme in the therapeutic management of non-specific neck pain through exercise and analgesic electrotherapy. A randomised clinical trial with 100 participants suffering from non-specific neck pain will be conducted. Participants will be evenly divided into two groups to receive analgesic electrotherapy combined with a cervical exercise programme delivered either via an e-Health programme or face-to-face programme. A total of 24 sessions will be administered over 8 weeks. Data collected will include demographic and clinical information, disability, pain intensity, fear of movement, sleep quality, catastrophising, quality of life and range of motion. Assessments will be conducted at the start of the study (baseline), at 8 weeks (post-treatment), and 2 months after completing the intervention (follow-up). This protocol has been approved by the Andalusian Biomedical Research Ethics Coordinating Committee (SICEIA) with number register (SICEIA-2024-000820) on 25 September 2024. Findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international and national conferences. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06842381).