The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) and a structured exercise program on pain, disability, balance, and psychosocial well-being in desk-based office workers with chronic neck pain. Background: Prolonged sedentary work, particularly desk jobs exceeding six hours per day, is a significant risk factor for chronic neck pain and postural dysfunction. This study focuses on employees of the Kocaeli Governorate to determine which conservative intervention-active (exercise) or passive/supportive (taping)-provides superior clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 45 volunteers (minimum 15 per group) aged 25-55, who work at desks for at least six hours a day and suffer from chronic neck pain, will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 4-week intervention period: Kinesio Taping Group: Participants will receive therapeutic taping for the cervical region. Exercise Group: Participants will undergo a structured program focusing on neck stabilization and postural correction. Control Group: Participants will receive no active intervention and will maintain their routine activities. Outcome Measures: Comprehensive assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the 4-week program: Pain \& Disability: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Physical Performance: Balance tests and Deep Neck Flexor Endurance test. Psychosocial Status: Quality of Life (SF-36) and depression levels (Beck Depression Inventory).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Neck and posture exercises will be given to the participants Third times a week for four weeks.
Neck kinesiotape will be applied by a physiotherapist
Istanbul Rumeli University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Depression
Beck Depression ınventory:The form contains 21 symptom categories, each with 4 options. Each item is scored between 0 and 3. The highest possible score is 63. Individuals scoring 17 points or higher are reported to have severe depressive symptoms requiring treatment.
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (Week 4)
Balance test
The single-leg stance test will be used to assess balance. The individual is asked to stand on their dominant leg with their hands at their sides, then lift their leg, bending their knee joint at approximately a 45° angle, and start a stopwatch in this position. Individuals are asked to continue the test for the maximum time without losing their balance. The test ends when balance is lost, and the time is recorded in seconds.
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)
Deep flexor endurance test
The 'Cervical Deep Flexor Muscle Endurance Test' is used. The test was performed in a supine hook position. The participants' hands were placed loosely on their abdomen. The person was instructed to pull their chin inward (chin tuck) and, while maintaining this position, to lift their head off the bed.
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)
SF 36 Quality of life
The Short Form-36 (SF-36) is a scale consisting of 36 questions that assess a person's health status with 8 sub-items (physical function (FF), physical health (FS), emotional problems (DS), energy fatigue (EF), emotional state (DD), social function (SF), pain (A), general health (GS)). Each sub-item is scored separately on a scale of 0-100. The closer the score is to 100, the better the health status.
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)
Pain Assessment
Visual pain Assessment is used. Individuals were asked to indicate the intensity of the pain they felt on a 10 cm long scale (0: no pain, 10: unbearable pain).
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)
Disability
Neck disability index is used.The questionnaire, which assesses subjective symptoms and daily living activities, consists of 10 sections in total (pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, work life, driving, sleep, and leisure activities). Each section has 6 items ranging from 0 to 5 points. The total score ranges from 0 to 50 (0: no disability; 50: maximum disability).
Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.