This study aims to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may impair proprioception and postural control, negatively affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention with potential benefits for pain management and sensorimotor function; however, evidence regarding its effects in musculoskeletal rehabilitation is limited. In this study, nineteen individuals with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode for 60 minutes. Pain intensity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance will be assessed before and after the intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence for the clinical use of music therapy as an adjunctive treatment in chronic neck pain rehabilitation.
The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and body balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that can lead to disability. It significantly affects daily life activities and is more prevalent in women compared to men. In individuals with neck pain, functional deficiencies in the neck muscles and impairments in cervical mechanoreceptors can influence body balance. Inflammatory mediators and the negative impact of pain on proprioceptors may lead to deterioration in proprioceptive sensation. A reduction in proprioceptive input from the neck may weaken joint movement control and increase the risk of injury. Currently, neck pain is primarily treated with pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy methods. However, in individuals with chronic neck pain, the continuous use of medication may cause side effects and impose a financial burden. Moreover, especially for working individuals, additional treatment time may be required to restore job performance. Furthermore, individuals with neck pain may not always have access to treatment services. Music has been used since ancient times by various civilisations as an alternative treatment method with no side effects. Music therapy is an inexpensive and safe intervention known to reduce pain and anxiety and improve postural control and body awareness. There is limited research on the effects of music therapy in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to demonstrate the clinically specific effects of music as a simple and cost-effective treatment method, helping individuals with chronic neck pain become more productive in both daily and professional activities. In this study, the effects of music therapy as an alternative treatment method on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined. Nineteen patients with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode-which is suggested to have positive effects on mood and pain relief-using a media player and headphones for 60 minutes. Before and after music listening, pain severity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance parameters will be evaluated. It is expected that the results will provide a scientific basis for the broader clinical use of music therapy and contribute significantly to the quality of life of individuals experiencing loss of position sense and balance disorders.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
19
The effect of music on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined as a simple and cheap alternative method. Nihavend Makam instrumental Turkish Classical Music, claimed to affect mood and pain-relieving properties positively, will be listened to for 60 minutes using a media player and headphones for 19 individuals.
Karabuk University
Karabük, Karabük Province, Turkey (Türkiye)
Pain Assessment
The Numerical Pain Scale and an algometer will be used in pain assessment. The Numerical Pain Scale uses a vertical line on a plane with scores between 0 and 10. The pain a person feels is represented as follows: "0: no pain", "10: very severe pain". Individuals are asked to rate the pain they feel on a scale of 0 to 10. The validity and reliability of the Numerical Pain Scale for assessing pain have been reported in the literature. It was classified pain intensity as mild (3 cm and below), moderate (3.1-6.9 cm), and severe (7 cm and above) neck pain.
Time frame: 1 day
Pressure-pain threshold assessment
An algometer is an instrument that objectively measures pressure pain threshold and pain tolerance. The algometer is a mechanical pressure gauge with a circular rubber tip at the end of a spring-loaded cylinder, a pressure surface area of 1 cm², and displays the measured value in kg/cm². Its caliber range is 100 g and 10 kg/cm². Measurements were taken at the level of the right and left zygapophyseal joints of the dysfunctional cervical segment identified during physical examination. During the assessment, participants will be asked to lie prone, and the algometer probe will be placed perpendicular to the skin at a 90-degree angle. The applied pressure will be gradually increased, and the participant will be asked to report the first instance of pain. Measurements will be taken once, and the result will be recorded in kilograms.
Time frame: 1 day
Cervical joint position sense assessment
Positional awareness will be measured using a CROM (CROM Deluxe, Performance Engagement Partners, Roseville, Minnesota, USA) inclinometer. Neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements will be assessed with eyes closed. CROM Deluxe is an inclinometer developed by the University of Minnesota and its validity and reliability have been demonstrated.
Time frame: 1 day
Balance assessment
Postural balance was assessed using the Bertec Balance Legacy System device. The device's rigid platform detects body oscillations. However, a soft surface can be obtained thanks to the foam cushion that can be placed on top. The platform must be placed on a flat surface so that it does not move. The individual's center of pressure is visualized via the platform, and oscillations occurring in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions can be monitored. Changes occurring on the platform are displayed on a computer screen using Bertec Workbook software. On the screen, a coordinate plane representing the AP and ML directions and a cursor representing body mass are shown within a black square.
Time frame: 1 day
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