Effectiveness of Manual Therapy in Patients With Neck Pain.

Background of the study: Manual Therapy applied to patients with non-specific neck pain has been investigated several times, both internationally and nationally. In the Netherlands different types of manual therapy treatment exist. Manual Therapy, as practiced under the Utrecht School, has not been subject of a randomized controlled trial. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of this type of manual therapy. Objective of the study: This trial will investigate the effectiveness of Manual Therapy in the short and long-term up to 52 weeks in patient with (sub) acute (minimal two weeks) and chronic (maximum 52 weeks) since last episode of neck pain. Functional state, pain and global perceived effect are the outcome variables. Study design: The study is a single blind randomized controlled trial. Study population: Men and women aged 18 to 70 years old with neck pain for at least two weeks. Intervention: The experimental group will be treated with manual therapy for a period of six weeks. The control group will be treated with physical therapy (usual care) also for a period of six weeks. Primary study parameters / outcome of the study: Global Perceived Effect (GPE) and the Neck disability index (NDI-DV ) will be applied. Secondary study parameters / outcome of the study: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and SF36 (Quality of life). The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control(MHLC ), Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire, Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-DLV) will also be measured.