Daoyin therapy in chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Pain Management
• Neuroendocrinology

Background:

• Daoyin therapy (DT), an ancient practice, traditionally addresses musculoskeletal and psychosomatic issues.
• Limited research exists on DT for chronic neck pain (CNP), with scarce randomized clinical trials (RCTs).
• This protocol outlines an RCT to evaluate DT's efficacy for CNP in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of Daoyin therapy (DT) against other interventions for chronic neck pain (CNP).
• To explore the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying DT's effects on CNP.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of DT for potential broader application.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing DT, Meditation + Fitness Exercise (M+FE), and a control group.
• Outcome measures include pain scales (SC-NPAD, VAS), posture assessment (SNPA), quality of life (SF-36), and neuroendocrine markers (5-HT, NE/NA, GABA, ACTH, β-EP, CGRP).
• Neuroimaging (MRI) and statistical analyses (ANOVA, GEE) will evaluate changes in outcomes over time and between groups.

Main Results:

• Data collection included baseline, 12-week, and 16-week follow-up assessments.
• Neuroendocrine markers were measured using HPLC, CLIA, ELISA, and RIA.
• Brain activity changes were monitored via MRI scans.

Conclusions:

• This trial will determine the efficacy of DT for chronic neck pain (CNP) and its underlying neuroendocrine effects.
• Positive findings may lead to larger controlled trials and expanded use of DT for CNP and other chronic conditions.