Applied relaxation in the treatment of long-lasting neck pain: a randomized controlled pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of study design and method for evaluating effects of interventions on patients with long-lasting neck pain and to compare treatment effects of: (i) a pain and stress management group intervention with applied relaxation, and (ii) individual physiotherapy treatment as usual.


METHODS
Randomized controlled pilot study.


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients with long-lasting neck pain.


METHODS
The patients were randomly assigned either to applied relaxation or treatment as usual. The applied relaxation group received 7 group sessions over a period of 7 weeks and the treatment as usual group an average of 11 individual sessions spread over 20 weeks following baseline. Twenty-nine participants completed the intervention and filled in a self-assessment questionnaire before treatment, and 7 and 20 weeks after baseline. The questionnaire comprised: Neck Disability Index, Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and questions regarding neck pain, analgesic use, sleep, sick-leave and utilization of healthcare.


RESULTS
The applied relaxation group had better perceived control over pain at the 20 weeks follow-up compared with the treatment as usual group.


CONCLUSIONS
The design and methods of this pilot study were feasible and will be suitable for a larger randomized controlled study.
Centre for Clinical Research Dalarna, Falun, Sweden. catharina.gustavsson@ltdalarna.se
Catharina
C
Gustavsson
Lena
L
von Koch
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D010358:Patient Participation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome