The central neurobiological and immunological effects of exercise in individuals with chronic neck pain
RECOVER Injury Research Centre is conducting a clinical trial investigating the effects of exercise on the brain in people with chronic pain, as well as in people with no pain.
We are now seeking pain-free participants: you can contribute to this study and receive FREE exercise training led by a physiotherapist researcher and an exercise physiologist. Participants will be randomised into either endurance or resistance exercises, which will be performed three times a week for 8 weeks. All exercises will be performed at low to moderate intensity.
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to do the following:
- Attend three 1.5-hour sessions over a period of 8 weeks at The University of Queensland, Herston Campus to collect data. During these sessions you will undergo a 50-min MRI scan, a blood sample will be taken, and an exercise test and movement control test will be performed.
- Engage in one of two exercise programs:
- Aerobic exercise program, 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks: low-moderate intensity whole-body exercises of your preference (e.g., walking, cycling, running, rowing). Minimum of 30 minutes per session. If you are allocated to this group, you will receive a heart rate monitor for the duration of the study in order to determine your exercise intensity.
Resistance exercise program, 3 times a week for 8 weeks: low-moderate intensity resistance exercises. Minimum of 30 minutes per session. If you are allocated to this group, you will receive a Gymstick for the duration of the study. This instrument allows you to perform resistance exercises at home.
You'll receive:
- Participants will receive a FREE 8-week exercise program, consisting of three sessions per week (1 supervised). Participants will receive a heart rate monitor or Gymstick equipment depending on group allocation.
- Using the equipment provided, exercises can be done at work, at home, or in our gym facility at The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.
- As part of this study, participants will receive three MRI scans and blood sample analyses, with no costs involved
- Participants will receive parking vouchers for all data collection (Herston) and exercise sessions (St Lucia) if required.
Eligibility:
- 18–60 years old
- No neck pain/never had a whiplash injury
- No migraine headaches
- Currently not very, or moderately, active
Register your interest:
Email Dr Rutger de Zoete at r.dezoete@uq.edu.au
This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No. 2019000769]