Effects of Pompage Treatment Associated or Not with Photobiomodulation on Pain, Range of Motion, and Quality of Life in Patients with Neck Pain: A Controlled, Randomized and Double Blinded Study Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic neck pain is a persistent condition that affects the cervical region of the spine, causing pain and restricted mobility. Its management often includes manual therapies, with passive and active approaches aimed at pain relief, functional improvement, enhanced mobility, motor control, and reduced inflammation. Chronic neck pain is termed non-specific when it is unrelated to conditions like inflammatory rheumatic disease, osteoporosis, cancer, or radiculopathy. Photobiomodulation (PBM) using lasers and LEDs has shown therapeutic efficacy in treating neck pain, offering a non-invasive, easy-to-apply option for patients and clinicians. This study protocol aims to evaluate the effects of Pompage therapy, alone or combined with PBM using an LED cluster, on pain and neck disability. Methods and Analysis: This controlled, randomized, double blinded clinical trial will include participants aged 18-62 with non-specific chronic neck pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: (1) Pompage only (n=28), and (2) Pompage + PBM (n=28), which combines Pompage with PBM using an LED cluster applied to the neck for 10 minutes. The protocol includes 10 sessions, three times per week. The PBM uses a cluster of 264 LEDs (8 mW; 4.89 J; 9.6 J/cm²; 16 mW/cm² per LED), with 132 red (660 nm) and 132 infrared (850 nm) LEDs. Pain, functional disability and quality of life will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Neck Pain Disability Index and the WHOQOL-100 before and after treatment, with statistical analysis at α=0.05. Ethics and Dissemination: Approved by the institutional review board, the study ensures participant confidentiality and data security. Results will be shared in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, with data available in public repositories per data-sharing agreements and regulatory guidelines.