Comparing Patient-Reported Symptoms to Objective Neck Range of Motion and Physical Capacity in Women With Chronic Neck Pain.

Chronic neck pain is a common health condition that causes disability and functional limitations, and while clinicians frequently rely on patient-reported questionnaires to assess symptoms, it remains unclear how accurately these self-reported measures reflect actual physical capacity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between patient-reported outcome measures and objective physical performance assessments in 98 women aged 18-45 years with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Participants will complete questionnaires evaluating perceived neck mobility (S-ROM-Neck), fear of movement (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), and pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), which will be compared against objective measurements including active cervical range of motion using a CROM device, controlled box-lifting capacity (PILE test), timed unloaded and loaded walking performance, and deep cervical flexor and extensor muscle endurance tests. Ultimately, the findings will clarify whether self-reported questionnaires are sufficient for evaluating physical capacity or if objective performance testing should be routinely integrated into clinical practice

Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of chronic nonspecific neck pain lasting for at least 3 months, * Ability to understand test instructions and complete self-reported questionnaires, * Willingness to participate in all physical performance and range of motion assessments, * Voluntary provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Specific cervical spine pathologies, including cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, or severe spinal stenosis, * History of cervical spine surgery or severe neck trauma/fracture, * Inflammatory, systemic, or autoimmune diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), * Neurological, neuromuscular, or vestibular disorders that impair balance, coordination, or strength, * Current pregnancy, * History of receiving physical therapy, manual therapy, or cervical injections within the past 3 months, * Severe cognitive or psychiatric disorders preventing compliance with evaluation protocols.