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Study Protocol

Efficacy of Segmental Muscle Vibration on Pain Modulation in Patients with Primary Cervical Dystonia Treated with Botulinum Type-A Toxin: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

1
IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
2
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
NeuroSci 2025, 6(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci6020030
Submission received: 30 January 2025 / Revised: 28 February 2025 / Accepted: 24 March 2025 / Published: 2 April 2025

Abstract

Primary cervical dystonia (PCD), or spasmodic torticollis, is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary and often painful muscle contractions, leading to abnormal cervical movements and postures. While botulinum toxin injections are the first-line treatment, additional therapies, such as segmental muscle vibration (SMV), remain underexplored. SMV, a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, may enhance motor cortex excitability and promote neuroplasticity, offering potential benefits in PCD management. This single-center triple-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluates SMV’s efficacy in reducing dystonic pain and improving quality of life in PCD patients undergoing standardized rehabilitation after botulinum toxin treatment. Participants with a pain level of ≥3 on the Numerical Rating Scale will be randomized into two groups. The experimental group will receive 80 Hz SMV during a 10-session rehabilitation program, while the control group will undergo sham SMV. Both groups will follow identical physiotherapy and occupational therapy protocols. The primary outcomes include changes in pain intensity and function, assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment using validated scales. The secondary outcomes will evaluate quality of life and patient satisfaction. This study hypothesizes that SMV will significantly reduce dystonic pain and enhance quality of life, supporting its integration into multidisciplinary rehabilitation for dystonic disorders. Trial registration number: NCT06748846.
Keywords: cervical dystonia; segmental muscle vibration; pain management; rehabilitation cervical dystonia; segmental muscle vibration; pain management; rehabilitation

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Buraschi, R.; Pedersini, P.; Redegalli, G.; Pullara, R.; Pollet, J.; Rossi, M.; Gobbo, M.; Gueli, S.; Falso, M. Efficacy of Segmental Muscle Vibration on Pain Modulation in Patients with Primary Cervical Dystonia Treated with Botulinum Type-A Toxin: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. NeuroSci 2025, 6, 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci6020030

AMA Style

Buraschi R, Pedersini P, Redegalli G, Pullara R, Pollet J, Rossi M, Gobbo M, Gueli S, Falso M. Efficacy of Segmental Muscle Vibration on Pain Modulation in Patients with Primary Cervical Dystonia Treated with Botulinum Type-A Toxin: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. NeuroSci. 2025; 6(2):30. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci6020030

Chicago/Turabian Style

Buraschi, Riccardo, Paolo Pedersini, Giacomo Redegalli, Rosa Pullara, Joel Pollet, Marina Rossi, Massimiliano Gobbo, Sara Gueli, and Maurizio Falso. 2025. "Efficacy of Segmental Muscle Vibration on Pain Modulation in Patients with Primary Cervical Dystonia Treated with Botulinum Type-A Toxin: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial" NeuroSci 6, no. 2: 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci6020030

APA Style

Buraschi, R., Pedersini, P., Redegalli, G., Pullara, R., Pollet, J., Rossi, M., Gobbo, M., Gueli, S., & Falso, M. (2025). Efficacy of Segmental Muscle Vibration on Pain Modulation in Patients with Primary Cervical Dystonia Treated with Botulinum Type-A Toxin: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. NeuroSci, 6(2), 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci6020030

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