Introduction
Both physical adaptations (e.g., altered neck kinematics and muscle coordination) and psychological features are common in people presenting with neck pain (NP). Additionally, both physical and psychological features may be relevant for the development of persistent or recurrent NP. Although a number of original studies have reported this, currently there is no available systematic review reporting physical and psychological predictors for the recurrence of non-specific NP.
Methods and analysis
The report of this systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Studies will be searched from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO and grey literature. Title, abstract and full-text screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by two independent reviewers. Studies investigating the prediction of persistent or recurrent NP from physical or psychological predictors will be included. Physical predictors will be commonly reported objective measures including neck kinematics, measures of muscle activity and sensory function. Psychological predictors will include variables such as kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, pain coping strategies and quality of life. The main outcomes of interest are the Neck Disability Index, presence of pain recurrence, as well as pain intensity and frequency during a persistent or recurrent NP episode. Observational cohort studies will be included, and studies on both single-factor and multifactor predictions or associations will be investigated. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. The certainty of evidence will be rated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A random-effect meta-analysis will be conducted if methodological and clinical homogeneity is deemed satisfactory.
Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval will not be required for this review as there is no primary data collection involving humans. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
PROSPERO registration number
CRD42024596844.