TDCS* and Laterality Trainnning in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

The study will be controlled, randomized, double-blind and will include patients with chronic neck pain, divided into four groups: 1. active TDCS associated with laterality recognition stimuli (n = 25); 2. active TDCS associated with landscape recognition stimuli (n = 25); 3. TDCS sham associated with laterality recognition stimuli (n = 25); 4. TDCS sham associated with landscape recognition stimuli (n = 25); Eight induction sessions will be held twice a week for four weeks. Patients who present a positive response in the first reassessment (responders) will remain in the study follow-up and will undergo a weekly maintenance session, for four weeks, and two more biweekly sessions. The following instruments will be used for evaluation: motor safety thresholds through a MagVenture pulse generator with a flat surface coil, figure 8; OPAL, device with sensors; Recognize™ application; Visual Analog Scale (VAS); Brief Pain Inventory (BDI); Clinical Global Impression - ICG (patient and evaluated version); Pain McGill Standard Questionnaire - Short Format; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD); 36-item summary health survey from the Medical Outcomes Study (SF-36); Mini best test; neurodynamic tests (upper limb tension tests); and quantitative sensory tests. In addition to the pre- and post-intervention assessments, there will be post-treatment follow-up performed three, six and 12 months after randomization by telephone or e-mail. It is expected that the combined application of tDCS with stimuli related to laterality will have positive effects in patients with neck pain, impacting on variables such as pain, functional movements and quality of life of these patients.