Introduction Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) often becomes a persistent problem and is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. It is a costly condition for individuals, for insurance companies, and for society. Guidelines for the management of WAD have not been updated since 2014, and the use of computer-based sensorimotor exercise programs in treatment for this patient group have not been well documented. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to explore the degree of association between self-reported and clinical outcome measures in WAD. Methods Individuals (n = 180) with subacute WAD grade I and II will be randomized into 3 groups with block randomization. Two primary intervention groups (A and B) will receive physical therapy involving manual therapy and either a remote, novel, computer-based cervical kinesthetic exercise (CKE) program starting at visit 2 (A) or neck exercises provided by the corresponding physical therapist (B). These groups will be compared to a “treatment as usual” group (C). Movement control, proprioception, and cervical range of motion will be measured. Neck disability and pain intensity, general health, self-perceived handicap, and physical, emotional, and functional difficulties due to dizziness will be measured using questionnaires. Short-term effects will be measured 10 to 12 weeks after the baseline measurements, and long-term effects will be measured 6 months and 12 months after the baseline measurements. Impact The successful completion of this trial will help guide clinicians in the selection of outcome measures for patients with subacute WAD in the assessment of the short- and long-term effectiveness of treatment involving manual therapy combined with computer-based CKE, compared to manual therapy and non–computer-based exercises. This trial will also demonstrate the potential of using a computer-based intervention to increase the exercise dose for this patient group and how this influences outcomes, such as levels of pain and disability in the short- and long-term.
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