A Correlation Study on Pain, Range of Motion of Neck, Neck Disability Index and Grip Strength after Thoracic Manipulation and Cervical Stabilization Training in Chronic Neck Pain

Kim, Sang Hak; Kang, Kyung Woo; Lee, Kwan Woo

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among pain, range of motion of the neck, neck disability index and grip strength after thoracic manipulation and cervical stabilization training in patients with chronic neck pain.
METHODS
In this study, twelve subjects with chronic neck pain were included. All participants had thoracic manipulation and cervical stabilization training. Intervention was conducted three times per a week, for 4 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion of neck, neck disability index (NDI), as well as the grip strength before and after intervention were measured in all participants. Paired ttest was used to compare variables before and after intervention. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the correlations between the variables.
RESULTS
All variables after the intervention were significantly improved. There was a significant negative correlation between VAS and flexion angle of the neck (r=âˆ’0.669, p<0.05). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between NDI and VAS (r=0.636, p<0.05), and a significant negative correlation between NDI and flexion angle of the neck (r=âˆ’0.692, p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Patients with reduced pain following therapeutic intervention illustrated that there would be an improvement in the flexion angle rather than the extension angle of the neck, and that those with increased flexion angle would have less restriction of activities in daily living.