Korean J Pain.  2023 Apr;36(2):242-252. 10.3344/kjp.22371.

Comparison of three different exercise trainings in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled study

• Gumuscu BH
• Kisa EP
• Kaya BK
• Muammer R

• KMID: 2541032
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.22371

Abstract

Background
Neck pain is a common problem in the general population and second only to low back pain in musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this study is to compare three different types of exercise training in patients with chronic neck pain.
Methods
This study was conducted on 45 patients with neck pain. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (conventional treatment), Group 2 (conventional treatment plus deep cervical flexor training), and Group 3 (conventional treatment plus stabilization of the neck and core region). The exercise programs were applied for four weeks, three days a week. The demographic data, pain intensity (verbal numeric pain scale), posture (Reedco’s posture scale), cervical range of motion ([ROM] goniometer), and disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]) were evaluated.
Results
In all groups, a significant improvement was found in terms of pain, posture, ROM, and NDI values in all groups (P < 0.001). Between the groups, analyses showed that the pain and posture improved more in Group 3, while the ROM and NDI improved more in Group 2.
Conclusions
In addition to conventional treatment, applying core stabilization exercises or deep cervical flexor muscle training to patients with neck pain may be more effective in reducing pain and disability and increasing ROM than conventional treatment alone.

Keyword

Cervical Vertebrae; Exercise; Muscle, Skeletal; Neck Pain; Pain Measurement; Posture; Proprioception; Range of Motion, Articular

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Flow diagram for study subjects.

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