Effects of Two Exercise Programs on Neck Proprioception in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of specific neck muscle training and general neck-shoulder exercises on neck proprioception, pain, and disability in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were recruited into this preliminary single-blinded randomized clinical trial. They were randomly assigned to either a specific neck exercise (n = 13, mean aged 24 years) or a general neck exercise group (n = 12, mean aged 25 years). Specific neck exercises included eye-head coordination and isometric deep neck muscle exercises. General neck exercises included neck and shoulder free range of motion and shoulder shrug. Pain, disability, and neck proprioception, which was determined using the joint repositioning error, were measured at baseline and after eight weeks of training in both groups. RESULTS: Both training groups showed significant improvements in joint repositioning error (p < 0.001, F = 24.144, ES = 0.8), pain (p < 0.001, F = 61.118, ES = 0.31), and disability (p = 0.015, F = 6.937, ES = 0.60). However, the specific neck exercise group showed larger variability in joint repositioning error (p = 0.006, F = 0.20, F critical = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Either specific neck exercise or a general neck-shoulder range of motion exercise could be effective in improving neck proprioception. Therefore, exercises could be recommended based on patient comfort and patients' specific limitations.

Shoulder pain prevalence and risk factors in middle-aged women: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of shoulder pain and to explore the possible associated risk factors in middle-aged women. METHODS: A total of 500 middle-aged women, aged 45-65 years, participated in this cross-sectional study. The point and lifetime prevalence of shoulder pain were calculated. Linear and logistic regressions were used to determine the possible associations between the risk factors and present shoulder pain. RESULTS: The point and lifetime prevalence of shoulder pain were 18.6% and 27.6%, respectively. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between present shoulder pain and history of shoulder pain and trauma, osteoporosis, trapezius muscle pain, and cervical radiculopathy (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between present shoulder pain and diabetes mellitus or postural deviation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that shoulder pain has considerable prevalence in middle-aged women. In addition, a history of shoulder pain and trauma, osteoporosis, trapezius muscle pain, and cervical radiculopathy were found to be associated with present shoulder pain. Future research should concentrate on longitudinal designs that explore preventive strategies and risk factors for shoulder pain.

The effects of deep neck muscle-specific training versus general exercises on deep neck muscle thickness, pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: protocol for a randomized clinical trial (RCT).

BACKGROUND: Altered thickness, cross-sectional area and activity of deep neck muscles have frequently been reported in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP). It is claimed that these muscles do not recover spontaneously. These muscles provide a considerable amount of cervical stability. Therefore, various therapeutic exercises have been recommended to recover from resulting complications. However, most exercise protocols do not target deep neck muscles directly. Thus, this might be a reason for long-lasting complications. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study is to discuss a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol in which we aim to investigate and compare the effects of neck-specific exercise programmes versus general exercise programmes in patients with CNNP. METHODS: A 2*2 factorial RCT with before-after design. Sixty-four participants with CNNP will be recruited into the study. They will be randomly divided into two groups, including specific neck exercise and general exercise. Each exercise programme will be carried out three times a week and will last for 8 weeks. Primarily, dorsal and ventral neck muscle thickness, pain and disability and secondarily, muscle strength, quality of life, sleep quality, fear avoidance and neck range of motion will be assessed at the baseline and immediately at the end of the exercise protocol. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will inform clinicians on which type of exercise is more beneficial for patients with CNNP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2017091620787N2, Sep 16 2017.