Neck Strength in Coronal and Sagittal Head Movement in Military Pilots and Aircrew With Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess whether there is a difference in neck strength between military pilots and aircrew with and without chronic neck pain. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched. Two independent reviewers selected relevant full articles comparing neck strength between military pilots and aircrew with and without chronic neck pain. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the full articles selected. A meta-analysis was used to assess standardized mean differences in neck strength based on a random-effects model. RESULTS: The search returned 3554 results; 5 articles were included in the study. Military pilots and aircrew with chronic neck pain showed no difference in neck strength from military pilots and aircrew without chronic neck pain for flexion and extension, but did show a neck strength reduction for right and left lateral flexion -0.29 (95% confidence interval, -0.52 to -0.06; I² = 3%) and -0.23 (95% confidence interval, -0.45 to 0.00; I² = 0%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on this meta-analysis with a 3a level of evidence, military pilots and aircrew with chronic neck pain have reduced neck strength for coronal head movement, but not sagittal movement compared with military pilots and aircrew without chronic neck pain.

Effects of Kinesio Taping on scapular kinematics and electromyographic activity in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping® (KT) on scapular kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activity in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). METHODS: Twenty subjects with a diagnosis of SIS performed abduction, scaption, and flexion movements in two load conditions: (1) without load and (2) holding a dumbbell. The same movements were evaluated again with the use of KT over the deltoid muscle with a 20% tension. Scapular kinematics data of the shoulder complex were captured with BTS SMART-DX at a frequency rate of 100 Hz. EMG activity was evaluated for the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, middle deltoid, and serratus anterior muscles with BTS FREE EMG 1000 at a frequency rate of 1000 Hz. The root mean square values normalized by the maximal voluntary contraction and the peak values of upward rotation, internal rotation, and posterior tilt were compared with the KT conditions through repeated-measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) using SPSS software. RESULTS: No significant differences between KT conditions were found for scapular kinematics (p > 0.05). For EMG activity, a reduction in the lower trapezius was found (p < 0.05) during abduction with load (p < 0.05) and elevation without load (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, it was not possible to verify changes in scapular kinematics in subjects with SIS. However, a reduction in EMG activity was observed for the lower trapezius muscle. Therefore, caution should be taken in prescribing KT for SIS subjects, who already have a reduction in EMG activity in this muscle, as KT may have an adverse effect.

Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain Have Lower Neck Strength Than Healthy Controls: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to verify whether there is difference in neck strength between healthy individuals and individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched. Two independent reviewers selected relevant full articles comparing neck strength between healthy individuals and individuals with chronic neck pain. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the full articles selected. A meta-analysis was used to assess standardized mean differences in neck strength based on a random-effects model (Prospero number CRD42017081502). RESULTS: The search returned 3554 results; 15 articles were included. The chronic neck pain group showed lower neck strength compared with healthy individuals. The standardized mean difference was -0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.13 to -0.67) for flexion, -0.79 (95% CI = -0.99 to -0.60) for extension, -0.74 (95% CI = -1.03 to -0.45) for right lateral flexion, and -0.75 (95% CI = -1.04 to -0.46) for left lateral flexion. CONCLUSION: Based on this meta-analysis with a 3a level of evidence, individuals with chronic neck pain have lower neck strength for flexion, extension, and the lateral flexion of the neck than healthy controls.

Comparison of low back mobility and stability exercises from Pilates in non-specific low back pain: A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is some evidence in the literature about the effectiveness of the Pilates methods in the low back pain. Moreover, Pilates focus on exercises that empathizes the stability and/or mobility of the spine. Therefore, it is discussed in the literature whether higher levels of stability or mobility of the lumbar spine generates better results, both in performance and rehabilitation for low back pain. OBJECTIVES: Compare the effects of the low back mobility and stability exercises from Pilates Method on low back pain, disability and movement functionality in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. METHODS: 28 participants will be randomized into two exercise protocol from Pilates methods, one focusing on low back stability and other on low back mobility. Low back pain (visual analogic scale), low back disability (Oswestry) and movement functionality (7 functional movement tasks) will be evaluated before and after 10 sessions of Pilates exercise by the same trained assessor. A mixed designed ANOVA with two factors will be used. This study is the first to compare these outcomes for chronic low back pain participants with two exercises protocol focusing on low back mobility and stability and the results will evaluate what to prioritize with Pilates exercises to give better results for that population.