Effects of Exercise on Deep Cervical Flexors in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a cranio-cervical flexor exercise is effective at improving the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the longus colli (LC), the absolute rotation angle (ARA) and neck disability index (NDI) of patients with chronic neck pain. [Subjects] The sub...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2012, Vol.24(7), pp.629-632
Main Authors: Chung, Sin Ho, Her, Jin Gang, Ko, Taesung, You, Young Youl, Lee, Ju Sang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Chronic neck pain
Cranio-cervical flexor exercise
Cross-sectional area
Exercise
Exercise (programs)
Handicapped
Isometrics
Neck
Pain
Patients
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Summary:[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a cranio-cervical flexor exercise is effective at improving the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the longus colli (LC), the absolute rotation angle (ARA) and neck disability index (NDI) of patients with chronic neck pain. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 35 patients who had chronic neck pain. [Methods] The experimental group (n=17) did cranio-cervical flexor exercises and the control group (n=18) did neck isometric exercises. [Results] Paired t-test analysis revealed significant changes in CSA, ARA and NDI within both groups. CSA, ARA and NDI showed significant post-intervention differences between groups. The experimental group showed greater improvement than the control group in CSA of the LC, with a between group difference of 0.07 cm2, in ARA, with a between group difference of 0.39 degree, and in NDI, with a between group difference of 3.47 points. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the cranio-cervical flexor exercise was more effective at enhancing CSA, ARA and treating functional disabilities.
ISSN:0915-5287
2187-5626
DOI:10.1589/jpts.24.629